JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: HIV Tester & Peer Counselor
Supervision: Reports to Outreach Manager
Status: Full-Time
Classification: Hourly (Non-Exempt)
Pay Rate/Range: Wage Rate Range $18.00/hour - $21.00/hour
Benefits Offered: After employed for 90 consecutive calendar days, eligible for paid Sick Time, as well as participation in the Group Health, Dental, and Vision and 403(b) Plans (with a Company match on the 403(b) Plan contribution after 24 months). After employed for six (6) months, eligible for paid Vacation Time.
POSITION PURPOSE:
The HIV Tester & Counselor is responsible for conducting community-based and in-office HIV testing and counseling services, providing education and prevention information, and connecting individuals to appropriate medical and supportive services. This position plays a vital role in promoting early detection, reducing stigma, and increasing access to care for individuals at risk for or living with HIV.
This position requires an individual who is compassionate, organized, and passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community and other high-impact populations. The individual must have lived experience with HIV, on antiretroviral therapy, and who are adherent to their medical care. After-hours availability on weekdays and weekend availability at least twice per month is also a requirement.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
● Conducts confidential, client-centered rapid HIV testing and counseling in accordance with state and organizational protocols.
● Provides pre- and post-test counseling, education, and risk-reduction interventions.
● Performs targeted community outreach and engagement activities in collaboration with the Outreach and Linkage Teams.
● Maintains HIV test kits and supplies in a secure and organized environment.
● Ensures all testing data and documentation are accurately recorded and reported in compliance with program and grant requirements.
● Collaborates closely with the Linkage Coordinator, Peer Navigators, Case Managers, and other multidisciplinary team members to facilitate seamless linkage to care and supportive services.
● Participates in community events, health fairs, and educational sessions to promote HIV prevention and awareness.
● Upholds strict confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations at all times.
● Attends required trainings and maintain certification for HIV testing and counseling as required by the Florida Department of Health.
● Protects patients’ rights by maintaining confidentiality of medical, personal, and financial information by following HIPAA guidelines.
● Promotes and practices Harmony Healthcare Orlando’s (HHO’s) mission and values, and follows its policies, processes, and procedures.
● Works effectively and professionally with a diverse population treating all clinical staff and patients with the utmost respect at all times.
● Participates in all required training and certifications including, but not limited to: HIPAA, Biohazardous Waste, CPR/BLS, 500/501 Rapid HIV testing, and Rapid HCV testing.
● Performs rapid HCV testing (when needed) and helps to ensure all documentation is scanned and stored according to Florida Department of Health guidelines.
● When applicable and based on training or certification, perform confirmatory HIV testing via blood draw (venipuncture) as needed, and properly prepare all samples for laboratory testing.
● Attends and assists patients and clinical staff during community outreach testing events. May be required to attend community outreach events such as GayDayS, Pride Events, etc. Advance notification of dates/times will be given to allow for proper scheduling. On these dates, schedules may be modified to ensure employees don’t exceed budgeted hours.
CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● Conduct rapid HIV testing in accordance with state and organizational protocols.
● Provide pre- and post-test counseling, education, and risk-reduction interventions.
● Regular, dependable attendance and consistent satisfactory or above job performance.
● Other duties, as assigned.
EXPERIENCE AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Preferred unless indicated as a Requirement)
● Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience in HIV prevention, outreach, or community health preferred.
● Language: English oral and written proficiency required. Bilingual required – Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred.
● Skills & Competencies:
o Strong interpersonal communication and counseling skills.
o Ability to engage diverse communities in a respectful and culturally competent manner.
o Knowledge of HIV/STI prevention, sexual health education, and harm reduction principles.
o Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
o Comfortable conducting outreach in community and non-traditional settings.
o Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic data entry systems.
● Vaccinations and immunizations recommended for healthcare workers by the Florida Department of Health, including; COVID-19 vaccination and Mpox vaccination. (May be Required)
● Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
● Experience with Apple products and apps.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS (Preferred unless indicated as a Requirement)
● High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or higher in Health Education, Social Services, Public Health, or related field preferred.
● Must complete or be willing to complete state-approved HIV testing and counseling certification within 30 days of hire.
● A phlebotomy certification or Medical Assistant certification is preferred.
● Valid FL Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation (with current vehicle registration and insurance). (Required)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with a qualifying disability to perform the essential functions.
This position involves both office-based and community-based work. The HIV Tester & Counselor must be comfortable working in various environments including clinics, outreach sites, community events, and mobile units. Evening and weekend hours may occasionally be required.
● This position routinely utilizes standard office equipment such as laptops, computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
● Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds (e.g., testing supplies, outreach materials).
● Ability to stand or sit for extended periods during events or testing sessions.
● Must be able to travel between clinic locations and community sites.
Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you also have after-hours availability on weekdays and weekend availability at least twice per month?
- Do you live in Orlando or Kissimmee (or within reasonable commuting distance)?
- This position is funded by a grant that requires the successful individual to have lived experience with HIV, on antiretroviral therapy, and who are adherent to their medical care. Do you meet this requirement of the grant?
Language:
- English and Spanish and/or Creole (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
