Prevention Specialist

About the role

The Prevention Specialist plays a crucial role in providing HIV, STI, and Hepatitis C education, testing, and risk reduction counseling to high-risk populations. This position involves conducting outreach in various community settings and collaborating with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Recruits, screens, and conducts HIV, STI, and Hepatitis C testing with individuals at increased risk.
• Conducts outreach in person to provide HIV, STI, Hepatitis, and PrEP information and education in the community.
• Facilitates increased awareness and utilization of agency’s HIV PrEP programs, primarily among persons most at risk for HIV.
• Organizes and facilitates events including educational workshops and social events.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with other agencies, businesses, and community members.
• Identifies new opportunities for collaboration and outreach.
• Educates PHC staff about program focus, client issues and needs, and related services.
• Utilize counseling skills to identify underlying risk factors and create risk-reduction goals.
• Provide referrals and support as appropriate.
• Provides HIV/STI/Hepatitis test results to clients in a sensitive, caring, and confidential manner.
• Guides clients who test positive to help ensure they receive proper support.
• Advocates for clients with community agencies, schools, significant others, and other appropriate agencies.
• Ensures proper collection and laboratory processing of a variety of STI/HIV/Hepatitis tests involving specimen collection (urine, whole blood/venipuncture, and or pharyngeal/rectal swabs) and appropriate specimen handling, storage, and transport.
• Records, documents and reports on data as required by PHC policy and procedures and grantors.
• Ensures accurate completion and appropriate transport of all form documents as directed by funders, grantors, laboratories, Polk County Health Department, and the Iowa Department of Public Health.
• Uses professional discretion with client information in all situations, ensuring appropriate releases of information are completed, and that respect for the client is always conveyed.
• Assists in facilitation of agency’s condom distribution program.
• Ensures timely and efficient re-supply of all condom distribution sites including but not limited to, bars, clinics, education campuses, and partnering agencies.
• Conducts online health education interventions through the use of sex-seeking websites and geolocation applications.
• Assists with and makes recommendations on tailoring services, literature, and materials to better serve the community.
• Conducts periodic community assessments including interviews and focus groups to ensure community needs are met.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of services available to clients such as case management, homeless outreach support, behavioral health services, and groups.
• Reviews and updates referral and resource materials for all PHC testing areas.
• Maintains current knowledge of HIV/STI/Hepatitis transmission, prevention information, current treatments and treatment recommendations.
• Assists with the recruitment, training, and supervision of outreach volunteers and interns.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, mental health, human services, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in social work, public health, or related field.
• Willingness and ability to learn computer software; proficient with Microsoft Outlook applications and ability to use program management and database systems.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Organization, prioritization and time management skills with ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Team oriented with ability to collaborate and build/maintain professional relationships at all levels.
• Exhibits professionalism interacting with others while maintaining composure and demonstrating empathy.
• Trustworthy with ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Licenses & Certifications: Approved phlebotomy certification; current Mandatory Reporter Training- Child and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the State of Iowa; Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers recognized by the American Heart Association. *Must be obtained during introductory period if not current.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a community health center or other medical clinic setting.
• Previous experience in HIV prevention and care, case management, counseling and/or implementing health behavior interventions, or other community health programs.
• Previous experience working with prioritized populations including gay, bi, and other men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and disproportionately affected communities of color.
• Previous experience coordinating group efforts or similar activities.
• CADC Certification.
• Bilingual, verbal, and written language proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Clinical skills: finger prick, swab collection, urine processing, phlebotomy.
• Working knowledge of operations and maintenance of a commercial vehicle.
• Working knowledge of local community resources.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of HIV/STI/Hepatitis transmission, prevention, and treatment.
• Ability to conduct HIV/STI/Hepatitis testing and counseling.
• Experience with online health education interventions.
• Ability to manage and maintain confidential information.

Benefits

PHC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous PTO accrual (equal to 4 weeks at end of 1st year) plus paid holidays
• Paid time off for continuing education & continuing education reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement program
• 401k with company match
• Medical insurance - PHC Pays, on average, 80% of medical premiums for all plan types (employee, employee + family, etc.)
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life & disability insurance
• Flexible spending & health savings accounts
• Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance
• Discounts on pet insurance

Pay

The hiring range for this position is typically $17.00-$21.25, though highly experienced candidates may earn up to $25.50 per hour.