Medication Adherence Coordinator

*About Project VIDA*

Our mission is to improve the quality of life and reduce health disparities in underserved communities by promoting self-empowerment and providing holistic health education and direct services. Project VIDA was founded in 1992 to address the urgent needs of racial and ethnic minorities. Initially, the organization provided HIV education through street outreach services to area youth. Today, we have expanded our community scope by initiating a variety of programs: direct services for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and various prevention and health education programs. For more information about Project VIDA go to https://projectvida.org

*Job Summary:*

Project VIDA’s adherence counseling program is aimed at enhancing adherence to anti-retroviral treatment (ARVs) for maximizing treatment outcomes. The Adherence Counselor is responsible for conducting comprehensive social investigations to identify the social, emotional, and economic needs of people living with and those at risk for HIV and AIDS and initiate appropriate case management strategies.

*Job Duties:*

· Supports clients in making informed choices on HIV treatment according to individual needs.

· Assist in the Enhancement of clients’ ability to manage and maintain their treatment.

· Determines treatment readiness of clients, characterizing potential and actual barriers to adherence.

· Provides relevant treatment knowledge and educational interventions.

· Establishes a trusting and caring relationship with clients to achieve a mutual understanding of the treatment goals.

· Conducts adherence and general counseling sessions with clients, individually and in group settings, to carry out counseling to newly diagnosed clients.

· Conducts ongoing assessments to track clients’ knowledge of adherence and their understanding of the treatment process and evaluates their readiness to initiate and adhere to their treatment regimen.

· Conducts a thorough biopsychosocial assessment of potential and actual factors in clients’ lives that could influence drug adherence. These include health status, social background, previous/ongoing trauma, substance use, and clients’ perception of illness and treatment.

· Provides treatment information, covering the nature of combination therapy, its availability, effects, and the importance of adherence.

· Develops individualized treatment care plan and medication schedule.

· Discusses planned regimen with clients and obtain their agreement.

· Reinforces patient’s drug adherence behavior.

· Works with the client to identify a support system that can be utilized to reinforce adherence.

· Monitors the drug adherence level of the client and manages adverse/side effects of medication.

· Reviews client videos for medication adherence to treatment regimen and the medication schedule and simplifies the regimen where necessary to facilitate a better match of schedule to life pattern.

· Prepares and maintains all required records on clients while maintaining confidentiality.

· Facilitates internal and external client referrals for other essential supportive services.

· Assists with enrollment in government benefit and entitlement programs as well as internal record maintenance (i.e., Medicaid, SNAP, etc.)

· Distributes and manages client incentives for the agency’s Adherence Program

· Collaborates with the agency’s cellular provider to activate, distribute, repair, replace, or terminate client cellular devices and/or services.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

*QUALIFICATIONS*

· Compassionate and able to relate to different clients with various needs.

· Cultural/lifestyle sensitivity to Black, Latino, and LGBT populations required.

· Confidential, open-minded, dependable, and non-judgmental

· Knowledge of HIV care and supportive services

· Certified HIV/AIDS Tester within the first six months of employment

· Willing to work some evenings and weekends.

· Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills

· Proficient at using Microsoft Office and navigating the internet.

· Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license

· Ability to analyze and solve problems.

· Strong interpersonal skills

· Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications

· Ability to work professionally and cooperate with team members and representatives of other agencies.

· BA/BS in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or Counseling (preferred)

· Experience of at least three (1) year in HIV care and management

*Project VIDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:
* Dental insurance
* Employee assistance program
* Health insurance
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Vision insurance
Schedule:
* 8 hour shift
* Monday to Friday
* Weekends as needed



Education:
* Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:
* HIV/AIDS care: 2 years (Preferred)
* Microsoft Office: 2 years (Required)
* Medication administration: 2 years (Required)
* Care plans: 2 years (Required)


Work Location: In person