Community Health Assistant Intern - $24

San Francisco AIDS Foundation•San Francisco, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the San Francisco Department of Public Health have partnered to launch the Health Access Point Program, a community-based initiative rooted in the wellness of underserved communities of color to create low-barrier pathways to accessing HIV and STI care. This program prioritizes self-determination, pride, self-esteem, collaboration, community involvement, and holistic wellness, while addressing the underlying social determinants of health that contribute to persistent health disparities within African American, BIPOC, Trans/GNC, Latine and Youth communities. Services are intentionally informed by the lived experiences of those impacted by poverty, unemployment, mass incarceration, lack of affordable housing, homelessness, generational trauma, systemic racism, and the failure of traditional healthcare systems to meet the needs of Black and marginalized populations. Additionally, the program seeks to dismantle stigma surrounding HIV status, gender and sexual identity, and substance use—especially as these issues intersect with race and socio-economic inequities. The Community Health Assistants Program will participate in a robust sexual health clinical training program through the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and capacity building through various San Francisco Health Access Points. Community Health Assistants Interns will gain hands-on experience by working alongside holistic sexual health clinicians, health navigators, laboratory technicians and community program staff—experts in HIV prevention, treatment, and community-based advocacy. This program offers a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute to health equity efforts, engage directly with impacted communities, and develop real-world skills in sexual and public health service delivery. Interns will be part of a transformative and supportive learning environment that empowers them to make a meaningful impact on community health. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and communities. This is a part-time, temporary position spanning 24 weeks (dependent on participant availability). Community Health Assistants Interns generally work 3 half-day shifts per week (about 12–20 hours weekly), with some flexibility for evening or weekend shifts to support community programming. This position includes a mandatory week-long HIV/Hepatitis C Test Counselor Training (date to be confirmed for 2026), scheduled Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day.

Requirements

Completion of pre-training period (covering 12+ in-person trainings)
Completion and attainment of HIV/HEP-C Test Counselor Training (SFDPH)
Completion of (minimum) 40 hours of hand-on experience with SFAF programs
Completion of (minimum) 40 hours of hand-on experience with Strut clinic
Maintaining good standing and attendance with the program
Must be available for week-long training in 2026 (date will be announced before onboarding date) (Monday-Friday) 9am-5:30pm for a mandatory state certified HIV/HEP-C test counselor training.
Must have regular schedule availability to work 12 hours (min) – 20 hours (max) per week; must be available for at least three four-hour shifts during the week.
Potential for some shifts to fall on evenings or weekends.
Ability to operate a computer with proficiency in common software like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace for tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Ability to use both email and phone for professional communication.
This position will have access to protected health information (PHI) and may only access, use or disclose the minimum information necessary to perform their designated role on behalf of San Francisco AIDS Foundation, regardless of the extent of access provided.
High School diploma or equivalent.
Ability to work comfortably with many different communities and stakeholders; practices cultural humility, exhibits sensitivity to issues concerning HIV.
Responds efficiently and cordially to requests for service and assistance.

Nice To Haves

Extensive participation in the lived experiences and cultural contexts of African American communities, Queer and Transgender People of Color (QTPOC), and African American same-gender loving people is highly regarded.
Extensive participation in the lived experiences and cultural contexts of LGBTQIA, Queer and Transgender People of Color (QTPOC), and same gender loving people is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

Harm Reduction principles and practices that promote safer and more equitable care
HIV and STI test counseling and rapid testing procedures
Motivational interviewing and group facilitation skills to support client engagement
Community organizing to address health disparities and improve access to care
Community-centered clinical administration and program coordination
Community engagement programming and outreach activities
Participation in the HIV/HCV/STI and Overdose Prevention Test Counselor Training (provided by the San Francisco Department of Public Health)
Substance use support and response strategies grounded in harm reduction
Hands-on experience providing client-centered care—from intake and counseling to health navigation
Opportunities to develop and contribute to evidence-based sexual health programs for underrepresented communities
Mentorship and individualized learning opportunities tailored to your interests and professional goals
Career development and coaching to prepare for future roles in public health or clinical care