PrEP Community Engagement Specialist
JOB TITLE: PrEp Community Engagement Specialist
DEPARTMENT: SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
REPORTS: PrEP MANAGER
POSITION SUMMARY:
The PrEP Community Engagement Specialist will work under the supervision of the PrEP Manager to assist in the expansion of PrEP education geared toward persons at-risk for HIV within the Chicago-land area, including but not limited to cisgender/transgender women who have sex with men, cisgender/transgender men who have sex with men, and other persons at-risk for acquiring HIV. The PrEP Community Engagement Specialist will focus on connecting communities to healthcare at Howard Brown by providing ongoing internal support, engagement, outreach, service navigation and adherence counseling. In conjunction with services delivered within and related to this HIV prevention intervention, the PrEP Community Engagement Specialist will ensure that participating clients receive relevant HIV/STI-related education and services, sexual health information, and appropriate care and wellness referrals.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist in the continued implementation of PrEP services and appointment scheduling, while also ensuring that clients vulnerable for HIV within any Howard Brown programs (Walk-in, BYC, outreach and primary care) receive PrEP.
The PrEP Community Engagement Specialist will have a case-load of clients and patients considering, or taking, PrEP at Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC); as such, the PrEP Community Engagement Specialist will conduct client-centered PrEP education and adherence counseling services with a focus on patient linkage, engagement, and retention.
Participate in Latinx, T/GNC specific outreach activities and city-wide events.
Conduct, schedule, and arrange town halls or community forums to provide education revolving around PrEP to communities at-risk for HIV.
Provide patients and clients with basic introductory education regarding PrEP.
Recruit high-risk patients and clients into PrEP education.
Assist patients and clients to schedule primary care visits to further discuss PrEP and other health care concerns with a medical provider.
Conduct follow-up to offer adherence counseling and assistance in scheduling appointments for case-load of patients receiving PrEP through navigation and case management.
Maintain, acquire, and fulfill required documentation for PrEP assistance programs.
Ensure proper collection, storage, and transmission of data used in reporting, research, and program evaluation.
Provide individual- and relationship-based HIV and STI counseling and testing, including results delivery for point-of-care (“rapid”) and laboratory-based tests, and appropriate referral services; document visits and interactions appropriately, primarily within HBHC’s Electronic Health Records System (EHRS). Facilitate and/or provide “finger-stick” rapid HIV testing and venous blood draws (i.e. phlebotomy) for other tests; follow OSHA and blood-borne pathogen guideline
Provide education about Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), and other effective biomedical and prevention interventions; refer eligible, interested clients to primary care medical services at HBHC to further discuss PEP and other preventive care with an HBHC provider.
Contribute to the design, implementation, and distribution of PrEP campaigns through marketing materials, social media through HBHC’s communication department, and special outreach events in the city of Chicago and surrounding areas geared towards persons at-risk for HIV within the Chicago-land area, including but not limited to cisgender/transgender women who have sex with men, cisgender/transgender men who have sex with men, and other persons at-risk for acquiring HIV.
Coordinate collaborative relationships related to PrEP implementation and service delivery, focusing on agencies located in and around Chicago.
Represent Howard Brown Health Center at meetings and trainings which are required by funders,
Accurately complete all statistical data forms for PrEP, primarily within the HBHC Electronic Health Records System, ensuring complete and correct reimbursement for services rendered.
Review and maintain up-to-date and accurate knowledge of emerging scientific research regarding biomedical HIV prevention strategies, including PrEP, PEP and related interventions; and PrEP utilization among persons at-risk for HIV.
Maintain highest level of client confidentiality; follow HIPAA regulations.
Attend departmental meetings and trainings.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILL REQUIRED:
2-4 years of experience working in HIV/STI prevention or other community health programs required.
Outreach engagement, community education, and collaboration building experience.
Able to strategize methods to engage clients and patient at-risk for HIV.
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.
A working knowledge of HIV in diverse communities.
Ability to work some nights, weekends, and occasional irregular hours.
Preferred:
Bilingual – Spanish/English highly desired.
T/GNC and people of color cultural intelligence and experience navigating T/GNC-healthcare highly desired.
T/GNC, people of color, LGBTQ, and disabled persons highly encouraged to apply.
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.
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.