Outreach Specialist

Matrix Human Services•Ferndale, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Specialist works in the High Impact Outreach Program to reach people living with HIV who are out of care to help bring them into the care continuum. The peer uses a low barrier model to build relationships with individuals who are currently not ready or willing to engage in services and therefore unable to benefit from the HIV care continuum. As part of a mobile team the peer will use motivational strategies to support individuals in taking steps toward accessing HIV care services. The Peer Specialist will conduct mobile, street and venue based outreach in neighborhoods, parks, drug houses, bath houses, and other venues where communities at high risk for HIV reside and gather. The Specialist will use their knowledge of the community to identify locations and times for outreach. The Specialist will also meet with individuals who are seeking care in emergency departments and those who have been hospitalized due to non-adherence to antiretroviral therapies. They will respond to requests from medical providers to meet with these individuals and follow-up with them upon discharge. The Peer Specialist will address immediate physiological and safety needs through distribution of food, hygiene kits, phones, etc. They will establish and maintain good working relationships with internal and external partners to ensure appropriate connections to HIV care and support services.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Community Health Worker certification preferred. If not certified, training must be completed within twelve months of hire.
Experience working with individuals living with HIV and/or experience as a recipient of HIV prevention/care services.
Good verbal and written skills.
Understanding of the functions of patient advocacy and knowledge of rules and regulations concerning HIPAA and client confidentiality.
Well-organized and demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
Computer literate, proficient in Microsoft Outlook, able to learn and effectively utilize client software database.
Comfortable in a culturally diverse environment and demonstrate awareness of the value of cultural humility.

Nice To Haves

Community Health Worker certification

Responsibilities

Conduct mobile, street and venue based outreach in neighborhoods, parks, drug houses, bath houses, and other venues where communities at high risk for HIV reside and gather.
Use knowledge of the community to identify locations and times for outreach.
Meet with individuals seeking care in emergency departments and those hospitalized due to non-adherence to antiretroviral therapies.
Respond to requests from medical providers to meet with individuals and follow-up with them upon discharge.
Address immediate physiological and safety needs through distribution of food, hygiene kits, phones, etc.
Establish and maintain good working relationships with internal and external partners to ensure appropriate connections to HIV care and support services.
Maintains professional boundaries with clients.
Understands the functions of patient advocacy and knowledge of rules and regulations concerning HIPAA and client confidentiality.
Keeps accurate documentation of outreach activities and referrals to HIV care services.
Maintains awareness of community changes which could impact service delivery.
Conducts community outreach and networks with community members and service providers developing new venues and program partnerships.
Maintains professional conduct with colleagues and facilitates effective interaction in one on one situations and in meetings.
Ability to be a team player.
Participates in ongoing trainings to increase skill level.
Performs other duties as assigned.