Prevention Specialist - Community Health Engagement program

Bay State Community Services•Quincy, MA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Prevention Specialist will provide prevention and outreach strategies to populations that are at risk for developing HIV infection, STI’s, and viral hepatitis. The Prevention Specialist will perform opioid overdose prevention, outreach and counseling, Narcan distribution, and other supply access and education, infectious disease counseling and testing, and post-overdose follow-ups. Strategies include group level and individual level interventions. The Prevention Specialist will collaborate with community groups and agencies as needed to advance the prevention/education models that are implemented and streamline referrals.

Requirements

High School diploma, Bachelor’s degree preferred with minimum two years professional or lived experience in health education, substance use services or HIV services.
Knowledge of HIV, STI and Hepatitis transmission required.
Demonstrates a level of comfort working with diverse populations; people recently released from prison, people who use drugs, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people experiencing houselessness, and people who do sex work.
Phlebotomy experience preferred, willingness to learn required.
Self-directed, flexible, excellent teaching and interpersonal skills.
Displays excellent judgment skills.
Demonstrates ability to strictly adhere to confidentiality requirements.
Demonstrates strong attention to detail with excellent record-keeping skills.
Has reliable transportation.
Bilingual candidates and individuals with lived experience related to the scope of services encouraged to apply.

Nice To Haves

Phlebotomy experience preferred

Responsibilities

Work with prevention team to identify priority populations in the Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Hull and surrounding communities to focus prevention outreach efforts.
Assist with the development and implementation of strategies for providing prevention and education to identified populations both to individuals and groups.
Screen, interview and counsel individuals who feel they are at risk of HIV/STI/Hep C infection.
Collect specimens (blood/urine) and swabs for HIV/ STI and Hepatitis C and send such specimens to appropriate testing sites.
Provide and distribute materials, such as condoms, syringes, bleach, pipes, fentanyl test strips, printed material and other harm reduction material designed to decrease the target population’s risk of infectious disease, overdose, and other substance use-related illnesses
Develop and provide appropriate referrals for clients in need of services.
Perform individual level interventions.
Facilitate educational groups in substance use treatment centers and for community groups.
Assume role as HIV/STI/Hepatitis C content and resource specialist for the company’s providers and staff.
Attend meetings, conferences and trainings to expand knowledge of topics such as STIs, HIV, Hepatitis C, substance use, etc.) and be current on new developments as required by supervisor or designee.
Complete all necessary paperwork in a timely and accurate fashion, and manage time appropriately to allow for completion of paperwork.
Establish and maintain a good rapport and harmonious relationships with staff, clients, and other program related individuals.
Execute duties to reflect reasonable safety standards. Universal/standard precautions must be utilized and training obtained in areas that constitute risk.
Perform duties consistent with the company’s Community Health Center’s policies and procedures.
Perform other related work duties as needed or as required by supervisor or designee.