HIV/STD Health Educator (DOH #11387)

Posting Details

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.

The New Mexico Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Prevention Program has as its primary goal the reduction and prevention of the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection. The STD Program provides statewide consultation and technical assistance, partner services, screening, surveillance, health care provider education, case management, and partner notification for reportable STDs in the state. This position is part of the Northwest Region Public Health Division within the NMDOH.
Why does the job exist?

Regional HIV/STD Health Educators are responsible for several activities that are mandated by a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant for HIV prevention and surveillance:

• Training and certifying both NMDOH staff and clinicians and staff of contract agencies in the provision of conventional and rapid HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and risk reduction counseling.
• Collecting, reviewing and doing quality assurance on HIV testing data forms that include required client information.
• Providing risk reduction education and counseling to persons from the populations at greatest risk of HIV infection.
• Ensuring that persons who are identified as living with HIV via targeted HIV testing are linked to care and support services, partner services and prevention activities.
• Coordination special outreach and community education events for populations at greatest risk of HIV.

Core responsibilities include surveillance and tracking, testing and screening for disease contacts and at-risk populations, and performing collaborative community outreach to populations with higher disease incidences. Additionally, client and partner interviews to facilitate timely and effective treatment. Beyond this position exists to effectively promote health and improve health outcomes by addressing the ongoing challenges posed by HIV and other reportable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). By conducting partner services and disease investigations, the role is integral in breaking the cycle.

Overall, this position exists to enhance public health responses to support individuals affected, and contribute to the overall reduction of disease transmission in the communicative task. This position supports broader infectious disease initiatives such as harm reduction, syringe services, opiate overdose prevention education, and hepatitis screening and referrals, as well as other duties as assigned.
How does it get done?

This position will be responsible for:

• Providing delivery of prevention services for the HIV and STD programs, including evidence-based HIV prevention models, community/street and detention center outreach and effective surveillance interventions.
• Providing trainings and technical assistance on HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction services for the region.
• Coordinating, overseeing, collecting data and providing quality assurance for HIV testing and harm reduction services sites within the region.
• Collaborating and providing leadership to regional and statewide HIV prevention providers.
• Coordination of special outreach and community education events for populations at greatest risk of HIV.

Who are the customers?

Persons at greatest risk of HIV and STD infection within the NW Region.
Ideal Candidate

Persons at greatest risk of HIV and STD infection within the NW Region.
Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree in Public Health or Education and two (2) years of experience in a health related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions

Work in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminal (VTD) and extensive computer and phone usage. Conduct Field Investigations across the Northwest Region. Occasional work outside of normal work schedule to support community outreach initiatives. Frequent travel within the state to various regions will be necessary for statewide meetings, conferences, training and technical assistance (TA), and similar events. Ability to list up to forty (40) pounds.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Robynn Frank 505-521-8329 Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.