Health Educator - DYCD (BOOMHEALTH!)

Argus Community Inc•New York, NY

44d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Health & Navigation Coordinator and general guidance from the AD of Prevention Programs, Health Educator provides high-impact HIV prevention services for the BOOM!Health 3rd Avenue Drop-In program. The 3rd Ave Drop-In program is a space created for LGBTQ youth & young adults ages 16-29. Structured and drop-in activities are aimed to create camaraderie, increase self-esteem, connect to care and supportive services and raise awareness and education to help fight stigma around HIV/AIDS. The Health Educator will utilize a status-neutral approach, promote and support integrated and person-centered models of medical and behavioral health care and increase the availability and improve access to culturally and linguistically affirming Prevention Services.

Requirements

Knowledge of HIV/HCV/STI infection, transmission, prevention; and HIV HCV testing
Experience working with LGBTQ youth and young adults
Understanding and experience implementing biomedical and High Impact Prevention strategies and evidence based behavioral interventions
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong interpersonal and organizational skills
Strong computer skills and knowledge including MS Word, Outlook, Excel, and other software.
Understanding of culturally diverse needs of various ethnic and socioeconomic groups
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written and communication skills required
Experience working with LGBTQ youth and young adults.
Willing to work evenings and some weekends
Bachelor’s Degree required (BSW, Community Health or related field) with at least 2 years’ experience in HIV/HCV education, counseling and group facilitation

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish a plus
Master degree in Social Work/Public Health or related field preferred with at least 1 year of relevant experience

Responsibilities

Assist with the development and facilitation of all virtual & in-person educational workshops for youth & young adults
Provide affirming and up-to-date education on topics that include, but not limited to condoms and safer sex products, PreP, Emergency PEP, iART, HIV care and treatment, U=U, HIV/STI screening, reproductive health, mental health, substance use and supportive services
Create and maintain a monthly schedule of activities and workshops.
Participate in on-going trainings as required
Implement, facilitate and report on monthly 1 day awareness events that support ETE and NHAS goals
Lead structured health & wellness HIV prevention based discussions and socialization activities scheduled from the drop in program
Monitor daily drop in space activity and drop-in client flow, ensure clients adhere to community safety guidelines and program protocols
Complete Intakes, Comprehensive Behavioral Risk Assessments and validated tools used to screen for mental health and substance use needs (PHQ-9, GAD-7 CRAFFT, CAGE)
Connect clients to medical and other essential support services as needed
Attend and participate in virtual & in-person local community events as required
Maintain and report on the 3rd Avenue FB fan page and other social media outlets for program promotion and education.
Conduct and document daily wellness checks of drop-in participants utilizing a client-centered service delivery plan that support the client in making their own autonomous choices about their health care, well-being, and sexual health needs
Conduct HIV testing, counseling and referral services to drop-in program participants
Submit monthly, bi-annual and annual qualitative & quantitative reports
Coordinate distribution and tracking of on-site basic needs supplies (ie. Pantry, hygiene kits etc...) with program clients
Assemble basic needs supplies for weekly distribution.
Schedule appointments to obtain necessary signature and renewal documents as needed for new and existing clients
Participate in case conferences with other programs to discuss client barriers and progress.
Submit and file all documentation of services for charting and reporting purposes as required by program & funder
Respond, manage and help to de-escalate client issues that may arise from drop-in space
Report for data driven supervision with Health Coach on weekly basis
Supervise appointed peer educators for Drop-In programming
Complete and submit monthly, bi-annual and annual qualitative & quantitative reports
Other duties as assigned by Department leadership.