HIV Prevention Specialist

Summary of Position:

The HIV Prevention Specialist (HPS) will provide HIV and STI testing, screening, and education for the HIV Prevention and Linkage program at the Health Education Learning Project (HELP). The primary target population for the program is gay men in Tarrant County. NOTE: This position requires the (HPS) to conduct blood draws and work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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