How to hire a HIV Counselor

How to hire a hiv counselor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step hiv counselor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a hiv counselor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new hiv counselor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The hiv counselor hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine Employee vs Contractor Status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A hiv counselor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, hiv counselors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of hiv counselors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type Of HIV Counselor	Description	Hourly Rate
   HIV Counselor		$12-30
   Substance Abuse Counselor	Substance abuse counselors act as a support system for people with drug and alcohol problems and other behavioral issues. They help the patients control their behavior until they achieve a full recovery... Show More	$12-32
   Counselor	Often, counselors are known to be the go-to person in times we are in need of emotional and psychological support. They help people to manage and overcome the issues which affect their mental health and well-being... Show More	$9-32

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common Skills:

   • Hiv Testing
   • Public Health
   • Medical Care
   • Patients
   • Community Outreach
   • Referral Services
   • Health Education
   • Mobile Testing
   • Local Community
   • Disease Prevention
   • Educational Presentations
   • Rapid HIV
   • Risk Assessments
   • Risk Reduction

   Check All Skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Conduct NARCAN enrollments to program clients and training to community agencies.
   • Educate consumers on overdose prevention, including proper use of Narcan.
   • Work with qualify staff social workers in the development and implementation of caregiver support groups.
   • Counsele children and adolescents individually and in groups around the death of a significant caregiver or sibling.
   • Enable department to file with Medicare, Medicaid, and multiple private insurance carriers by locating information in EPF.
   • Participate in community health clinics and advise patients on community resources.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your hiv counselor job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A hiv counselor can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, hiv counselors' average salary in nebraska is 34% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level hiv counselors 59% less than senior-level hiv counselors.
   • Certifications. A hiv counselor with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a hiv counselor's salary.

   Average hiv counselor salary

   $41,215yearly

   $19.81 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level hiv counselor salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated February 11, 2025

4. Writing a HIV Counselor Job Description

   A hiv counselor job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a hiv counselor job description:

   HIV Counselor job description example

   AMAZING INDIVIDUALS WORKING FOR POSITIVE PEOPLE at AIDS Healthcare Foundation!
   
   Does the idea of doing something that really makes a difference in people's lives while being well-compensated intrigue you? Are you looking to work for an organization that encourages growth and success from each and every one of its employees?
   
   If so, AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the place for you!
   
   Founded in 1987, AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the largest specialized provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the nation. Our mission is to provide cutting edge medicine and advocacy, regardless of ability to pay. Through our healthcare centers, pharmacies, health plan, research and other activities, AHF provides access to the latest HIV treatments for all who need them.
   
   AHF's core values are to be:
   
   • Patient-Centered
   
   • Value Employees
   
   • Respect for Diversity
   
   • Nimble
   
   • Fight for What's Right
   
   STILL INTERESTED? Please continue!
   
   The role of an HIV Testing Counselor is vital to helping AHF with our mission to provide compassionate and informing care to our clients. Within their duties of HIV testing, this position has the opportunity to engage in outreach within the community and educate those at risk. Caring, personable and relatable counselors enhance the probability of clients returning for services in the future.
   
   Providing the best possible care can also ensure clients are well-informed to protect themselves in the future.
   
   The HIV Testing Counselor can help the Public Health Department team within AHF further develop by contributing a team centered attitude and new outreach strategies. In addition, giving feedback to their manager abo
   
   ut how service could be improved will allow the team member to enhance their contribution.
   
   The Testing Counselor adds consistent value to the PHD Team by adapting to various situations with ease and by being flexible.
   
   We at AIDS Healthcare Foundation believe that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status or disability. The right of equal employment opportunity extends to recruiting, hiring selection, transfer, promotion, training and all other conditions of employment.
   
   Req No: 2022-16276
   
   External Company URL: www.aidshealth.org
   
   Street: 1811 N Western Ave
   
   Min Salary: USD $18.00/Yr.
   
   Max Salary: USD $20.00/Yr.

   Copy This Example

   

5. Post your job

   To find hiv counselors for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any hiv counselors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level hiv counselors with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your hiv counselor job on Zippia to find and recruit hiv counselor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit hiv counselors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new hiv counselor

   Once you've decided on a perfect hiv counselor candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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