HIV/AIDS Counselors and Case Managers

HIV/AIDS counselors and case managers usually work regular eight-hour days, five days a week. Occasionally, however, they may have appointments with health care providers, social service agencies, or patients outside of regular office hours.

Counselors who work in HIV testing centers and health clinics usually have on-site offices where they can talk privately with clients. Those who work as case managers may visit clients in their homes or in hospitals or other long-range care facilities. They may conduct group sessions in classrooms or conference rooms of hospitals or social service agencies. Regardless of the setting, HIV/AIDS counselors and case managers spend a majority of their day meeting with people—either clients and family members or representatives from social service or health care agencies.

Counseling those with HIV and AIDS is stressful and often depressing work. Patients must deal with an illness that may be very difficult for them and produces strong emotional reactions. Counselors must be prepared not only to provide information to patients but to give them emotional support as they cope with their illness.