POSITION SUMMARY:
The Outreach Specialist is responsible for actively seeking out and engaging individuals living with HIV/AIDS who need housing assistance. This role involves building relationships with community partners, developing, and implementing outreach/education strategies, and providing direct assistance to clients in accessing the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
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Facilitate individual and group counseling/educational and outreach sessions with people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Educate participants and the community about alcohol and substance use disorder, as well as other factors observed to be correlated with HIV/AIDS transmission.
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Will conduct and outreach to various community-based organizations and agencies that work with people living with HIV/AIDS or at high-risk.
- Take lead on and attend community outreach events; coordinate HOPWA related event participation, including, but not limited to establishing registration, set-up/tear-down, times/dates and other event details.
- Coordinate learning opportunities for clients by engaging external resources and learning opportunities on their behalf.
- Educate the community about the HOPWA program and its services.
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Screen potential clients for eligibility to participate in the HOPWA program; Provide information about the program and its benefits.
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Assist clients in completing the application process; help them to establish referral and/or medical services with their preferred medical service provider.
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Connect clients with case managers for ongoing support.
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Assist in the development and implementation of new outreach initiatives; Collaborate effectively with program staff to improve outreach strategies.
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Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation, and
- Other relevant duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
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Minimum of 2 years of experience in outreach or social services.
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Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and related issues.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills; bilingual preferred.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Experience working with diverse populations.
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Ability to respond as needed to crisis situations in an efficient manner.
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Ability to work well in a team environment.
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Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
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Professional appearance and demeanor.
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Must be sensitive to populations served.
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Must be able to obtain and maintain a successful background check.
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Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
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During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
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High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
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Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health, Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation, or related field is preferred.
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Minimum one (1) year experience working in one or more of the following areas: substance abuse prevention, treatment, health promotion/education, community organizing, or working with people experiencing homelessness and their families.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
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Work is primarily performed in the community.
- Some travel is required; and some outdoor activities may be required.
- Some driving is required.
