SHIPS Education Specialist

King County•Ninth & Jefferson Building at Harborview Campus - 908 Jefferson Street Seattle 98104, WA

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Education Specialist provides education and referrals for HIV, STI, and PrEP services to individuals in King County. The role is part of the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) team at the Sexual Health Clinic at Harborview and provides education and care coordination for target populations. Work is primarily in person, with virtual services depending on circumstances. The specialist delivers patient-centered education and support in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team that includes medical providers, nurses, disease research intervention specialists, and administrative staff. The work emphasizes dignity, equity, social justice, culturally appropriate care, and evidence-based approaches, with particular focus on addressing challenges faced by underserved individuals and the Black community. This is a term-limited temporary (TLT) opportunity, anticipated to last 12 months, though the end date may change due to funding. It may also be filled as a Special Duty assignment for eligible King County employees. The role is based at the Sexual Health Clinic in the Ninth and Jefferson Building on the Harborview campus in Seattle. The prevention team follows a hybrid model, with at least three days in the office; the remote-to-onsite ratio depends on business needs and may change. Employees must reside in Washington State within a reasonable distance of the worksite and maintain a reliable home workspace and internet connection. A County-issued laptop is provided. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, currently predominantly 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with hours subject to operational needs. The position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime.

Requirements

Knowledge of HIV and STD transmission modes, symptoms, and implications.
Ability to provide medical information clearly and concisely.
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to apply motivational interviewing skills.
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to apply behavior change theory and risk-reduction strategies.
Oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate a broad range of information to varied audiences.
Ability to protect protected health information (PHI) and other confidential information.
Experience navigating and using electronic health records and/or other client-level data repositories.
Ability to follow procedures and protocols and apply them in unpredictable situations.
Familiarity with Microsoft programs such as Outlook and ability to use drop-down menus, point-and-click software, and multiple screens.
Familiarity with social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube and ability to use them for sexual health promotion.
Ability to drive a County fleet vehicle to multiple locations in King County on a flexible schedule during work hours.
Valid Washington State driver's license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication, and the ability to develop effective working relationships.
Ability to use office automation and web-based tools proficiently and comfortably.
Ability to comply with OSHA/WISHA guidelines, complete required training on time, and obtain required immunizations.
Ability to pass a thorough background investigation.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of progressively responsible experience in health education, patient care, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating ability to perform the role effectively.
Bilingual or bicultural background, or experience and diverse lived experience related to behavioral health and recovery, incarceration, houselessness, communities of color, or LGBTQIA+ communities.
Competency, comfort, and experience working and communicating with diverse populations and interest groups, including men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, adolescents, younger adults, and people who use drugs.
Experience coordinating routinely with community-based organizations and healthcare providers.
Previous experience as a health educator focused on HIV/STDs, sexual health, family planning, or reproductive health.
Current knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of HIV and other STDs.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with professional colleagues, policymakers, and members of at-risk populations.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and exercise independent good judgment.

Responsibilities

Conduct educational and informational programs for staff, clients, community groups, and professionals on safe sex practices, risk reduction, HIV/PrEP/STI services, and related topics.
Promote culturally appropriate health beliefs and practices, patient-preferred languages, health literacy, and other communications needed by participants referred to care.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to assess needs, monitor patient access to care, and eliminate barriers to service delivery.
Provide health education technical assistance and support to Public Health—Seattle & King County staff, partner organizations, and members of the public.
Conduct outreach to priority populations in neighborhoods, community centers, and other locations in King County.
Inform patients about potential health risks related to HIV/STIs and help them develop plans to reduce future risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV/STIs.
Investigate factors contributing to PrEP discontinuation among HIV-negative people considered at increased risk of acquiring HIV.
Protect the confidentiality of records, data, and information in accordance with applicable section, department, state, and federal requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.