Chicago Healthy Adolescents and Teams (CHAT) Specialist

Planned Parenthood of Illinois•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The CHAT (Chicago Healthy Adolescents & Teens) Specialist supports Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) in efforts to reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy among teens and young adults in Chicago. The role provides STI prevention education, STI testing support, and contraception education to promote community health. This position reports to the CHAT Program Manager and is a part of the External Affairs Department.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED with an equivalent combination of education, lived experience, and relevant professional work experience.
Minimum of one year demonstrated experience providing sexual and reproductive health education to youth, particularly those from underserved or marginalized communities.
Commitment to health equity and experience working with diverse communities, including youth impacted by systemic barriers.
Competency and confidence in public speaking and managing group dynamics with youth.
Must have access to reliable transportation for travel throughout the City of Chicago and be willing to travel to PPIL sites throughout Illinois.

Nice To Haves

Certified Medical Assistant or equivalent experience preferred.
Some college level education or additional training and/or education in sexual and reproductive health is desirable.
Familiarity with electronic health records systems and the provision of family planning services, including one year of laboratory or healthcare experience, is preferred.
Fluency in Spanish, including speaking, reading, and writing, is not required but strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver the CHAT program in community-based settings with fidelity, using a person-centered approach to health education and service delivery.
Lead sexual and reproductive health presentations for youth and adults.
Provide pre- and post-test counseling for STIs in Chicago schools, colleges, and community organizations.
Offer accurate, non-directive information to support informed consent for STI testing.
Collect specimens, complete laboratory requisitions, and prepare specimens for processing at Planned Parenthood’s designated laboratory in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Maintain proficiency in routine laboratory testing, including urine and swab testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and follow all CLIA, OSHA, and laboratory safety requirements.
Develop and maintain relationships with school and community partners.
Participate in outreach activities that support both the CHAT program and Planned Parenthood of Illinois.
Stay informed about family planning methods, abortion care, other PPIL services, and PPIL protocols, policies, and procedures.
Provide regular feedback to the CHAT Program Manager regarding training and continuing education needs.
Assist with patient follow-up related to positive STI results.
Help schedule return visits.
Support timely treatment for patients with positive test results.
Assist clinical staff with timely reporting of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea cases to CDPH and IDPH.
Participate, as assigned, in routine medical record audits and quality assurance activities.
Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to remain informed about PPIL protocols, policies, and procedures.
Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to PPIL core values of access, activism, care, confidentiality, equity, inclusion, excellence, integrity, respect, self-determination, and stewardship; practice these values in relations with internal and external customers.
Other duties as assigned.