Prevention Specialist

Vivent Health • Chicago, IL

21d • $24 - $24

About The Position

The Prevention Specialist provides anonymous and confidential testing for HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), along with counselling and referrals. The role helps create a welcoming, comfortable, and nonjudgmental environment using harm reduction strategies. Services include prevention education and, where applicable, syringe access programming for priority populations, including gay, bisexual, and same-gender-loving cisgender men, people of trans experience, and people who inject drugs.

The Specialist works with an interdisciplinary team and establishes testing and counselling sites, conducts outreach and community engagement, provides education and referrals, and documents services and activities. The position requires sensitivity to the communities served, effective communication, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Travel within the service delivery area is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of and/or experience working with HIV/AIDS, PrEP, and alcohol and other drug (AODA) issues.
• Experience presenting to small and/or large groups.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Windows, and databases.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the service delivery area.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the HIV/AIDS patient population, or eagerness to learn about the community.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, PrEP, and AODA issues.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and comfort discussing sexuality, orientation, gender, and sex.
• Ability to complete assignments with minimal supervision, thoroughness, and efficiency.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Dependability and punctuality.
• For positions requiring use of a company vehicle: valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and a clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

• HIV Prevention Certified Provider certification.
• Community Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification.
• HIV experience in a not-for-profit environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct confidential and anonymous HIV, HCV, syphilis, and STI testing, counselling, and referrals in accordance with state guidelines, where applicable.
• Establish and implement counselling, testing, and referral sites for priority populations.
• Distribute approved educational materials, safer-sex materials, and/or safer-injection supplies.
• Conduct one-on-one educational sessions and client assessments, including referrals to internal and external services such as PrEP, treatment, housing, and employment.
• Conduct regular outreach at bars, barber shops, treatment and recovery centers, and other venues frequented by priority populations.
• Plan and participate in community events, such as Pride Fest, that engage priority populations.
• Document services and activities in established internal data systems and develop public and private grant reports as required.
• Report activities to the supervisor through biweekly personal management interviews.
• Implement special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
• Adhere to agency policies, including confidentiality, the Employee Handbook, the Health Care Corporate Compliance Plan, and Standards of Conduct.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including 12 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with 100% employer match up to 5%.
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for benefits-eligible employees after one year.
• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision, and gender-affirming care.
• Tuition reimbursement and licensure assistance.
• Potential eligibility for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED