Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Metro Wellness & Community Centers is looking for an Outreach & Engagement Concierge conduct targeted outreach activities to provide HIV rapid testing to community members who are at risk of contracting HIV. Additionally, this position is responsible for linkage to care and services for those individuals identified as HIV positive who are either newly diagnosed or not engaged in care and treatment. Under the supervisor of the Project Coordinator, Outreach & Engagement Concierge provide testing and immediate linkage to services for those who have a reactive rapid HIV test, providing transportation and other resources as needed to combat assessed for barriers to care. Responsible for delivering culturally competent services and promoting engagement into appropriate medical care. This position will work alternative hours (outside of regular business hours) to meet the needs of the clients, as determine collaboratively with program team and management. This position is a three year grant funded position, reporting to the Project Coordinator.

Primary Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Conduct HIV testing and pre/post-test counseling/education.
• Coordinate with community liaisons, stakeholders, and other team members to identify testing site locations to reach target population
• Provide Outreach and Recruitment activities including but not limited to representing the program and the agency at community and committee meetings, providing educational workshops and social marketing activities.
• Provide specialized HIV prevention education, including risk reduction counseling and education as prevention
• Provide linkage services to individuals who are HIV positive to attend medical appointments
• Engages local community stakeholders to recruit individuals for testing
• Accurate and complete documentation of client activity through case notes, assessments and other forms as required. Submit documentation to designated program staff in a timely fashion.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners
• Work collaboratively with medical providers, members of client’s treatment team, other agency personal and partnering agencies.
• Maintain required records, files, and forms in an organized manner and in accordance with HIPAA and other state, local, and federal guidelines
• Attend and complete specialized training specific to HIV prevention programs’ design, implementation, and behavior change theory application.
• Remain current and informed regarding issues of HIV/AIDS, STI, Viral Hepatitis, GLBT issues, substance abuse, and options counseling, and other communicable diseases.
• Participate in all required quality assurance activities, necessary trainings, and staff meetings
• Follow universal safety precautions at all time
• Operate company vehicles and mobile unites to community outreach events and/or work related business.
• Other related duties as assigned by department management.

Education/Professional:

• Bachelors Degree in the human services field with a minimum of one year work experience within a social service setting, or equivalent, preferred.
• Experience working with HIV infected individuals, substance abuse populations, and social, ethnic economically diverse and other high risk populations.
• Must possess and maintain valid Florida driver’s license, proof of auto insurance and reliable transportation.
• Must pass necessary fingerprinting and background checks.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Must be able to speak, read, and write proficiently in English. Bilingual is an asset.
• General knowledge and understanding of HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis prevention strategies (will train)
• Cultural competence in working with minorities and the LGBTQ+ community as well as in working with those affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word and Excel).
• Working knowledge of community resources and local referrals for HIV/HCV/STI and additional appropriate client-centered referrals preferred.
• Ability to recognize and adhere to professional boundaries and standards.
• Skilled in use of de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an integrated team.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast paced and changing environment.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to recognize and adhere to professional boundaries and standards.

Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain valid Florida driver’s license and proof of insurance
• Must have reliable and accessible auto vehicle.
• Must pass necessary fingerprinting, Level II background checks and employment eligibility verification through the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, https://e-verify.uscis.gov/emp.