**Responsibilities**

**Position Summary:**

The Linkage to Care Specialist staff supports HIV and Viral Hepatitis C (HCV) screening activities within the Emergency Department. The incumbent will screen and report subsequent results in addition to assuring successful linkage to care for those newly diagnosed for HIV, HCV and STI's to medical care and social services. The incumbent works as liaises between Emergency Department staff, hospital social workers and care management staff. The position provides support to known positive clients who have fallen out of care. This person is responsible for disclosure of HIV/HCV positive diagnosis to patients who present in the Emergency Department. This role is also responsible for sharing the benefits of HIV/HCV/STI screening to high impact populations throughout neighboring areas.

**Qualifications**

**Minimum Qualifications:**

+ Medical Assistant Certification or in lieu of Medical Assistant Certification applicant must have 3 years with HIV and Viral Hepatitis C (HCV) screening, linkage to care for those newly diagnosed for HIV, HCV, STI's to medical care and social services, and sharing the benefits of HIV/HCV/STI screening to high impact populations.

+ BLS (AHA) required

+ Strong communication skills (oral and written).

+ Knowledge of HIV/AIDS/HCV prevention, outreach and health promotion.

+ Knowledge of ARV(HIV medication)

+ Ability to communicate effectively with clients to motivate them to problem solve, change high risk behaviors and/or to utilize available resources.

+ Computer skills using Microsoft software applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) and other computer systems as needed.

+ Excellent written and verbal skills.

**Preferred Qualifications:**

+ At least one year experience in making disclosures of HIV positive diagnosis.

+ Significant experience and cultural competency with high risk groups, LGBTQ and gender non-conforming individuals is critical.

+ Knowledge of HIV/HCV etiology, transmission, prevention (PrEP, PEP, TasP) and associated issues.

+ Experience with providing services to high risk individuals, homeless or other underserved population.

+ Experience working with people living with HIV/AIDS.

+ Knowledge of specialized services for people with HIV/AIDS/HCV.

**Overview**

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital includes 385 general acute beds, 48 licensed critical care beds, 13 state-of-the-art surgical suites, and a full-service Emergency Department with an Accredited Chest Pain Center and Nationally Certified Stroke Center. In addition, we offer a beautiful Family Care and Birthing Center, the Lauren Small Children's Center including the area's only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Family Care Center, a Level II NICU, the Sarvanand Heart, and Brain Center with Kern County's first Bi-Plane Interventional Suite, the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbarics, and many more services. Memorial Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and is home to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. Memorial Hospital is a member of Dignity Health and is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1956. Click here to learn more about Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.

One Community. One Mission. One California

**Pay Range**

$24.59 - $33.81 /hour

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.