Prevention Specialist

Position Purpose
The Prevention Specialist is responsible for providing anonymous and confidential counseling and testing with high-risk individuals for HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STI), where applicable. In addition, this position will provide prevention education services, needle exchange and outreach to individuals engaging in high-risk behaviors such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and people who inject drugs (PWID).
Essential Functions

• Conduct confidential and anonymous HIV, HCV and syphilis testing counseling, testing and referral (CTR), in accordance with state guidelines, with individuals engaging in high-risk behaviors. Establish and implement CTR sites targeting MSM and PWID.
• Establish and implement CTR sites targeting MSM and PWID.
• Record all contacts and activities into all system databases within 72 hours.
• Complete and submit all testing information in accordance with state policy (e.g., completion of appropriate testing forms, entering tests into web-based reporting system).
• Distribute approved education materials, safer sex materials and safer injection supplies to persons engaging in high-risk behaviors.
• Conduct one-on-one educational sessions and assessments with clients, to include referrals for internal and external services (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), treatment, housing, employment).
• Perform regular outreach to bars, treatment and recovery centers, and other venues frequented by MSM and PWID to distribute condoms and educational materials, provide educational programming, provide CTR, and engage in conversations about HIV and other health-related topics.
• Actively plan and participate in community events, such as Pride Fest, that offer the ability to provide effective prevention outreach to MSM and PWID.
• Provide PrEP referrals to Vivent Health PrEP Navigator and/or clinic.
• Provide service delivery statistics on a monthly basis and develop public and private grant reports as required.
• Network with Prevention Specialists located in other Vivent Health offices, other community-based organizations and providers to develop effective prevention strategies targeted to MSM and PWID.
• Attend all meetings and trainings as assigned by Supervisor and/or Vivent Health leadership.
• Serve as a member of Vivent Health staff offering an array of services (e.g., CTR, condom distribution, needle exchange, assisting case management clients, providing food pantry services) in one or many locations (e.g., another Vivent Health location, satellite site).
• Participate in daily activities and functions that help maintain overall Vivent Health operations, as well as Prevention Services.
• Regularly report to the Supervisor on all activities through biweekly personal management interviews (PMI).
• Implement special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Past experience presenting to small and/or large groups.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends.
• Knowledge and/or past experience working with HIV/AIDS, PrEP, and alcohol and other drug (AODA) issues.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the HIV/AIDS patient population, and /or eagerness to learn about this community.
• Demonstrated cultural competency including the ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and a strong comfort level in discussing issues of sexuality, orientation, gender and sex.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to complete work assignments with minimal supervision, thoroughness and efficiency.
• Ability to type along with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows.
• Dependability and punctuality.
• Working knowledge of Spanish language (bilingual) is a plus.

Pay Rate
Starting at $21.00/hour (Depending on Experience)
Public Student Loan Forgiveness
Employment at our organization may qualify you for federal student loan forgiveness programs. We do not directly pay for - nor forgive - federal student loans; however, our status as a not-for-profit organization under Section 501 (c) (3), makes us an eligible employer. There may be other determining factors for one to qualify.
Please follow this URL to review one such program and their requirements:
https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service