HIV Screening Specialist - Peer Recovery Specialist

Nashville CARES•Nashville, TN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

As an HIV Screening Specialist - Peer Recovery Specialist at Nashville CARES, you will play a critical role in helping end the HIV epidemic by providing HIV testing, education, prevention services, and peer recovery support throughout Middle Tennessee. This position offers hands-on experience for individuals pursuing careers in healthcare, nursing, EMT, phlebotomy, medical assisting, public health, behavioral health, peer recovery, or related fields. You will work in hospital emergency departments, treatment facilities, transitional living programs, halfway houses, community outreach events, and alongside healthcare professionals to connect individuals with HIV prevention resources, testing, recovery support, and care. We are looking for someone who is compassionate, dependable, comfortable interacting with diverse populations, and passionate about improving community health through education, prevention, and recovery support.

Requirements

Experience working in healthcare, hospital emergency departments, EMT, First Responder, community clinic, treatment facility, or similar healthcare environments
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality while working with sensitive client information
Basic computer proficiency and data entry skills
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
Valid Tennessee driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile liability insurance

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Health, Public Health, Social Services, or a related field
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) with the State of Tennessee
Individuals with four or more years of personal recovery experience are strongly preferred
Experience in HIV prevention, LGBTQ+ health, public health, substance use recovery, or social services
Previous experience providing HIV screening or working in community health initiatives
Experience working in hospital emergency departments, treatment facilities, or community healthcare settings

Responsibilities

Provide HIV Screening & Prevention Services: Conduct HIV testing and screening in hospital emergency departments, treatment facilities, transitional living programs, halfway houses, clinical settings, and community outreach events. Educate individuals on HIV prevention, risk reduction strategies, and available treatment resources. Connect individuals to appropriate care and supportive services when needed. Support community awareness efforts through outreach initiatives.
Provide Peer Recovery Support: Provide peer support to participants in the Nashville CARES DART Harm Reduction Program with mental illness, substance use disorders, or co-occurring disorders. Assist participants in developing strengths-based individual and recovery goals. Facilitate monthly recovery support groups for DART Program participants.
Collaborate with Healthcare Partners: Build strong working relationships with hospital, clinic, treatment facility, and community partners. Work alongside multidisciplinary healthcare teams to help achieve annual HIV testing goals. Partner with Mobile Medical Unit staff to expand HIV and Hepatitis C screening throughout the community. Represent Nashville CARES professionally in healthcare and community settings.
Maintain Documentation & Compliance: Accurately document testing activities and client interactions. Complete required reports and maintain compliance with program guidelines and safety protocols. Protect client confidentiality while following ethical and professional standards. Assist with ongoing program quality improvement efforts.