Prevention Specialist

HIV Alliance•Brookings, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Prevention Specialist works with and supports the Prevention Program Manager in coordinating and delivering syringe exchange services and Naloxone distribution. The role also provides HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis testing, counseling, and referral services. The Specialist works directly with at-risk groups—including LGBTQ+ communities, people experiencing homelessness, and people who inject drugs—in office, mobile, and other community-based settings. This is an in-person, non-exempt position based in Curry County, Brookings, at 0.5 FTE and 20 hours per week. The position requires work in non-traditional and community-based settings, travel to locations needed to perform essential duties, and regular reliable attendance. The employee must be able to work flexible hours, including before 7 a.m., after 7 p.m., and on weekends, and to work 4–5 days per week for at least 20 hours. Work may occur in loud, crowded, busy, or escalated environments, and the employee must be able to drive safely at night and in various weather conditions.

Requirements

One year of experience working with at-risk or vulnerable populations, a degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to work with marginalized and underserved populations, including LGBTQIA+ people, people who inject drugs, people who are unhoused, sex workers, and people engaging in behavior with high risk for HIV.
Office administrative technology skills, such as Microsoft and/or Google Suite.
Comfort handling, or willingness to become comfortable handling, safer injection, smoking, and/or safer sex supplies; supporting harm reduction and client-centered prevention; and discussing sex, drug use, HIV/AIDS, and related topics.
Willingness to work in an appropriately self-directed manner once trained.
TB test, provided by the agency.
Valid Oregon driver’s license, or a valid out-of-state driver’s license with the ability to obtain an Oregon license within 30 days of establishing Oregon residency; driving record must permit coverage under the agency auto insurance policy.
Ability to pass the agency criminal background check.
Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, specifically before 7 a.m., after 7 p.m., and on weekends.
Ability to work 4–5 days per week for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Ability to work in loud, crowded, busy, or escalated environments.
Ability to drive safely at night and in various weather conditions.
Ability to work well with others, handle stress appropriately, and maintain reliable attendance.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of unique issues affecting high-risk communities and culturally relevant interventions for the populations served by the agency.

Responsibilities

Help coordinate and deliver syringe exchange services and Naloxone distribution.
Ensure prevention services provide a safe and welcoming environment.
Provide syringe exchange, testing, harm reduction education, and PrEP navigation at office and mobile syringe exchange sites.
Collect and maintain data related to services.
Provide HIV and hepatitis C testing and counseling to at-risk populations.
Track, maintain, manage, and order supplies for syringe exchange services.
Coordinate safe disposal of used syringes, including transporting them.
Provide and document referrals to medical providers, PrEP assistance programs, agency HIV case management and peer programs, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and other community services.
Assist clients with accessing and enrolling in insurance programs, including Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid), Medicare, and private insurance plans.
Provide overdose response training and distribute Naloxone kits.
Follow applicable policies and procedures during prevention services.
Attend relevant workshops and trainings that encourage professional development and program growth.
Conduct outreach to identify people in need of HIV prevention services.
Participate in agency collaborative processes, meetings, and committees.
Train and supervise volunteers providing prevention services.
Maintain up-to-date HIV and PrEP knowledge and provide related education to high-risk populations, professionals, and community members in a variety of settings.
Develop and strengthen relationships with service providers in the service areas.
Use a personal cell phone to run agency phone system software, MFA, and related tools.
Complete other assigned tasks, including training or cross-training staff as needed.