Health Educator/Senior Health Educator (Hybrid Work Schedule)

Arapahoe County•Aurora, CO

6d•$27 - $45•Hybrid

About The Position

The Arapahoe County government serves its communities in ways both obvious and obscure. As the beating heart of local and regional government, we’re here for our neighbors on their best days—and their worst. We share our residents’ goals of preserving our quality of life and strive to be the place we’re proud to call home. NOTE: The full salary for the Health Educator position is $26.58 to $39.88, hourly dependent upon qualifications and experience. The full hiring range for the Senior Health Educator is $29.76 to $44.64 hourly, dependent upon qualifications and experience. Additional Senior Health Educator Requirements: 2+ years of public health experience and/or experience working with underserved communities. Completed accredited phlebotomy training program OR trained in phlebotomy as part of another medical training program. (MA, RN, LPN) Additional Senior Health Educator Job Duties: Assist Supervisor in creating and updating training plans and help with new staff orientation. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:The Health Educator provides direct services to Arapahoe County community members in the field and offers health education on HIV prevention, overdose prevention, safer sex education, and other harm reduction efforts and prevention services. This hands-on position is driven to make a positive impact for people who use drugs, people living with or at-risk of acquiring HIV, people experiencing homelessness, people engaging in sex work, and/or other marginalized and stigmatized populations.

Requirements

Strong understanding of using a trauma-informed approach when communicating and interacting with program participants.
Understanding basic harm reduction principles, harm reduction interventions and HIV prevention and overdose prevention efforts.
Proficiency in basic medical equipment, field testing equipment, human samples, personal protective equipment, and computer skills.
Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively via different communication methods (verbal and written).
Ability to utilize appropriate methods for interacting sensitively, effectively, and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyle preferences.
Ability to maintain productivity standards and practice effective time management and prioritization of tasks, as well as manage resources (time, materials, staff) in a cost-effective manner.
Ability to see, hear and respect diverse perspectives in work groups and collaborative efforts.
Accountability
Accessibility
Inclusivity
Integrity
Bachelor’s degree in public health, nursing, social work, or a related field
0-2 years of public health experience and/or experience working with underserved communities.
Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered.
Comparable experience with substance use, treatment and recovery, poverty, homelessness, or behavioral health may count towards experience.
Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
This position requires reliable transportation to travel to locations throughout the Metro Denver area on an as-needed basis.

Responsibilities

Meets participants and community members in the field to educate on harm reduction and prevention efforts related to substance use, safer sex, HIV, Hepatitis C transmission, opioid overdose and more, using a trauma-informed approach. Completed via street outreach, mobile outreach, partner outreach and fixed site drop-in.
Provide resources and referrals to program participants including but not limited to: shelter/housing, food, medical care, social support services, recovery and treatment services, mental and behavioral healthcare, etc.
Conducts HIV/Hep C/Syphilis/STI screening and point of care testing to program participants, and linkage to appropriate care providers. This includes obtaining biospecimens and following strict collection and laboratory protocols.
Distributes harm reduction supplies including naloxone, fentanyl testing strips, sterile syringes, safer sex items, or other supplies to program participants as requested.
Educates clients on proper syringe disposal and other safer use options and techniques.
Proficiently serve as program liaison to internal and external customers/partners/participants.
Provides trainings and presentations to community groups and individuals on overdose prevention, safer sex, harm reduction, HIV prevention, etc.
Maintains client confidentiality.
Maintains an accurate documentation of all outreach, testing, referrals, etc., activities performed, including appropriate documentation and paperwork storage procedures.
Participates in outreach activities and special events, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Provides administrative support as assigned for the Program. Handles confidential matters and collects information as requested for the use of the Program staff. Filing, typing, and answering phones in support of daily Program functions.
Utilizes program mobile unit to perform mobile outreach throughout the county.
Responds, as required, to support public health emergencies, incidents, and events. Employee participates in all exercises and drills on emergency preparedness and response, as required. Completes trainings identified as appropriate for this level employee and initiates corrective actions and responses pursuant to Federal, State, and Local laws, statutes, and regulations.