HIV BBV Opt-Out Testing Lead

We are looking for a B7 nurse (RGN, RMN or CNS) with an interest in HIV to set up and lead on BBV HIV opt-out testing in Early Intervention in Psychosis Services across SLaM services in SE London (Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham and Croydon). You will work closely with clinical teams to incorporate HIV testing into initial physical health screening for all patients in Early Intervention Services, ensuring reactive results are followed up appropriately and sensitively. You will also be responsible for data management and collection for project reporting and audit in this one-year pilot study. We seek someone who is well-organized, proactive, and self-motivated. We have advertised this position at 30 hours per week, but are open to negotiating hours from 22.5 to 30 hours per week. This post can also be considered as a secondment for SLaM employees.

Main duties of the job:

• To set up BBV HIV opt-out testing, working with clinical teams to incorporate HIV testing into initial physical health screening for all patients referred to and accepted by Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) Services across SLaM (Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, and Croydon).

Working for our organisation:

• Generous pay, pensions, and leave: We offer a comprehensive package dependent on role and service length.
• Work-life balance: Flexible working options, including part-time and job sharing.
• Career development: Opportunities for progression supported by mentoring, coaching, and talent programs.
• Car lease: Competitive deals for leasing cars.
• Accommodation: Keyworker housing on selected sites.
• NHS discounts: Up to 10% discounts at retail brands via the Health Service Discounts website.
• Other benefits: Counselling services, wellbeing events, long service awards, cycle schemes, season ticket loans, childcare vouchers, staff restaurants.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• Lead on the electronic lab-link from pathology that alerts reactive HIV results from EIP Services.
• Monitor lab-link functioning and collaborate with IT and pathology labs to troubleshoot issues.
• Assess all reactive HIV test results, ensuring proper follow-up, including false positives, new diagnoses, and known HIV-positive patients.
• Inform patients of reactive results and arrange confirmation testing via SHAC Services.
• Confirm true HIV status with additional 4th generation testing, ensuring risk assessment and counseling.
• Perform venepuncture following trust policies.
• Facilitate partner notification and assess PEP and PrEP needs.
• Provide educational sessions on BBV/HIV testing and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Liaise with multidisciplinary teams and external organizations for patient management.
• Create and review guidelines for patient management.
• Support data collection for reporting and audits.
• Refer patients to specialists and other services as appropriate, maintaining scope of practice.
• Communicate sensitive information with empathy and reassurance.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and case reviews.

Person specification:

• Qualifications: Registered General Nurse, Registered Mental Health Nurse, or Registered Clinical Nurse Specialist with a first-level degree or equivalent. Evidence of HIV-related training and postgraduate modules, preferably at MSc level or working towards it. Independent prescriber qualification. Counselling qualification.
• Experience: Experience leading projects or service developments. Autonomous working experience. Advanced communication skills for supporting patients and conveying complex information. Proven training delivery to patients and staff. Experience in advanced HIV nursing practice (NHIVNA 2016). Experience working with people with psychosis and in HIV opt-out testing roles.
• Knowledge and skills: In-depth knowledge of HIV and sexual health, including antiretrovirals, adherence, and resistance. Understanding of HIV stigma and its impact. Knowledge of PEP and PrEP in HIV prevention.