Community Health Worker - Street Outreach

Brooklyn Community Services•Brooklyn - Sunset Park, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Health Worker works in a street outreach program serving people who are unhoused and at high risk for HIV, Hepatitis C, and drug overdose. The program provides education, testing, counseling, basic needs, resources, and referrals, using a Shower Bus and Mobile Outreach Van. Services include HIV and Hepatitis C screening and testing, safer-sex information, substance-use services, medical resources, and other support. The role provides direct outreach and case management, including education and prevention supplies, client assessments and service plans, referrals, advocacy, emergency interventions, and appointment escorts. The position also maintains client records and databases, drives and maintains program vehicles, prepares supplies, participates in meetings and trainings, and supports community events and walk-in clients. The position is based at 132 32nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232, and is full-time at 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with occasional late days and weekends. Salary range: $45,000–$50,000.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid New York State driver’s license.
Excellent written and verbal English skills.
Excellent documentation skills.
Ability to motivate others toward achieving goals.
Ability to develop alliances with high-risk and difficult-to-engage individuals and groups.
Knowledge of community resources and counseling practices with high-risk populations.
Outstanding collaborative skills.
Basic computer literacy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Certification to perform HIV and Hepatitis C testing and counseling preferred.
Additional language skills, particularly Spanish, preferred.
Navigation, intervention, or counseling experience preferred.
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, entitlements, substance abuse, and unhoused communities preferred.
Knowledge of and experience with the AIDS Institute database (AIRS) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Deliver program services to people living on the streets who are at risk for HIV, Hepatitis C, or drug overdose, following funder and regulatory requirements, best practices, BCS policies, and Core Values.
Serve as a role model to stakeholders and clients.
Provide education, counseling, testing, linkages, resources, and information on HIV, Hepatitis C, and substance-use overdose prevention.
Distribute prevention supplies, including condoms, safer-hygiene kits, first-aid supplies, opioid overdose prevention supplies, fentanyl testing strip kits, and sterile syringes.
Enter client information into BCS and funder-mandated databases, including AIRS and Apricot.
Drive and maintain the Shower Bus and Mobile Outreach Van.
Manage a caseload of unhoused clients who are at high risk for HIV and may have multiple psychiatric and health needs.
Design and implement client service plans; provide follow-up referrals, needs assessments, advocacy, and emergency interventions.
Maintain case records and conduct discharge and transfer planning.
Escort clients to appointments when needed.
Facilitate groups and workshops, including training peer advocates and volunteers.
Participate in team and departmental meetings and complete required annual training hours.
Follow organizational and funder protocols for safety and confidentiality.
Respond appropriately to field emergencies, including overdoses, in accordance with received training.
Prepare, pack, and inventory kits and program supplies.
Plan, attend, and help facilitate community events.
Provide services to walk-in clients as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned.