HIV Prevention Specialist

Summary of Position:

The HIV Prevention Specialist (HPS) plays a vital role in providing HIV and STI testing, screenings, and education as part of the HIV Prevention and Linkage program at the HELP Center for LGBT Health & Wellness. This position involves community outreach, delivering services and resources at local LGBTQ+ bars and events. We’re looking for someone with an outgoing, energetic personality who thrives on going up to and connecting with people and making a difference in the community.

NOTE: This position requires the (HPS) to conduct blood draws and sometimes work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends. Phlebotomy certification is preferred, but training will be provided for the right candidate after hire.

*Bilingual Spanish/English+++

Duties and Responsibilities

• Adhere to HELP Center policies/procedures
• Provide HIV and STI testing, outreach, and education and condom distribution for the HIV Prevention and Linkage program
• Assist in facilitation of client flow and coordination of all prevention client services.
• Refer, schedule, and maintain appointments for collaborative HIV and STI testing, linkage to care, and treatment
• Accurately complete required assessment forms, lab requisitions, and additional written materials
• Assist in data entry and preparation of monthly reports
• Follow universal safety precautions
• Provide and maintain an atmosphere which incorporates the standards and protocols for HIV Prevention and Linkage program at HELP
• Engage in one-on-one conversations with individuals regarding sexual and substance use activities and provide education and facilitate risk reduction plans to reduce HIV and STI acquisition and transmission
• Link persons living with HIV (PLWH) to local medical facilities and other community resources
• Ensure that PLWH maintain enrollment in medication services
• Provides one-on-one linkage to prevention and essential support services to persons testing HIV negative
• Develop relationships with the community in order to gain access to the established priority populations
• Represent the program at community meetings
• Attend specialized training specific to HIV prevention program design and implementation, and behavior change theory application
• Maintains confidential records of collected data, ensures accuracy and integrity of data. Data may include patient data and programmatic data
• Participate in staff meetings and other meetings as warranted
• Participate in on-going training as needed and required

Required Education and Experience

• High School Graduate or GED

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience (paid or volunteer) in HIV education and counseling

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training

• Certified in Phlebotomy Or Certified within 60 Days of hire
• Texas Driver’s License/Auto Insurance

Preferred Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training

• Bilingual

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be highly motivated with a positive attitude
• Must have experience with, and access to, the gay male population and organizations serving the gay male population preferably in Tarrant County
• Ability to take initiative and problem solve effectively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Must possess strong active listening skills
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with others in order to encourage and support the team
• Embraces teamwork and shares ideas/methods to improve performance
• Able to work under pressure and deal with conflict resolution
• Receptive to constructive feedback and guidance
• Ability to represent HELP Center in a professional manner at all times
• Ability to efficiently manage time and multiple responsibilities
• Strong computer skills and knowledge including MS Word, Outlook, Excel, Access and other software
• Must be able to create, maintain and update client database and contact system
• Successful candidate must demonstrate ability to work effectively with men and women of diverse races, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment
• Must be able to adapt to new testing and technologies and procedures

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged standing, sitting, walking, reading, writing, talking use of computer
• Hearing ability for verbal communication via telephone systems, and person-to-person
• Clear concise speaking ability to provide information
• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed material and information
• Flexibility and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, standing, reaching, lifting and moving objects and equipment (approximately 25 lbs or more with assistance), and sitting
• Able to meet physical demands of the job with assistive or adaptive devices or reasonable accommodations

Work Environment

• Work is primarily indoors, but some assignments/functions will be in outdoor settings
• Work is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours (evenings and weekends, and possibly holiday events)
• Local travel to duties may be performed at multiple sites
• Exposure to environmental temperature changes, air/blood borne pathogens such as HIV, Hep B, TB, CoVID-19 and other contagious diseases
• Duties may be subject to stressful pressures and deadlines
• Wearing of a uniform or a specific style/type of clothing and jewelry/accessories limitations or restriction may be required
• Mobile Testing Unit will be utilized for off-site events. Training, Texas Driver’s License and Current Auto Insurance are required