Retention Specialist

The ETSU Infectious Diseases Center of Excellence for HIV/AIDS is accepting applications for a Retention Specialist to join our multidisciplinary Clinical Team. This position will serve patients at both our Johnson City and Kingsport locations and will play an important role in supporting individuals living with HIV, as well as patients who are at risk for HIV. The Retention Specialist will establish and maintain relationships with multidisciplinary team members and community resources to assess and strengthen patients' support systems and minimize barriers to care.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Provide comprehensive medical, social, and practical support to patients living with HIV and individuals at risk for HIV.
• Build relationships with patients and multidisciplinary team members to promote engagement in care and reduce barriers to treatment.
• Link patients to appropriate medical care, social services, community resources, and other support programs.
• Identify patients at risk of falling out of care and conduct proactive outreach and follow-up to support continued engagement.
• Provide education, skills training, and support related to HIV, treatment adherence, and disease management.
• Schedule appointments, provide appointment reminders, follow up on missed appointments, and assist patients with navigating healthcare services.
• Coordinate access to essential support services, including food, transportation, and other community resources.
• Maintain accurate patient records, databases, and documentation while collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to support quality HIV care and prevention.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of social services and community resources available to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
• Knowledge of medical diagnostic coding and scheduling practices.
• Knowledge of computer programs and databases.
• Ability to establish constructive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to organize and maintain accurate patient records.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to identify barriers to care and assist patients in accessing appropriate resources and services.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two (2) years of experience scheduling medical procedures and appointments.
• General knowledge of HIV disease.
• Must complete eight (8) hours of continuing education related to HIV/AIDS annually.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with individuals affected by HIV/AIDS in a medical office, healthcare facility, or community-based setting.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Job Family – Social Services Associate 2
• Salary MR 4 – ($36,809.75)
• For more information regarding benefits, please visit (Employee Benefits)

Application Instructions:

• Non-exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to the applicants.
• This position is contingent on a satisfactory background check.
• Please attach the following documents: Cover Letter and Resume 

Important Notes:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• This position requires on-site work

University Overview (as needed):

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution’s mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Disclaimer Statement:

The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.