Community Health Worker
TaskForce Prevention and Community Services · Chicago, IL · 3 wk ago
On-siteInformation Technology$22–$25/hrFull-time
About the role
The Community Health Worker is a critical member of our sexual health and wellness team. This position supports HIV and STI prevention and treatment services by building strong relationships with community members, conducting HIV and STI testing, providing affirming counseling, supporting linkage to treatment and PrEP, and connecting participants to essential social supports.
Responsibilities
- HIV and STI Testing, Counseling, and Clinical Support (Approximately 40%)
- Conduct HIV and STI testing, education, and counseling in both onsite and offsite settings, including entertainment venues, community gatherings, social events, and other community-based locations.
- Perform phlebotomy and support clinical procedures, including proper patient identification and accurate sample labeling
- Maintain a sterile workspace and adhere to safety protocols
- Deliver affirming pre- and post-test counseling with informed consent, complete documentation, and privacy protections
- Notify participants of test results and assist with timely linkage to HIV treatment, PrEP, and additional care services
- Community Outreach and Engagement (Approximately 15%)
- Attend and support outreach efforts at nightlife, Ballroom, and other community-based events serving LGBTQ+ youth, building relationships and connecting participants to TaskForce programs and resources.
- Establish trust and rapport through culturally responsive engagement
- Promote sexual health services and encourage community participation
- Data, Compliance, and Quality Improvement (Approximately 30%)
- Accurately document all encounters in compliance with confidentiality laws and agency protocols
- Auxiliary with quality assurance efforts, research participation, pre-screening participants, and audit support
- Team Collaboration and Professional Development (Approximately 15%)
- Attend required staff meetings, supervision sessions, and trainings
- Maintain necessary certifications and participate in ongoing development
- Uphold and model TFPCS values of dignity, equity, collaboration, and community leadership
Work Schedule and Environment
- This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position, generally scheduled Monday through Friday.
- Flexibility in work hours is required based on program, outreach, and community needs, including some evening availability, which may include shifts such as 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Occasional weekend hours may also be required to support special events, outreach activities, and community-based programming.
- Work is performed both onsite and in community-based settings, including entertainment venues, social gatherings, special events, and other non-traditional outreach environments.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED. Applicants without a GED may still apply if willing to complete one within an agreed timeframe.
- Phlebotomy training or experience.
- Vocational training, apprenticeships, or equivalent experience in a related field.
- Lived or professional experience supporting LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, particularly within Black and Brown communities.
- Familiarity with HIV and STI prevention, PrEP and PEP services, and social determinants of health.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, confidentiality, and cultural humility.
- Comfort discussing identity, sex, and sexual health topics respectfully.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
- Basic computer and mobile technology skills.
Compensation and Benefits
- Hourly rate: $22–$25 per hour, based on education and experience
- Non-exempt, eligible for overtime consistent with law
- Competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off