Outreach - Early Intervention Specialist

Job Title: Outreach - Early Intervention Specialist

Reports To: Prevention Coordinator

Department: Prevention

Full-Time

Project Vida is searching for individuals who are passionate about being a part of the fight in eliminating HIV, and working with the LGBTQ and other high-risk populations. Under the supervision of the Prevention Coordinator, the outreach specialist/health navigator will conduct strategic engagement and recruitment of individuals identified as at elevated risk for HIV/STI infection. The outreach specialist/health navigator will also provide HIV/STI testing and counseling services, individualized health education, and risk reduction planning as well as referrals to PrEP and supportive services. Additionally, the position will ensure the proper linkage to care and effective navigation of the health care system for individuals testing positive for HIV and/or sexually transmitted infections.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates who are responsible, reliable, and have an excellent work ethic. Candidates for this position must be passionate about working in the trenches of the community to improve the quality of health and access to services for the LatinX and African American LGBTQ community. This position requires late-night and weekend shifts providing HIV/STI testing, outreach, and engagement in some of the most challenging areas of the Chicago Metro area.

About Project Vida

Our mission is to improve the quality of life and reduce health disparities in underserved communities by promoting self-empowerment and providing holistic health education and direct services. Project VIDA was founded in 1992 to address the urgent needs of racial and ethnic minorities. Initially, the organization provided HIV education through street outreach services to area youth. Today, we have expanded our community scope by initiating a variety of programs: direct services for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and various prevention and health education programs.

Job Duties:

• Conduct late-night and daytime outreach (street, club, online, etc.) with the program’s target population
• Participate in other agency outreach efforts including but not limited to COVID-19, substance use, and other forms of community outreach.
• Conduct HIV/STI counseling and testing for individuals and couples.
• Collaborate and facilitate services between Project VIDA Inc. and other collaborators such as Howard Brown Health Center, The University of Chicago, Christian Community Health Center, and Mt. Sinai Hospital.
• Identify and secure new outreach locations, gatekeepers, and relationships that contribute to increased access to the agency’s target population.
• Facilitate group-level sessions providing focused sessions on risk counseling, health education, and healthy relationships.
• Provide referrals and document outcomes of applicable program participants for PrEP and needed supportive services.
• Conduct risk reduction planning and individual-level interventions with program participants.
• Provide linkage to care and health navigation to individuals testing positive for HIV and/or sexually transmitted infections.
• Accompany clients to medical appointments as needed.
• Submit required reports to the supervisor and to funding sources within the scheduled time frame.
• Ensure that the program goals, work plan, and scopes are met consistently and effectively.
• Ensure the completeness and accuracy of all required program documentation and outcome measures.
• Network with other community-based organizations, community members, healthcare facilities, and city and state entities.
• Attend required internal and external meetings, training, and conferences.
• Complete Phlebotomy certification training and pass a certification exam.
• Ensure that services are conducted in conjunction with funding source standards and requirements.
• Adhere to agency, program, and funding source policies and regulations.
• Assist in generating additional resources and funds for Project VIDA programs including fundraising.

​Qualifications:

• AA or High School Diploma/GED with over two (2) years of relevant experience required. BA/BS Degree with at least one (1) year of experience in social services is field preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Must be open to working late nights (ex. until 3 am or 4 am), weekends (including Sundays), and a varying schedule.
• Previous experience in health education, public health, HIV prevention, or related field preferred
• Experience working with interventions with gay/bisexual young African American and/or Latino men strongly desired.
• HIV prevention certified and/or able to be certified in HIV prevention
• Certified in HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral Services or the ability to be certified
• Culturally competent with LGBT, African American, and Latino populations required
• Word processing/computer skills required
• Effective written and oral communication skills required
• Organizational and time management skills required
• Presentation skills/group facilitation skills are highly desired
• Reliable transportation required
• Previous experience in public relations or other related fields
• Familiarity with social media marketing strategies
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Deadline and detail-oriented
• Must be bilingual and fluent in English and Spanish
• Cultural/lifestyle sensitivity to African American, Latino, and LGBT populations required.
• Exceptional written, oral, proofreading, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills that reflect an ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to develop rapport and engender trust and maintain confidentiality.
• Comfortable operating in an environment that can pivot as needed in response to internal and external priorities.

Project Vida is an Equal Opportunity Employer

www.projectvida.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Outreach: 1 year (Required)
• HIV/AIDS care: 1 year (Required)
• Social Services: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60623: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person