The Outreach Specialist/Testing Navigator is responsible for conducting community-based outreach, providing HIV/STI/hepatitis education, performing rapid testing, and linking clients to appropriate services. This position requires clearance to enter and provide services within local jails and prisons. The role prioritizes culturally competent engagement with justice-involved individuals and high-risk communities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct outreach in community settings, including correctional facilities, shelters, and high-risk neighborhoods.
- Perform rapid HIV/STI/hepatitis testing and associated pre/post-test counseling.
- If applicable, complete venipuncture and specimen collection following clinical and safety protocols.
- Facilitate linkage to care, treatment navigation, and follow-up appointments.
- Maintain accurate documentation, testing logs, and confidentiality standards (HIPAA compliant).
- Build collaborative relationships with correctional facility staff and community partners.
- Educate individuals and groups on harm reduction, safer sex, PrEP, and available health services.
- Assist clients in navigating barriers such as transportation, insurance, and healthcare enrollment.
- Support program data collection, quality assurance processes, and grant reporting needs.
- Uphold safety protocols and abide by all correctional facility entry requirements and security procedures.
- Provide recovery-oriented support services and outreach to Harm Reduction Program participants;
- ● Use harm reduction strategies when working with individuals experiencing problematic substance use;
- Educate clients on safer drug-use practices;
- Develop and assist in implementing substance use recovery plans informed by client goals and values;
- Assist incarcerated clients with reentry planning and Medicaid enrollment;
- Connect clients to medical care, dental care, behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, housing, and various social services through activities including assisting with paperwork, scheduling appointments, coordinating and providing transportation, and accompanying clients to access services;
- Enter client data into Minority AIDS Support Service’s (MASS’) data collection systems.
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or bachelor’s preferred).
- Certified Phlebotomist or equivalent training preferred with demonstrated venipuncture competency.
- Virginia Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) certification preferred, but not required
- Experience in community outreach, public health, or corrections-based programming.
- Ability to obtain clearance to work inside jails and prisons.
- Strong communication, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care skills.
- Commitment to harm reduction principles and culturally appropriate service delivery.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience providing services inside correctional facilities.
- Knowledge of HIV/STI prevention, PrEP navigation, and local health resources.
- Familiarity with public health reporting systems and electronic data entry.
Work Environment:
This position requires travel, field-based work, and frequent interaction with justice involved individuals. Must be able to stand for extended periods, follow strict safety procedures, and work collaboratively withcorrectional facility personnel. This position will require travel to both the Southside and the Peninsula.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $37,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Willing to work a flexible schedule?
- Do you have reliable transportation?
Education:
Experience:
- HIV prevention: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
