The Outreach Specialist is responsible for engaging and building trusting relationships with individuals affected by substance use, mental health disorders, HIV/AIDS and STIs, racial inequities and other risks. The Outreach Specialist recruits individuals at various community-based settings, conducts HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) rapid testing, and engages individuals through individual and group interventions to promote access to healthcare services including medical care for HIV/HCV and PrEP.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Conduct HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) rapid testing at assigned offices, on the Mobile Testing Unit and during community-based outreach for population(s) of focus.
2. Provide counseling and education to testing participants about risk reduction activities and support referrals for individuals with both positive and negative test results.
3. Develop trusting relationships with clients served and act as an advocate for their healthcare needs.
4. Provide education to clients and the community with information about PrEP and how to receive services, coordinating with the HIV Prevention Coordinator and/or PrEP Case Manager.
5. Regular communication with other departments for continuity of care, linkage to care, and referrals.
6. Recruit, screen, and enroll individuals for health education programs.
7. Provide education around sexual health, HIV/AIDS, and biomedical HIV prevention services (e.g., PrEP and PEP) via presentations and tabling at local health fairs and other events in the community.
8. Develop and implement culturally relevant health education programs, materials, and events to teach people about HIV/HCV, PrEP and other health topics.
9. Plan and conduct innovative outreach events for rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing in nonclinical settings, community education, and HIV/HCV awareness.
10. Identify and build relationships with business, venues and agencies that provide services to persons at risk of HIV and Hepatitis C, to encourage referrals to Thrive Alabama programs.
11. Expand the accessibility of testing services and a referral network through developing collaborative partnerships including with: nonprofit organizations, school systems, colleges and universities, churches and other gathering venues, community events, etc.
12. Provide tailored and culturally sensitive educational materials for youth, minorities and LGTBQ+ individuals.
13. Work collaboratively with other LGBTQ+, minority and allied agencies for outreach aimed at building organizational capacity.
14. Submit required forms within specified time frames and maintain accurate and up to date field notes and reports.
15. Submit program and staff reports to Director as required.
16. Attend regular Health Education and staff development meetings.
17. Works with supervisor on promotion of events and outreach materials.
18. Assist in other functions or duties in the department as needed.
19. Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
20. All other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Knowledge of HIPAA privacy and security rules.
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Knowledge of the basics of HIV and Hepatitis C transmission, disease process and prevention.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
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Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deliver public presentations.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to work with diverse populations.
- Ability to operate a vehicle and willingness to travel.
Software Access
Microsoft Office
CAREWare
HADIS
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree and at least one year experience in community engagement, human services, education, public health, communication, or social work.
OR
At least one-year experience in Human Services field providing outreach and supportive case management services to at-risk and/or homeless population (advocacy, housing placement, etc.), preferably working with HIV+ population and/or population(s) at high risk for HIV infection.
OR
A person with lived experience with HIV/AIDS, HCV, other communicable diseases, homelessness, substance use disorder, and/or another group impacted by healthcare disparities, who will utilize their experiences and knowledge to help inform community members about available healthcare and health promotion opportunities coordinated by Thrive Alabama.
Equivalent experience or credentials will be considered.
Bicultural Skills and Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred; fluency required.
Diverse candidates with marginalized/vulnerable population identities strongly encouraged to apply. Any combination of skills, experience and educational background will be considered.
Special Note: Must maintain a current Alabama Driver’s License. Evening and weekend work is required.
The Outreach Specialist is responsible for engaging and building trusting relationships with individuals affected by substance use, mental health disorders, HIV/AIDS and STIs, racial inequities and other risks. The Outreach Specialist recruits individuals at various community-based settings, conducts HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) rapid testing, and engages individuals through individual and group interventions to promote access to healthcare services including medical care for HIV/HCV and PrEP.
