Job Description

Title HIV Prevention Outreach and Education Specialist

Department Prevention and Intervention

Reports To CPN, HIV Prevention Coordinator

Location 26 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301

Position Status Full Time

FLSA Status Non-Exempt

Pay Rate $37,000-$43,000 annually; excellent benefits package

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI serves the most vulnerable individuals, families, and communities with critical services and programs. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities – the poor and working poor, low-income people with chronic illnesses, persons with criminal justice involvement, substance users, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

CHASI’s Prevention & Intervention Department focuses on seeking out and coordinating education and referrals for persons within priority populations to decrease acquisition of HIV and STIs through comprehensive effective strategies.

The Prevention Outreach and Education Specialist educates clients to increase their awareness of post & pre-exposure prophylaxis (PEP and PrEP) and discusses all relevant combination prevention measures according to client presentation. Outreach and Education Specialist covers a wide range of topics including reproductive health, mental health, substance use, and supportive services. Additionally, they provide information and resources on condoms, safer sex products, PrEP, Emergency PEP, iART, HIV care and treatment, as well as the undetectable = untransmitable (U=U) concept, and HIV/STI screening. Assists with client entry into healthcare and social services.

This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and requires a flexible schedule such that some of the job tasks will be conducted during evening and late evening hours, and on weekends.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct street and facility-based (both within CHASI and at external partner locations) outreach to the target populations with the program’s peers outreach workers and engage and navigate high risk persons to HIV counseling, education, and testing.
• Conduct risk behavior screenings to identify persons at high risk of HIV infection.
• Complete the appropriate documents and facilitate their enrollment into the program.
• Educate and counsel high risk persons on combination prevention strategies (e.g. correct and consistent condom use, the importance of frequent HIV testing and screens for other sexually transmitted infections, PreP, and medical interventions intended to assist efforts at staying HIV-negative).
• Ensure clients attend appointments for medical intervention and social services and secure documentation about the outcome of such appointments via phone or in person.
• Collect and submit to CHASI’s Data Unit accurate data on persons contacted and engaged via both virtual and in-person outreach.
• Conduct presentations, and workshops on sexual health topics to increase program engagement.
• Work collaboratively with the whole staff to integrate cross program activities and functions.
• Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

The above is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for the performance of the job; it is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all the job functions.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Recovery coach certification preferred or willingness to complete within 1 year of hire.
• Ability to engage and serve the populations targeted by this program; ability to easily work with and engage with diverse groups of people.
• Must have basic knowledge regarding HIV, HCV, STI, PEP/PrEP, and Harm Reduction methods. Conversant with harm reduction practices, philosophy, and interventions desired.
• Preferred experience in PrEP AP, Gilead, and applying for copay cards.
• Experience performing community outreach; familiarity with Staten Island preferred.
• A team player with an ability to work in diverse teams with shared responsibility and accountability; ability to contribute to a positive, productive, open, and supportive environment that motivates everyone to perform at their best.
• Excellent MS Office skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must possess the ability to interact with all levels of external and internal partners with a high level of professionalism and tact in representing CHASI.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including capability to listen and follow instructions; able to give, provide direction and follow up on tasks; high attention to detail and accuracy. Be highly organized and able to multitask.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

CHASI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.