Equitas Health Careers

Description

• Conduct outreach and distribute educational materials, needles and other safer drug use materials and safer sex materials to Persons Who Inject Drugs (PWID)
• 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 program participant’s needs and make appropriate referrals
• Assess each participant’s Stage of Change and provide motivational, staged-based interventions
• Network and collaborate with other area professionals and community-based organizations
• Manage and prepare syringe exchange materials and safer sex materials for outreach and exchange

• Communicate with the team to coordinate regular program hours or appointments for exchanges as needed, as well as checking in regularly to stay up-to-date with any client needs, programmatic needs, or developments
• Assist with coalition and collaboration building with other local service agencies, including drug treatment centers and medical homes
• Assist in needle exchange and outreach trainings for staff and volunteers. 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
• Coordinate with the team after inputting assessment data and follow client progress after internal referral has been conducted

• Establish and implement community education, outreach, and recruitment 
• Work with the client advisory committee to ensure PWID representation and promote community input into programmatic activities and coordinate community engagement activities
• Disseminate information about PrEP, PEP, provider sites, and other relevant program information through direct interaction with PWIDs, newsletters, and forums

• Provide feedback, information, and guidance to the clinical and prevention teams regarding project services and activities; collaborate with all departments to ensure proper program implementation

• Engage the community in addressing awareness and disparities in care surrounding PWID
• Review and recommend culturally sensitive resources for PWIDs

• Collect program evaluation data and record data in appropriate databases in compliance with program and funder requirements
• Assist with updating and/or creating program policies, procedures, goals and objectives
• Ensure compliance with all legislative, program, and funder regulations
• Ensure confidentiality of program participants.
• Stay informed about current AOD, HCV, and HIV/AIDS trends, developments, as well as state-of-the-art prevention efforts and strategies
  
  

• Outreach work experience preferred.
• Experience with PWIDs preferred.
• Thorough understanding of how HIV is transmitted and prevented.
• Familiarity with basic information about HIV treatment and injection drug use.
• Knowledge of local mental health and substance abuse treatment providers
• Patient navigation skills (or willingness to learn)
• Knowledge and ability to implement the Transtheoretical Model of Change (i.e. Stages of Change) and ability to assess each client’s stage of change (or willingness to learn)
• Ability to provide motivational interventions to promote positive health change
• Knowledge about the latest research findings on HIV & HCV prevention efforts.
• Ability to document and assess client’s linguistic needs and identify resources needed to enhance communication.
• Familiarity with the local and national epidemiological distribution of HIV disease.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills a must.
• Knowledge and experience with the diversity of the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community required. 
• Must have sensitivity to, interest in and competence in cultural differences, AOD/injection drug use, HIV/AIDS, minority health, sexual practices, and a demonstrated competence in working with persons of color and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender community.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications including Access and comfort with learning other computer applications required. 
• Reliable transportation, driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required.