Peer Support Worker - Hepatitis C Program

Job Title: Peer Support Worker – Hepatitis C Program

Position Type: Part-time (16-20 hrs. week),Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $20.00 an hour

Location: Tulsa, OK; onsite/in field

Job Description

The Peer Support Worker will provide one-on-one and group support to individuals living with or affected by Hepatitis C. Utilizing their lived experience, the Peer Support Worker will offer emotional support, share insights about managing the condition, and help navigate healthcare systems. They will serve as a bridge between clients and healthcare providers, fostering understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging engagement in care and treatment. This program is focused on equitable healthcare for women and is intended to serve women and women identified patients.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Complies with agency policies and procedures established by Tulsa CARES.
• Supports an environment of health and wellness in accordance with the agency’s philosophy of care.
• Adheres to the Oklahoma State Department of Health Standards.
• Provides empathetic, nonjudgmental support to individuals living with Hepatitis C or any STI’s.
• Offer basic information about HCV prevention, testing, treatment, and harm reduction.
• Work to reduce stigma by educating clients, families, and communities.
• Increase engagement in the Hepatitis C program.

Specific Tasks:

• Help clients navigate and advocate in healthcare systems, including scheduling appointments, understanding treatment plans, communicating with providers and accessing services.
• Refer clients to community resources, including housing, food, or mental health services as needed.
• Support and encourage clients to access and adhere to treatment programs.
• Share personal experiences with treatment, recovery, and coping strategies when appropriate.
• Facilitate peer-led groups to create a sense of community.
• Partner with healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes by providing insights into the lived experience of Hepatitis C.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date client and interaction records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with regulations.
• Actively Participate in team meetings, training, and supervision.

Requirements & Qualifications:

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it!

Educational and Experiential Requirements

• High school degree.
• Must maintain current driver’s license and any relevant licenses or certifications.
• Open to obtaining a PRSS certificate and maintaining requirements.
• Personal experience living with or having recovered from Hepatitis C and a willingness to disclose that experience professionally.
• Experience working in peer support, social services, or healthcare preferred.
• An understanding of diverse communities.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Commitment to regular self-care practices to maintain personal well-being and emotional resilience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build trust and rapport.
• Passion for supporting others and advocating for equitable healthcare.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and set boundaries.
• Able to maintain professional records through documentation.
• Knowledge of database software; Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of health and/or social service organizations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Time management and organizational skills to prioritize and address multiple client needs.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the position requires lifting and/or move up to 20 pounds, kneeling, stooping and/or standing for longer periods of time, bending, turning, reaching, talking, and listening.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• This role may involve in-person, phone or virtual interactions. Some travel to community locations or healthcare facilities may be required.

About Tulsa CARES

Tulsa CARES is the largest and most comprehensive provider of prevention and care programs serving low income individuals living with HIV and Hepatitis C in Oklahoma. We recognize the critical importance of addressing social determinants of health to improve community health and reduce costs, and we specialize in wrap-around, client-tailored care that improves health outcomes and quality of life.

Tulsa CARES seeks to recruit and retain staff from diverse backgrounds and encourages qualified candidates to apply. Tulsa CARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, political belief, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, military, or veteran status.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• Tulsa, OK 74112 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Tulsa, OK 74112: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20