health educator

medical assistant

clinical research coordinator

San Francisco Aids Foundation

San Francisco AIDS Foundation is guided by a strategic plan with three ambitious goals aimed at radically reducing new infections in San Francisco in 2015. 

Goal 1: Reduce new HIV infections in San Francisco by 50%
New HIV infection rates have remained frustratingly stable for more than a decade, at about 55,000 in the U.S., 7,000 in California, and 1,000 in San Francisco. We seek to radically reduce new infections, and we can not do it alone.  We must collaborate within and beyond our community, with partners in research, clinical and public health, with local, state and federal governments, and with donors, volunteers and other stakeholders.  Together, we will expand HIV testing and pursue new frontiers in prevention.  Leveraging scientific research and community knowledge we will devise new approaches and ensure that federal, state and local legislation supports a climate hospitable to effective HIV prevention.

Goal 2: Ensure all San Franciscans know their current HIV status
Accurate knowledge of HIV status is critical to individual and community health.  Even in San Francisco, nearly one in five (18 percent) people with HIV are unaware of their status.  Not knowing one’s HIV status leads to missed opportunities for HIV prevention and care.  For infection rates to decrease, status awareness must increase.  HIV testing and screening must become part of routine healthcare and a topic of frank, honest discussions free from stigma and judgment.  We are expanding advocacy and public education about the benefits of testing, determining the feasibility of citywide HIV screening, and optimizing our own and others’ capacity to provide HIV testing.

Goal 3: Ensure access to proper care for all HIV-positive San Franciscans
The line between HIV prevention and care has blurred.  Emerging scientific research tells us that proper treatment and care for HIV-positive individuals isn’t just the right thing to do, it may also be an important prevention strategy.  That’s because effective HIV care can improve long-term health and wellness while simultaneously reducing the likelihood of further transmission through the use of antiretroviral treatment and behavioral change. The foundation is determined to eliminate institutional and political obstacles to access to treatment and care.  As the epidemic evolves, we are evolving our targeted programs to improve the health of people with HIV and AIDS, from housing and medical referrals to group support and services that address mental health and substance use among populations most vulnerable to HIV.

Since I have worked at this company I have seen management changed frequently. Programs moved around and chaos created. Many people are leaving and fired due to the chaos. Instead of investing in the workers, by providing instruction and education, they would rather intimidate and harass until people leave. It is well known the HR is there to protect the company. This is an "at-will" company and they use their ability to fire people or intimidate people into thinking they will be fired, very liberally. The only thing that helped me getting through the day was the great clients and the other shell shocked staff that tried to make the best out of a cult-like abusive power structure that has no workers rights. 

Helping people was awesome! Sadly, management keeps their eyes closed to so much toxic behavior. Then upper management makes it impossible to discuss anything. It was like they didn't want to hear the information. Which I could understand because it would mean some tough decisions and tough work would have to be done. I was confused about how judgemental upper management was towards some of the employees also. Next time you go in there, pay attention. It all starts at the front desk. Everyone is mean, and bitter. Walk into a needle exchange, the majority of the people have awful demeanors and attitudes. What I don't like to see is all the backstabbing and gossip. When they would mention self-care, that would be the extent of it. Mentioning it. Past that they practiced none and if you did you would be practically shunned.

I joined the organization early 2023 and initially I was so proud of myself since I came to know that this is a well-known nonprofit organization that helps people living with HIV or at risk of getting it. 

After a while, however, I realized that I was spread way too thin with work and I end up feeling guilty for even taking a lunch or small break. It seems like a lot of the people don't take breaks or lunches. When I block out time in my calendar for lunch, my supervisor always pings and asks me where I am or what I'm doing. 

I try to do the best I can with what I'm doing since I'm learning a lot, but I sense that there's burn out that's quickly approaching. I might consider moving within the organization or even shifting careers if I continue to feel that the job is not sustainable in the long run. 

The leadership at SFAF is incompetent and unable to step up to meet the needs of the community. The organization could do so much to help the community and that’s why people donate to the organization but in reality that’s not what happens.  They have lost focus on who they are and what our mission should be.  The leaders are often locked in their offices without any concern for the troubles in the organization. We see POC chased away when leadership says they are prioritized and supported.  Services aren’t expanded and our vulnerable communities are left on their own. They need to do better and be more open about what really happens in the organization.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Having the experience on you’re resume because of the fact that it’s a nationally renowned non-profit

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Snap decisions from hire ups who have no clinical experience that affect day-to-day operations and procedures

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Stressful and sink or swim practices, employees are spread too thin to properly train new hires and most employees must learn on their own as they go

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Slammed from start to finish, breaks are a luxury instead of a right for clinical staff

I loved my job and it was truly a wonderful place to work. However, they put too much emphasis on education of employers. I myself have an advanced degree, but I heard from many clients who preferred a counselor who had time in recovery and not just some letters behind their name. I feel as an outpatient substance abuse treatment center (stonewall) they should have more trained substance abuse counselors and not just hire someone based on where they went to school, it’s been years since I worked there and hopefully they’ve changed.

I worked really hard to get this job!
I love helping people. Sadly, I sit in bed crying cus I do not want to go to work because my coworkers do nothing but gossip, make up stories to empower themselves (somehow), and management supports this behavior. It is awful. 
Not every department is toxic like this.
Only one.
The department that cleans syringes off the street.


Great place to volunteer. I love the staff and clients. Volunteering my time to help others is very rewarding. A fast paced environment in with a clientele from all walks of life. SFAF provides a very important service in helping people take care of themselves and lower the risk of contracting stds. I can't say enough good things about the staff. they really go above and beyond proving clients with need services

I specifically work for the needle exchange outreach program and its probably one of the best experience. Unfortunately, this position was an intern position I needed to still work a full-time job to pay bills. It really opened my perspective on the patient's experiences and life stories. I had the opportunity to work with the community as well provide with the resources that they did not know was available.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Health educator 3 salaries reported	$26.00 per hour
Medical assistant 2 salaries reported	$67,500 per year
Clinical research coordinator 1 salary reported	$75,500 per year

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