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: The pay range for this role is generally $37,000-$43,000 annually, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. Additionally, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes generous paid time off (4 weeks of vacation plus paid holidays, personal, and sick time), medical, dental, vision, supplemental benefits including employer provided basic life insurance and employee assistance programs, tuition reimbursement and fitness reimbursement after 1 year of employment, a retirement plan that includes employer matching, and more!

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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

CHASI’s HIV prevention activities include but are not limited to 1) in-person outreach efforts to engage persons at high risk for HIV infection; 2) education of high-risk community members about behavioral practices and medical interventions that can decrease acquisition of HIV; 3) Intake-Assessments and Linkages/Facilitation to pre/post exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) provider and/or social supportive services. The activities listed above are embedded within comprehensive HIV prevention services provided by CHASI, and may be coordinated with the teams of, and/or conducted within, CHASI’s Mobile Health Units, storefront offices, and The Pride Center of Staten Island, requiring collaboration and coordination with the management and staff of these service sites. The program in which the CPN Prevention Manager works targets high risk negative clients actively enrolled in CHASI’s syringe exchange program (SEP).

The Prevention Outreach and Education Specialist educates at-risk clients to increase their awareness of 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 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.

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. People of color, LGBTQ, women, and people with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply. 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.