Job Code: 00923A Grade: 280
BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
Reports To: Health Promotion Program Manager
Date revised: 6/10/09
GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
The Prevention and Access to Care and Treatment (PACT) Project is a project of Partners In Health (PIH), a non-profit organization committed to a preferential health care option for the poor, and the Division of Social Medicine and Health Inequalities at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
PACT is a community-based organization serving poor and marginalized HIV-positive and at-risk individuals in Boston. PACT's mission is to reduce the health disparities suffered by this and similar populations. PACT employs community health workers (CHWs) to achieve its mission via the following objectives:
1. To provide adherence-focused education, skills coaching, outreach, and accompaniment to HIV-positive individuals;
2. To connect individuals engaged in high-risk substance use behaviors through culturally competent outreach and provide them with education, accompaniment, and other resources;
3. To increase access to and utilization of culturally-relevant and respectful health care and social services for those it serves;
4. To replicate and adapt the PACT model in communities dealing with issues of poverty and health disparities in their management of HIV, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
PACT serves more than 100 individuals living with HIV and employs about 20-25 permanent staff in service, research, replication, and administrative roles. PACT is funded through foundation, government, and private philanthropic grants.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The primary responsibility of the Community Health Promoter/bilingual Haitian Creole (CHP) is to be a medical and social advocate for marginalized HIV-positive and high-risk individuals in the Boston community. As such, the CHP must:
1. Take responsibility for up 10 participants, by coordinating social and medical services for participants, including the Haitian community. Home visits are an expected component of PACT services.
2. Collaborate with the health promoters delivering daily directly observed therapy (DOT) of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
3. Provide adherence education to participants through the administration of a curriculum designed by PACT.
4. Attend medical appointments with participants. Help prepare and advocate in medical visits.
5. Participate in PACT harm reduction activities, including risk reduction education and referrals.
6. Accurately and carefully document all participant interactions in a timely fashion. Complete service plans and participant evaluations as directed.
7. Attend weekly staff meetings and case reviews.
8. Attend weekly supervisory sessions with the Health Promotion Program Manager.
9. Perform other related tasks as assigned.
The job of the PACT Community Health Promoter is a full-time position. Evening hours may be needed to accommodate the needs of the clients. A three-month trial period will be afforded the staff person hired into this position.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant professional experience.
2. 1-4 years of case management experience.
3. Experience with HIV-positive clientele, mental health, and substance users preferred.
4. English and Haitian Creole fluency required. Spanish fluency strongly desired.
5. Possession of a vehicle for staff and patient transport purposes is preferred.
SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
1. Demonstrated respect for HIV-positive patients and their diverse life styles and choices.
2. Creativity, flexibility, sound judgment, and ability to take initiative.
3. Strong communication and writing skills and experience writing reports and synthesizing data.
4. Excellent time management and organizational skills.
5. Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member in a complex and fast-paced environment.
6. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact professionally with culturally and educationally diverse staff and patients.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Office environment plus medical clinics and patient homes.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Works within legal, regulatory, accreditation and ethical practice standards relevant to the position and as established by BWH/Partners.
2. Follows safe practices required for the position.
3. Complies with appropriate BWH and Partners policies and procedures.
4. Fulfills any training required by BWH and/or Partners, as appropriate.
5. Brings potential matters of non-compliance to the attention of the supervisor or other appropriate hospital staff.