Linkage Specialist

Title: Linkage Specialist Location: Syracuse Salary: $21.50 - $22.50 Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-time, Thirty-five-hour (35.00) week; evenings and weekends are expected for meetings, workshops, and seminars. Position Summary: The Linkage Specialist supports prevention efforts by connecting individuals to essential health and social services. This role focuses on building trusting relationships, providing information and referrals, and helping clients navigate resources to improve their overall well-being and reduce risk. Apply: Minimum Qualifications: 1. Associate degree in health & human services, or related field; OR 4 years' experience working in non-profit social service agency providing direct services to diverse populations e.g., persons of color, LGBTQ+, People Who Use Drugs, or individuals with behavioral health needs, etc.) OR an equal combination of educationexperience. 2. Moderate to excellent technological skills, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and the demonstrated ability to learn, access and navigate web-based systems. Electronic Health Records systems preferred 3. Experience delivering stigma-free, non-judgmental and culturally competent services 4. Valid New York State driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance for work-related travel, training, outreach, and occasional client transportation. Employees are not required to own a personal vehicle but must have consistent access to one when necessary. 5. Strong documentation, verbal and written communication skills and the ability to actively listen to other points of view, work well with diverse populations and treat all people with respect and dignity. 6. Basic knowledge about HIVAIDS, sexually transmitted infections and viral hepatitis, and experience working with young gay menYMSM, is helpful but not required. 7. Sensitivity to HIVAIDS, chronic illness, substance use and LGBTQ issues and a strong commitment to the Mission, Vision, and Values of ACR Health and adherence to HIPAA compliance are essential. Primary Responsibilities: 1. Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27-F and HIPAA, ACR Health policies and procedures and other applicable regulations. Protect agency data in accordance with confidentiality procedures and protocols. Observe and abide by the HIV Confidentiality Law and HIPAA. 2. Provide HIV and sexually transmitted disease screening to locate previously undiagnosed HIV and STD positive individuals and link them to care. 3. Links to acute care for presenting medical issues, preventive services, and facilitated referrals for ongoing primary care, partner services, sub-specialty medical care, and behavioral health treatment services for individuals who engage in substance use. 4. Conduct enhanced outreach in the community, targeting high-risk sub-populations of individuals to promote and facilitate access to HIV counseling and testing services, individual and group level HIVSTDHCV education and risk reduction counseling, and other HIV prevention interventions and supportive services. 5. Work interdepartmentally to recruit HIV positive clients and high-risk HIV negative clients for adherence counseling and other prevention services to maximize viral suppression with an emphasis on Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U). 6. Facilitates access to PrEP. 7. Maintain an active caseload of 12-20 individual participants for Linkage & Navigation and PrEP adherence services. 8. Provides individuals with Protocol Based Counseling activities and one on one counseling, including: counseling, risk assessment and development of a corresponding risk reduction plan, testing for HIVSTDHCV antibodies, and referrals for HIVSTDHGV-related services; PrEP and Antiretroviral therapy adherence 9. Implementation of designated interventions outlined in assigned work plan. 10. Maintain accurate client and service records in accordance with the Prevention Department's policy and procedures. 11. Prepare all required reports and supporting data assigned by the Director of Prevention, or their designee. 12. Complete accurate monthly, quarterly andor annual report(s) within agency and departmental guidelines 13. Attend community provider meetingscommittee, external trainings, and other professional development activities that address the priority population(s) issues and concerns and relevant skills. 14. Assist with annual community and program needs assessment activities. 15. Identify and develop networking relationships with community-based organizations, representing the agency in a professional manner during these interactions. 16. Assist with the general work of the Prevention Department and agency, including special projects and general agency programinitiatives. 17. Participate in appropriate and applicable trainingprofessional development opportunities for a minimum of 24 hours of curriculum-based training annually, as per agency and contract requirements. 18. Participate as a culturally competent member of the Prevention Department and agency, which includes having the capacity to function effectively as an individual within the context of cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by consumers and their communities. 19. Maintain confidentiality of all agency clients as well as other appropriate organizational components. 20. Work in a cooperative, collegial style with all other organizational personnel. Conduct oneself in a professional manner as an agency employee and representative 21. Perform other duties as assigned by the Linkage Program Manager, Testing Program Manager, Director of Prevention & Harm Reduction Services, Chief Program Officer andor Chief Executive Officer.recblid dpobo43fsqu6w2bsoil9obppj6xs25

Created: 2025-09-29