Career Center

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on Cook County Health (CCH) policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at CCH. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

Location: Department of Public Health

Shift: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Non-Union

This position is exempt from Career Service under the CCH Personnel Rules.

Job Summary

The CCHIP Integrated Care Specialist (Specialist) will conduct HIV Testing, outreach (HIV awareness/lost to care), recruitment, and linkage to care service providing enhanced care coordination services to persons living with/affected by HIV/AIDS. The Specialist will work closely with newly diagnosed and those vulnerable to HIV ensuring proper continuation and expansion of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) patient navigation and adherence counseling program at Cook County Health (CCH) Ambulatory & Community Health Network (ACHN) Clinics. The Specialist will promote program enrollment and the use of antiretroviral's (ARV) for HIV treatment and prevention. The Specialist conducts retention/case finding activities, under supervision, to locate newly diagnosed and lost to care clients. The Specialist will work with a team of peer educators and staff who will assist with community outreach, HIV testing and health education onsite at ACHN locations and throughout eligible metropolitan area. This position is grant funded. Grant 2025 CCH Populated Center Health Homes - CORP Prevention will expire on February 28, 2026, with the potential of being renewed.

Typical Duties

• Conducts outreach, recruitment, HIV Testing, pre/posttest counseling, and risk reduction counseling on at risk populations in clinical settings at assigned ACHN locations, including prevention and treatment.
• Conducts case reporting, partner services, health outcomes as required.
• Conducts linkage to care, health education/literacy assessment, specialty care referrals and enrollment and eligibility verification activities on newly diagnosed persons and or out care persons, which may include HIV, STI, PrEP, & DoxyPEP education.
• Conducts sessions with individuals newly diagnoses with HIV to link them to EIS services
• Conducts community case finding activities, including outreach and home visits.
• Participates in daily/weekly case conferences and planning with care team.
• Engages newly diagnoses and/or lost to care patient in primary care.
• Identifies PrEP eligible clients and links them to appropriate services.
• Assists in the implementation of PrEP services and appointment scheduling in primary care for PrEP ensuring clients receive education about coverage programs.
• Provides individual- and relationship-based HIV and STI counseling.
• Documents services rendered primarily within CCH Electronic Medical Records System (EMR).
• Provides education about Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and other effective biomedical and prevention interventions. Refers eligible, interested clients to primary care medical services at CCH sites to further discuss PEP and other preventive care with an SSHARC medical provider.
• Participates in weekly case conferences and planning with care coordination team in person or by phone.
• Develops a service plan of action for meeting client's assessed needs, documents health education sessions, and completes accurate charts and electronic medical records in preparation for Ryan White Chiago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Audits.
• Makes referral and linkages to HIV medical care, assist client with gathering necessary Eligibility documentation for Ryan White services (including but not limited to Identification and/or birth record documents, residency documentation and income Verification).
• Documents attempts, client encounters, and services delivered into the electronic medical record as prescribed. Maintains records and logs related to this function as indicated. Documents EIS, Outreach and NMCM services in CAREWare for applicable client.
• Enters client encounters and services delivered into the CAREWare System and electronic medical record as prescribed under this enhanced care coordination model.
• Under supervision, conducts retention and appointment reminders
• Makes appropriate referrals to prevention targeted testing program. Assists with HIV navigation Services.
• Adheres to all applicable State, local, and Federal law.
• Participates in Quality Improvement activities.
• Participates in continuing education in HIV to remain current.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent with one (1) year of experience in HIV related health services is required (Must provide copy of diploma at the time of interview)
• Demonstrated cultural competence and/or experience with diverse populations, including: MSM, those recently released from incarceration, sex workers, individuals of extremely low income, substance users and/or those in recovery, and homeless individuals is required
• Must be able to work non-traditional work hours including nights or weekends, as requested is required
• Must be able to obtain Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) or Illinois (IDPH) HIV Testing & Counseling certification within three (3) months of starting this employment is required
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree or higher from an accredited college or university is preferred (Must provide official transcript at the time of interview)
• Experience in HIV care and support services is preferred
• Proficiency using CAREWare is preferred
• Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) certification is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Excellent verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
• Strong customer service and empathy skills
• Demonstrates good computer and typing skills
• Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast paced and stressful environment
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
• Ability to handle confidential information
• Must be able to stand and sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to lift 20 lb. boxes occasionally, frequent walking, occasional bending

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, "Typical Duties" are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

* Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

* Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"

* Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver's License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

BENEFITS PACKAGE
* Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
* Basic Term Life Insurance
* Pension Plan
* Deferred Compensation Program
* Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
* You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH & HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER