Psychosocial Support Specialist

Job Title: High-RiskPrevention Peer Support Specialist

Supervisor: Early Intervention Services Program Manager

Position Type: Full time - Exempt

Position Summary

The accepted applicant will have an integral role in WHI’s outreach program, which aims to reach the most vulnerable populations affected by HIV in DC and Prince George’s County, Maryland. The team will coordinate outreach events to educate individuals on HIV and sexual health, provide HIV testing in the community, and link high-risk individuals to services. The outreach program will support WHI’s mission to approach the unique needs of each individual in our community.

This position requires a high school diploma/GED (Bachelors preferred), experience providing HIV peer education/outreach, excellent interpersonal skills, passionate about engage with youth and young adults. The Peer Support Specialist will work directly with the Patient Navigator to perform outreach, sexual health education, HIV/Hep-C testing, counseling and linkage to care and retention support. In addition, they will work to remove barriers to care and to facilitate connection to community resources. The ideal candidate for this position will be outgoing, compassionate, a team-player, with strong ties to the LGBTQ community.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in developing outreach strategy to reach youth and young adults at high risk for HIV or who are HIV positive and not connected to care
• Lead social media strategy to engage youth in local Washington, DC and Prince George’s County, MD
• Provide sexual health education to youth and young adults
• Develop and co-facilitate sexual health education workshops
• Support individuals newly diagnosed with HIV by providing referrals and linkages to preventative, supportive, and health care services
• Actively support patients in connecting to health insurance and community resources
• Work collaboratively as part of WHI’s multi-disciplinary team to facilitate patient engagement and resolve patient concerns
• Enhance engagement in care and adherence through appointment reminders, supportive counseling and skill building
• Assist in maintaining strong relationships with community-based organizations
• Maintain necessary records and up-to-date client data in CAREWare; chart notes in Electronic Medical Record
• Support the mission and vision of Washington Health Institute (WHI); and follow all clinic policies and procedures including confidentiality.
• Must have the ability to perform physical activities such as walking, standing, sitting, and lifting
• Other duties as assigned

Candidate should be knowledgeable of:

· Health insurance navigation processes

· Group facilitation

· Engaging with diverse populations

· Sexual health/sex positive approach

· Cultural competency/humility practices

Skills and Qualifications

High school diploma or GED (Bachelor’s preferred). Must have experience providing HIV peer education, HIV related volunteer work, or completion of a leadership training program. Practices excellent customer service. Able to practice high standards of professionalism, including professional boundaries as well as confidentiality and patient safety.

*This position is based on grant funding availability. The Peer Specialist will be notified 14 days in advance of funding changes impacting this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Group Facilitation: 1 year (Required)
• providing Sexual health/sex positive approach: 1 year (Required)
• providing HIV/STI education: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location