Health Advisor

Job overview

The current post holder is on secondment so we are looking for a Health Advisor with significant HIV experience to cover the role.

Approximately 4500 patients are registered for their care at the Harrison Wing making us one of the biggest and busiest HIV outpatient departments in the capital.

As well providing HIV and sexual health outpatient services we also care for inpatients, primarily on Hillyers Ward at St Thomas’ Hospital.

This role would suit an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Health Advisor with excellent communication and leadership skills. The successful applicant will be expected to support some of the most vulnerable patients under our care. Duties will include holding a caseload of vulnerable patients for psychosocial support, partner notification and active participation in the MDT.

As this is to cover a 6 month secondment, the successful applicant will already have a working knowledge of support services available for PLHIV. Additionally, as this is the sole Health Advisor post in the Harrison Wing, you will need significant prior work experience of Health Advising.

For further inquiries or to arrange an informal visit, please contact: Peter Richards, Advanced Nurse Practitioner on 020 7188 2637.

Main duties of the job

• Holding a caseload of complex patients
• Partner Notification
• Supporting newly diagnosed patients
• Referrals to other general and HIV-specific
• Liaision with GPs, community teams, and specialist mental health services
• Participation in Ward Rounds, Lost to Follow-Up and Vulnerable Patients pathway.
• Facilitation of specialist Mental Health MDT
• Supervision of Peer Mentor, Patient Representative and Alcohol & Drug Support Workers

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

In partnership with members of the multidisciplinary nursing team the post holder will develop, implement and evaluate a seamless specialist service, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of clinical care. They act as a lead specialist and will demonstrate a high level of expertise within the specialist service, providing specialist advice, education and support to health care professionals and patients. The post holder will actively undertake clinical audits and research within the specialist area.

The post holder will be responsible for contributing to the ongoing development of clinical practice, research and standards of care within the service, including development of policies, protocols and guidelines and contribute to service developments in collaboration with multidisciplinary colleagues. Also ensures the safety and well being of services users, and always working in a manner that promotes dignity and human rights through the adoption of person centered care principles.

Provision of expert advice, information, education and counselling to patients diagnosed with HIV and also those with sexually transmitted infections. To provide partner notification, ensure attendance and treatment of contacts.

Identify support and available for those with associated concerns e.g. sexual assault, termination of pregnancy, sexual identity, relationship and psychosexual issues and refer on as appropriate.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.