Position Overview
The Peer Navigator / Community Health Worker provides client-centered support to individuals who are newly diagnosed with HIV, re-engaging in care, or in need of intensive linkage support through The Center’s Rapid stART program. This position helps clients navigate the healthcare system, reduce barriers to care, strengthen engagement, and connect to medical and supportive services. The role works closely with internal teams and community partners to support timely linkage, retention, accurate documentation, and a positive client experience.
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Key Responsibilities
Client Engagement and Navigation
- Answer the Rapid stART program phone line, respond to referrals, explain the Rapid stART process, and set clear expectations for clients and partners.
- Provide peer navigation, education, emotional support, and practical problem-solving to clients who are newly diagnosed, returning to care, or at risk of disengagement.
- Identify barriers to care, including transportation, insurance, housing, food, communication, stigma, and other social or structural needs, and connect clients to appropriate resources.
- Maintain regular follow-up with clients to support appointment attendance, continuity of care, treatment readiness, and ongoing engagement.
Referral Coordination and Follow-Up
- Manage referrals, messages, and updates in CAREWare, RWISE, and other assigned systems as they relate to client care and Rapid stART services.
- Coordinate linkage to HIV medical care, case management, behavioral health, benefits enrollment, and other supportive services based on identified client needs.
- Track referrals and follow up to confirm clients are successfully connected to services and to address missed appointments or barriers that could delay care.
- Work closely with the Program Manager, Health Educator, Team Coordinator, or Clinician, medical providers, and other staff to support smooth intake, warm handoffs, and service coordination.
Documentation, Data Entry, and Reporting
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete records of client contacts, navigation activities, referrals, interventions, and outcomes.
- Enter and update client information, service data, progress notes, and required documentation in CAREWare, RWISE, and internal databases according to program expectations.
- Generate reports, track assigned metrics, and support internal reporting, quality improvement activities, and audits as requested.
- Ensure all documentation meets program, confidentiality, and HIPAA requirements.
Community Relationships and Team Collaboration
- Build and maintain professional working relationships with community agencies, referral partners, and providers across Clark County to strengthen coordination and access to care.
- Represent The Center professionally in outreach settings, meetings, trainings, and collaborative activities that support Rapid stART goals.
- Provide services in alignment with culturally and linguistically appropriate practices and maintain a nonjudgmental, respectful, and client-centered approach.
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Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum of two years of experience in healthcare, peer support, community health work, HIV services, or a related field preferred.
- Lived experience strongly preferred to strengthen peer support and client engagement.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including LGBTQ plus communities and people disproportionately affected by HIV, strongly preferred.
- Fluency in English required. Spanish or other language fluency is a plus.
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Knowledge amp; Skills
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills across phone, email, in person, and community-based settings.
- Ability to build trust, maintain professional boundaries, and provide empathetic, nonjudgmental support while protecting confidentiality.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage referrals, follow-up tasks, documentation, and data entry accurately and on time.
- Familiarity with electronic health records, CAREWare, RWISE, or similar data systems preferred.
- Knowledge of HIV stigma, barriers to care, and culturally responsive practices related to LGBTQ plus communities and people affected by HIV.
- Ability to work collaboratively with healthcare staff, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt quickly to changing client needs and program priorities.
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Physical Requirements
- Ability to travel across Clark County regularly.
- Prolonged periods of sitting, computer work, standing, and speaking.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
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Educational/Licensure Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in human services, public health, social work, healthcare, or a related field preferred.
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Salary: $45,760 – $52,000 Annually
Benefits
- 403(b) W/Employer percentage match
- Health Insurance
- Dental
- Vision
- Employee Assistance Program – EAP
- PTO
- Paid holidays
- Floating Holidays
- Birthday time