Health Educator – Walk-in Clinic

JOB TITLE:  Health Educator (Clinic-based)

DEPARTMENT:   Sexual and Reproductive Health

REPORTS TO:  Manager of HIV/STI Services

FLSA STATUS:  Non-exempt, Full-time

LOCATION: Howard Brown Sheridan

POSITION SUMMARY: The Health Educator will provide client-centered HIV and STI education, test counseling and risk-reduction services to individuals and couples, primarily with clients of the Howard Brown Health walk-in clinic.  The Health Educator will help Howard Brown improve the health of diverse clients from underserved communities in the Chicagoland area – in particular, transgender, gender non-conforming, lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer (TGNC/LGBQ) persons – by addressing sexual and reproductive health needs and linking clients to other health and wellness services offered by Howard Brown Health and our partners. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide HIV and STI counseling and testing, including results delivery for point-of-care (“rapid”) and laboratory-based tests, and appropriate referral services.
2. Provide direct health education and information, including the knowledge of Howard Brown’s programs and services, provision and explanation of results, and appropriate linkage to HIV PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), HIV PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and primary care services.
3. Ensure proper collection and laboratory processing of a variety of other STI/HIV/Hepatitis tests, involving specimen collection (urine, whole blood/venipuncture, and/or pharyngeal/vaginal/rectal swabs) and appropriate specimen handling, storage and transport.
4. Perform and develop effective HIV/STI prevention interventions.
5. Document visits and interactions appropriately, primarily within Howard Brown’s Electronic Health Records System (EHRS) and patient results portal.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maintain current knowledge of HIV/STI transmission and prevention information.
2. Participate in the provision of culturally sensitive, TGNC/LGBQ-informed, age and gender appropriate sexual health testing, counseling and services.
3. Provide HIV/STI test results to clients in a sensitive, caring and confidential manner. Provide guidance to clients who test reactive to ensure they receive proper support, counseling and medical care as needed.
4. Become familiar with appropriate use of and correctly administer a variety of different rapid HIV testing technologies/devices and conduct client centered pre-and post-test counseling including, but not limited to risk reduction and referrals; provide finger sticks for specimen collection for rapid tests.
5. Facilitation of agency’s PEP and PrEP programs, including working with high-risk and/or traumatized clients.
6. Accurately complete all Chicago Department of Public Health laboratory and statistical data forms. Complete field record forms for all clients who test positive for HIV/STI.
7. Review and update referral and resource material.
8. Maintain accurate statistics and reporting of program activities on clients served, including managing data for quarterly reports and funder site visits; assist with timely completion of quarterly and annual progress reports to funders.
9. Process and manage lab results for accuracy, scanning and routing to patients’ charts, while submitting to medical staff for final review.
10. Assist in maintenance of current inventory of HIV/STI testing and other necessary supplies.
11. Assist with training of new Health Educators and other staff, including testing and counseling protocols, using survey tools, counseling theory and approaches, and conducting effective referrals.
12. Attend all required department and Howard Brown meetings and training sessions, including a weekly meeting with supervisor; attend and successfully complete all required Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and/or Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) trainings.
13. Represent Howard Brown at local meetings that may help to address the prevention and/or sexual health needs of TGNC/LGBQ persons.
14. Maintain highest level of client confidentiality; follow HIPAA regulations.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or equivalent experience with social service/public health field is highly desired; High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience working in HIV/STI prevention, sexual/reproductive health or other community health programs required.  Experience working with LGBTQI communities and/or a working knowledge of HIV/STI in diverse communities is highly desired.
• Certified in pre- and post- Counseling and Testing through Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) or Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) highly desired.
• Must possess strong communication and written skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse staff and populations.
• Must possess excellent internet and computer skills; experience working with Electronic Health Records Systems highly desired.
• Bilingual – Spanish/English highly desired.
• Phlebotomy experience highly desired; willingness to learn/perform phlebotomy required

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please start the application process using the link below. Applicants should submit both their cover letter and resume into our ADP system for consideration

Click here to APPLY

WORKING CONDITIONS: Primary work setting is an indoor office/healthcare environment.  Full-time position, working a minimum of 40 hours per week. Must be able to work every Saturday, irregular hours could occur with summer events, late night outreaches, etc.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees at Howard Brown are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, age, FMLA status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state or local statutes. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.