Temporary HIV/Aids, Health & Prevention Program Outreach Worker

New North Citizens Council Inc•Springfield, MA

2d•$0 - $25•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Outreach Worker provides community-based outreach, prevention education, counseling, testing, and resource navigation services to individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections, and substance use. Reporting to the Program Supervisor, the Outreach Worker engages underserved populations, promotes harm reduction practices, and connects participants with healthcare, treatment, and supportive services to improve individual and community health outcomes.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED/HiSET, or equivalent.
Knowledge of or experience with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections, substance use, and related community health issues.
Ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds using culturally responsive, respectful, and nonjudgmental approaches.
Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
Ability to conduct outreach in community-based settings and work effectively with underserved populations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
Willingness and ability to complete required training and certifications for assigned counseling, testing, and specimen collection services.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree in Public Health, Human Services, Social Work, Community Health, or a related field.
Experience providing community outreach, health education, HIV/STI prevention, harm reduction, or substance use services.
CADAC certification or eligibility for certification.
Phlebotomy certification or relevant training.
Experience facilitating educational groups or providing health-related counseling and testing.
Knowledge of community resources, treatment programs, and healthcare services.
Bilingual and bicultural (English/Spanish).

Responsibilities

Conduct community-based outreach in neighborhoods, streets, residential settings, and other locations where individuals may benefit from prevention and health services.
Engage individuals who use substances, including underserved Latino and African American communities, to increase access to education, testing, harm reduction, and supportive services.
Build trusting, nonjudgmental relationships with participants and encourage engagement in available programs and services.
Assess participant needs and identify appropriate prevention, treatment, and support services.
Promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approaches when engaging participants.
Participate in NNCC-sponsored activities, community events, and outreach initiatives as appropriate.
Provide HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C (HCV), and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention education, counseling, and testing services in accordance with applicable training, certifications, and program protocols.
Conduct or assist with authorized testing and specimen collection activities within the scope of required training and qualifications.
Complete required phlebotomy training or maintain applicable credentials when assigned to services requiring those skills.
Facilitate educational groups addressing HIV/AIDS, HCV, STIs, substance use, harm reduction, and other relevant health concerns.
Provide participants with accurate information about transmission risks, prevention strategies, testing, and available healthcare resources.
Encourage participants to access appropriate prevention, screening, treatment, and follow-up services.
Assist participants in identifying and accessing substance use treatment, detoxification services, behavioral health care, food assistance, clothing, and other essential resources.
Connect participants with appropriate HIV/AIDS, HCV, STI, and other healthcare services.
Coordinate referrals and follow-up with community providers and partner organizations as appropriate.
Support participants in overcoming barriers to accessing healthcare, treatment, and community-based services.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records, outreach logs, testing documentation, and service reports.
Complete required program documentation and reporting within established deadlines.
Follow applicable program policies, safety procedures, confidentiality standards, and testing protocols.
Maintain an understanding of the program work plan and contribute to achieving established goals and service objectives.
Communicate participant needs, service barriers, and outreach concerns to program leadership.
Participate in scheduled clinical supervision, staff meetings, and required program activities.
Attend training and continuing education to maintain current knowledge of HIV/AIDS, HCV, STIs, TB, substance use, harm reduction, and related public health issues.
Collaborate with program staff and community partners to support effective outreach and service delivery.
Perform other related duties as assigned.