Community Health Outreach Educator

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York • Poughkeepsie, NY

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Health Outreach Educator (CHOE) bridges the gap between marginalized communities, particularly Black and LGBTQI+ populations, and the healthcare system. This role facilitates outreach, education, and navigation of resources to promote health equity and accessibility. The CHOE’s responsibilities include community outreach, resource navigation, and program support, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, reducing health disparities, and building trust within underserved communities. Travel within the region is required up to 60% of the time. They also collaborate with PPGNY health centers to schedule appointments, facilitate visits, and ensure accurate family planning and reproductive health information, referrals, and program administration to optimize access to care.

Requirements

• Requires an ability equal to that usually derived from satisfactory completion of courses required for graduation from high school or GED completion.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills
• Ability to develop and maintain effective, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Outstanding written communication skills
• Must be open and non-judgmental when encountering values, and experiences that may be different from their own.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel
• Knowledge of the barriers faced by LGBTQI+ persons and communities of color in accessing health care and other human services as well as an understanding of social determinants of health
• Understanding of concepts such as gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and biological sex and an ability to clearly explain them to others
• Ability to produce reliable, high-quality work with minimal direct supervision
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making skills
• Keen attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Evenings, weekends, and travel around the City of Newburgh, the City of Poughkeepsie and Kingston is required.
• Valid driver’s license and daily availability to an automobile to meet the travel requirements of the position.
• Outstanding time management skills, including the ability to work under deadline
• Ability to uphold strict confidentiality standards to create a safe and trusting environment for individuals seeking assistance
• Understand the barriers that people of marginalized identities including LGBTQI+, Black, Indigenous and People of Color face in accessing sexual and reproductive health care.
• Proof of immunization or immunity to certain communicable diseases (including influenza during the flu season and Covid-19) and testing for tuberculosis. These certifications are required by the NYC DOHMH Health Code, NYSDOH and OSHA.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is preferred.
• Interested in learning and serving as a leader to teach others about sexual and reproductive health.
• Comfort with virtual tools for program delivery or community networking.
• Microsoft Word and other computer skills preferred.
• Other additional languages/dialects a plus.

Responsibilities

• Actively engage with local LGBTQI+ and Black communities to understand their diverse needs and preferences.
• Plan and execute outreach events, workshops, and activities that promote awareness, health equity, and inclusivity.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community members, organizations, and leaders to enhance access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
• Advocate for the rights and well-being of LGBTQI+ and Black individuals, including addressing systemic barriers to care.
• Conduct outreach throughout the City of Newburgh, the City of Poughkeepsie and Kingston and provide workshops at various community venues, such as community-based organizations, food pantries, laundromats, salons, as required.
• Collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders to deepen partnerships and promote inclusivity.
• Promote enrollment in Family Planning Benefit Programs (FPBP) and other healthcare initiatives.
• Build trust across cultural differences and reflect on personal identity with humility to foster strong relationships.
• Provide compassionate, non-judgmental care and ensure a safe environment for individuals seeking assistance.
• Identify and connect individuals with relevant community resources, healthcare services, and support networks.
• Stay informed about local, regional, and national services and programs that benefit marginalized communities.
• Assist individuals in accessing culturally competent resources and provide crisis support when needed.
• Maintain a working knowledge of AIRS, Salesforce, and other reporting platforms for documentation and reporting.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent updates to referral lists and resource materials.
• Assist clients in making appointments and provide general referrals to health and social services.
• Complete PPGNY training on sexual and reproductive health, outreach, and facilitation skills.
• Support planning, scheduling, and execution of outreach and education programs.
• Prepare materials for workshops and outreach events and ensure accurate data collection and reporting.
• Represent the department at internal and external meetings, coalitions, and community events.
• Collaborate with colleagues to promote and provide referrals to PPGNY’s educational and advocacy programs.
• Perform other educational or community-based duties as assigned, including participation in special projects.

Benefits

• Generous PTO and holiday schedule
• Medical, dental and vision coverage options for you and eligible dependents
• FSA, HSA, Commuter pre-tax reimbursement funds
• Short- and Long-Term Disability, Free Basic Life and AD&D
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Safe Harbor contributions after 1 year of employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED