Outreach Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW:                                                                                                                                                                           

The Outreach and Prevention Specialist will conduct individual, group and/or community level education, interventions and training focusing on HIV/STD prevention education and development of skills and resources.   The Outreach and Prevention Specialist will also conduct HIV/STD risk-reduction counseling and HIV-antibody testing activities within the Network and throughout the community.   The Outreach and Prevention Specialist will utilize available qualitative and quantitative resources to identify individuals, populations or programs appropriate for targeting prevention and supportive services.  This position includes no managerial or supervisory responsibilities.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:                                                                                                                           

• Provide outreach, prevention , peer and supportive services  aligned with HIV Program Plan, Outreach Plan and Program Policy and Procedures 
• Plan and conduct age and culturally appropriate individual, group and/or community level education/training focusing on HIV/STD prevention education and the development of skills and resources.
• Plan and conduct age and culturally appropriate individual, group and/or community level evidenced-based interventions as directed by program leadership 
• Provide risk-reduction counseling as warranted based on client need and supervisory direction 
• Conduct outreach events and education presentations as appropriate to the goals and objectives of the program.
• Conduct HIV/STD risk-reduction counseling and HIV-antibody testing activities within the Network and throughout the community 
• Periodically review HIV Program Plan and recommend, update and implement changes to reflect emerging or current program and/or community needs Facilitate or co-facilitate support and educational groups 
• Review prevention resources and community need and recommend, update and implement evidence-based interventions from CDC, DOH-AI or other sources that are relevant to the target populations.
• Utilize available qualitative and quantitative resources to identify individuals, populations or programs appropriate for targeting prevention and supportive services 
• Participate in  quality improvement activities, projects and reviews 
• Collaborate with key community stakeholders; develop relationships and linkages to recruit clients for Network services as well as providing effective referrals to community resources.
• Meet regularly with supervisory staff individually and as a team/programs and discuss clinical and program issues; make suggestions to improve service delivery 
• Completes data tracking tools for monthly, annual or other periodic requests for narrative or quantitative data reports 
• Enter data into AIRS or other reporting systems to ensure compliance with agency and funder requirements 
• Conduct material reviews and assess for appropriateness and relevance in the context of the HIV Program Plan and service delivery 
• Collaborate with other Network staff to recruit/identify potential clients for programs 
• Participate in case conferences with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the highest quality service delivery 
• Communicate effectively with program leadership in identifying strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of program operations
• Attend mandatory or optional training as directed by program leadership.  Independently investigate training opportunities to ensure most recent knowledge on HIV/STI prevention and outreach is sustained.
• Maintain client contact via telephone, contact/letters and create plans to engage clients who are tangentially engaged in services 
• Writes group and progress notes, maintain attendance sheets of all consumers participation in program activities 
• Maintain an updated directory of speakers to provide HIV nutrition, legal, medical, mental health and other HIV related issues and educational workshops 
• Ensures materials and information distributed is updated, comprehensive and appropriate for the target audience(s)

REQUIREMENTS:                                                                                                                                                             

• High School Diploma required. 
• Associates/Bachelors Degree preferred.
• Four (4) years prevention services  experience (with  HS Diploma/GED) or two years prevention services. 
• Trained in evidence-based practices; strongly preferred. 
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to connect with others and forge strong relationships.
• Highly organized, motivated self-starter. Excellent time management skills. 
• Ability to organize and maintain detailed records; complete necessary paperwork and meet deadlines. 
• General knowledge of organization, community and/or social service resources and programs.
• Bilingual – Spanish speaking a plus.