Health Educator - HIV and AIDS Prevention

State of Florida • NORTH FORT MYERS, FL

2d • $43,000 - $45,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time Career Service (CS) Health Educator position working with the Department of Health in Lee County. The Health Educator, under the supervision of the Health Education Program Manager-SES, must be totally versed and knowledgeable about HIV and AIDS prevention and education. The incumbent in this position must be able to act independently and have the initiative needed to seek out innovative, evidence-based ways to teach HIV prevention. The incumbent will provide technical assistance as a subject matter expert (SME), collaborating with the Lee County School District Health Professionals. This SME will serve as a resource for the latest evidence-based prevention models in HIV/AIDS education for youth, adolescents, and high risks groups. This incumbent will promote the Center for Disease Control (CDC) sponsored philosophy of normalization of HIV testing and High Impact Prevention strategies. This position is classified as a sensitive position. The Incumbent handles protected health information on a need to know basis following Department of Health, HIPAA and Information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures. Employee abides by State/Federal laws governing health information. Responsible to maintain confidentiality, security, privacy and integrity of protected health information. This position has access to the following information sets: STD, HIV/AIDS Case Reports, Health Management System (HMS), Family Planning, and HIV testing. This position serves a large population of Spanish speaking clients, and the employee is required to perform interpreter duties. This professional is responsible for managing, planning, implementing, and evaluating all prevention education and disease intervention in the HIV program. Provides classes and workshops, such as the HIV/AIDS 500/501-client centered counseling, testing, and partner counseling and referral services. Continually coordinates, develops, promotes, and implements HIV/AIDS prevention education programs, both internally and externally to staff, civic groups, schools, and school health professionals, lay audiences, and the public. Participates in health fairs, community projects and other local projects that will fulfill outreach/prevention responsibilities for the citizens of Lee County. This professional must be able to do counseling and testing at various sites throughout the community. Will work with variety of healthcare professionals to incorporate routine HIV testing in all clinical settings. HIV prevention education will focus on youth, adolescents and previously identified high risk groups. Promotes routine HIV Testing in clinical settings, both public and private. Assists with linking newly diagnosed clients to care or re-engaging HIV clients who have fallen out of care. Serves as a resource person for technical knowledge in the areas of HIV/AIDS within and outside the department. Provides current information to all new employees during orientation and acts as a consultant to the staff when the need arises. Orders sufficient, current educational material for dissemination during workshops, classes, seminars, and in health department clinics. Coordinates, prepares, and distributes HIV/AIDS materials and mass media releases in coordination with the Public Information Officer and DOH Bureau of HIV/AIDS as necessary. Documents all information for use in reports, statistics, monitoring and quality assurance. Keeps current with Bureau of HIV/AIDS guidelines, attending continuing education sessions, reading professional journals, and following changes in Florida statutes. Completes Employee Activities Reports (EARS) in a timely and correct manner as mandated by policy and procedure. Information Custodian: This position has the responsibility of being the Information Custodian for the HIV Testing information set and will perform related duties as defined in DOHP 50-10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of social, economic, rehabilitative or health care services, administration or planning techniques.
• Knowledge of methods of compiling, organizing, and analyzing data.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of health education.
• Knowledge of standard business formats & styles for letters & business forms.
• Skill in operating a personal computer.
• Ability to operate general office equipment.
• Ability to follow office procedures & practices.
• Ability to organize & maintain filing systems.
• Ability to handle telephone calls in a courteous & effective manner.
• Ability to operate audiovisual equipment.
• Ability to develop program manuals, policies, procedures, standards, and rules.
• Ability to analyze the effectiveness of service programs and identify resources or adjustments needed to meet needs.
• Ability to plan, organize & coordinate work assignments & communicate effectively verbally & in writing.
• Ability to review data for accuracy & completeness.
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision.
• Ability to provide health education services to others.
• Ability to frequently use telephone, computer, copier and small hand tools, i.e., stapler, scissors, etc.
• Ability to conduct research studies.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Must be totally versed and knowledgeable about HIV and AIDS prevention and education.
• Must be able to act independently and have the initiative to seek out innovative, evidence-based ways to teach HIV prevention.
• Must be able to do counseling and testing at various sites throughout the community.
• Must be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Certified as an HIV/AIDS 500/501 counselor or obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and have a motor vehicle to perform duties.

Responsibilities

• Manage, plan, implement, and evaluate all prevention education and disease intervention in the HIV program.
• Provide classes and workshops, such as HIV/AIDS 500/501-client centered counseling, testing, and partner counseling and referral services.
• Coordinate, develop, promote, and implement HIV/AIDS prevention education programs internally and externally.
• Participate in health fairs, community projects, and other local projects to fulfill outreach/prevention responsibilities.
• Conduct counseling and testing at various sites throughout the community.
• Work with a variety of healthcare professionals to incorporate routine HIV testing in all clinical settings.
• Focus HIV prevention education on youth, adolescents, and previously identified high-risk groups.
• Promote routine HIV testing in clinical settings, both public and private.
• Assist with linking newly diagnosed clients to care or re-engaging HIV clients who have fallen out of care.
• Serve as a resource person for technical knowledge in HIV/AIDS within and outside the department.
• Provide current information to new employees during orientation and act as a consultant to staff.
• Order sufficient, current educational material for dissemination.
• Coordinate, prepare, and distribute HIV/AIDS materials and mass media releases.
• Document all information for use in reports, statistics, monitoring, and quality assurance.
• Keep current with Bureau of HIV/AIDS guidelines, attend continuing education sessions, read professional journals, and follow changes in Florida statutes.
• Complete Employee Activities Reports (EARS) in a timely and correct manner.
• Serve as the Information Custodian for the HIV Testing information set.
• Perform interpreter duties for Spanish-speaking clients.
• Handle protected health information in accordance with Department of Health, HIPAA, and Information Security Policy, Protocols and Procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality, security, privacy, and integrity of protected health information.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed