What are the responsibilities and job description for the Risk Reduction Specialist, HIV position at Harris County?
Harris County Public Health has earned the 2023 Best Place for Working Parents Business Designation.
About Harris County Public Health:
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.
Position Overview:
The Risk Reduction Specialist delivers safe and compassionate care as a vital member of the HIV Prevention team, providing patient-centered care and ensuring patient safety. This role serves patients seeking services from the HIV Prevention Program and working with internal and external partners to create and maintain efficient, patient-centered daily mobile testing operations while providing comprehensive care to all Harris County Public Health patients. The Risk Reduction Specialist Operates and adheres to the federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as the policies, procedures, and guidelines of Harris County Public Health (HCPH). This position ensures outreach activities are comprehensive, timely, and coordinated effectively.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Provide HIV and Syphilis testing via rapid and venipuncture methods, and perform appropriate pre-test and post-test counseling as needed.
Creates innovative approaches to mobile outreach and HIV prevention services to communities within Houston Harris County, Texas that are most vulnerable of HIV and Syphilis.
Recruits clients to PrEP, HIV Rapid Start, condom distribution, Behavioral Health services, and makes referrals as necessary for other social determinants of health.
Engage clients in consumer experience surveys as necessary and participate in the routine analysis of program activities and outcomes.
Provide case management, referral and targeted testing activities, marketing of testing activities, and other relevant projects and activities
Document field activities in EMR system (EPIC), inventory logs, audit forms, and DSHS on-line reporting system.
Notifies Services Linkage Worker of preliminary positive results within 24 hours or less to initiate follow up and Rapid Start.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Education:
High School Diploma or GED
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience in a public health outreach setting
Licensure:
Must have a valid Driver’s License (TX upon hire)
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Excellent communication skills (verbal & written).
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
Ability to work well with teammates.
Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
Core Competencies:
Organizational Leadership
Understands the organizational mission
Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
Collaboration
Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs
Innovation
Ability to adapt to change
Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics
Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
Uses sound judgment
Self-motivated
Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity
Communication
Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:
Full Time | Regular
Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. with occasional weekends and non-traditional working hours.
Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including weekends.
Able to travel within Harris County daily to provide preventative health services.
Work Environment:
This job operates in a clinic and community setting (mobile clinic unit, residential homes, bars, clubs). This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands:
This role requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull up to twenty (20) pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.
Work Location:
5815 Antoine Dr, Houston, TX 77091
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Salary : $38,709 - $55,037
