UNIV - Peer Adherence Counselor - Department of Medicine: Division of Infectious Diseases

Job Description Summary

The Human Services Specialist II will function as a Peer Adherence Counselor, providing psychosocial support services to adult patients with HIV who are new to the Infectious Disease clinic and established patients struggling with medication adherence.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC000972 COM DOM Infectious Diseases CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-04

Pay Range

33,339.00 - 47,509.00 - 61,680.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

• 35% - Work closely with patients who are new to the Infectious Disease Clinic and have a diagnosis of HIV. Provide comprehensive education to patients about HIV, its treatment, and the importance of medication adherence. Maintain a schedule of regular follow-up appointments with patients to assess their progress and adherence. Reach out to new patients prior to their appointment to ensure they know how to get to the clinic and what to bring. Follow-up with patients post appointments to answer questions and ensure they have received their medication. Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of patient interactions in Epic and Provide Enterprises.

• 35%- Provide Peer Adherence services to positive patients living with HIV. Develop and implement strategies to monitor and improve patients’ adherence to prescribed HIV medication. Collaborate with healthcare providers to address any adherence barriers or challenges. Work with patients who have problems with medication adherence. Monitor monthly missed refill reports from SC ADAP and Avita Pharmacy. Follow up with patients who did not refill medications for the month. Utilize Peer Adherence Intervention Tools that address 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day missed refill events.    

• 15%- Work closely with medical case managers, specialized case managers, and outreach to monitor patients returning to care. Contact patients prior to the return appointment to answer any questions they may have. Help the patient navigate the return-to-care appointment. Ensure follow-up appointments are made, and the patient completes all tasks before leaving.

• 10%- Work with the testing team to promote testing and early diagnosis initiatives to reduce the spread of HIV and increase viral suppression. Attend local health fairs with the testing team to perform HIV testing within the community.   

• 5%- Other Duties as Assigned

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and two years relevant program experience. A bachelor's degree may be submitted for the required program experience.

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to climb ladders. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Frequent) Ability to crawl while performing job functions. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent) Possess good grip strength. Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 35 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 35 lbs., from floor level to height of 36 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 35 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 75 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull patients up to 300 lbs. in wheelchairs, etc., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift and carry patients up to 300 lbs., assisted. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to hear and understand whispered conversations at a distance of 3 feet. Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to work in dusty areas. (Infrequent) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually.

Additional New Requirements: Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required. Computer literacy. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to work rotating shifts.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees