Prevention Program Specialist - Harm Reduction *MA Experience Required*
Description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Prevention Program Specialist is responsible for the implementation of day-to-day activities by working with program staff, and organizing volunteers and interns. The individual holding this position assist with daily program operations including but not limited to; providing HIV/STI/HCV testing, counseling, referral, and education services in Equitas Health designated sites, as well as creation and distribution of harm reduction materials (ie. condoms, lube, sharps containers etc).
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, planning, organizing, assisting, monitoring, and evaluating all aspects of the project as well as traveling, driving or having reliable transportation, utilizing a computer for typing and data inputting, online outreach, and conducting research; attending meetings; and presenting to small and large groups.
The Prevention Program Specialist is responsible for the implementation of day-to-day activities by working with program staff, and organizing volunteers and interns. The individual holding this position assist with daily program operations including but not limited to; providing HIV/STI/HCV testing, counseling, referral, and education services in Equitas Health designated sites, as well as creation and distribution of harm reduction materials (ie. condoms, lube, sharps containers etc).
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, planning, organizing, assisting, monitoring, and evaluating all aspects of the project as well as traveling, driving or having reliable transportation, utilizing a computer for typing and data inputting, online outreach, and conducting research; attending meetings; and presenting to small and large groups.
MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct outreach and distribute educational materials, which may include safer drug use materials and safer sex materials to Persons Who Inject Drugs (PWID) and others in affected demographics.
- Conduct anonymous/confidential HIV counseling and testing services as well as integrated testing for STI’s and HCV to individuals at risk following all agency and state protocols.
- Assess client’s needs and make appropriate referrals.
- Engage with Stages of Change and Motivational Interviewing practice to provide motivational, staged-based interventions.
- Stay in communication with the team to coordinate regular program hours or appointments to stay up-to-date with any client needs, programmatic needs, or developments.
- Assist with program evaluation, including soliciting feedback from clients on a regular basis.
- Provide safe spaces for clients to learn about and receive support on implementing risk reduction activities.
- Act as liaison to register, schedule, and check in clients for appointments, dependent on role.
- Disseminate information about PrEP, PEP, provider sites, and other relevant program information through direct interaction with clients, newsletters, and forums.
- Collect program evaluation data and record data in appropriate databases in compliance with program and funder requirements.
- Review and recommend potential resources which are culturally sensitive to the targeted community.
- Demonstrate unconditional positive regard to clients and conduct all aspects of job responsibilities with a focus on exceptional customer service.
- Continuously grow and develop cultural competency, exhibiting an understanding, awareness, and respect for diversity.
- Contribute to a positive work environment by demonstrating unconditional positive regard to all Equitas Health employees, interns, etc. with an understanding, awareness, and respect for diversity.
- Keeping informed about current HIV/STI trends, developments, and co-factors to transmission (i.e., AOD, Mental Health, etc.), as well as state-of-the-art prevention efforts and strategies.
- Keeping informed about current trends for People who inject drugs (PWID) and harm reduction strategies.
- Keeping informed about current Intimate Partner violence (IPV) and Domestic Violence (DV) trends within LGBTQ+ communities.
- Willingness to operate large mobile sprinter van for community based healthcare service events.
- Assisting Prevention Program Manager with report writing, as assigned.
- Ensure confidentiality of program participants.
- Ensure that all trainings are current and culturally humble.
- Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION/LICENSURE:
- High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Strong customer service skills and/or experience is an asset.
- Expertise with LGBTQIA+ communities required.
- Strong understating and commitment to anti-oppression principles and values.
- Must have a reliable means of transportation and adequate insurance, as statewide travel will be required.
- Medical Assistant Certification is an asset. *MA Certification may be required within 1-year of onboarding dependent on location of role.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and other Qualifications:
- A background in HIV and STI prevention and education and/or knowledge of the field, and experience with information and referral services is preferred.
- Experience in developing culturally appropriate marketing materials and campaigns is preferred.
- Must have strong written and verbal communications.
- Public speaking and group facilitation experience is preferred.
- Must have sensitivity to, interest in and competence in cultural differences, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, harm reduction, and a demonstrated competence in working with Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) communities.
- Must have or acquire (within three months of employment) an HIV Prevention Counselor Training Certificate and training in testing technologies utilized by the agency if required by region.
- Adept knowledge in Microsoft Office Products required.
- Ability to maintain HIPAA compliance and confidentiality.
- Must have reliable transportation and preferably valid driver’s license.
SALARY: $37,000-$46,200
OTHER INFORMATION:
Background check and reference checks will be conducted. Hours may vary, including working some evenings and weekends based on workload. Individuals are not considered applicants until they have been asked to visit for an interview and at that time complete an application for employment. Completing the application does not guarantee employment. In accordance with Equitas Health’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy, pre-employment drug testing will be administered. EOE/AA