Program Specialist- HIV

DEPARTMENT: Health

REPORTS TO: Program Director

CLASSIFICATION: 1 (FTE), Non-Exempt, Full-time, 40 hours per week, 8:30 am-5:00 pm Monday- Friday, with some evenings and weekends, will require in-person work on a regular basis upon hire, local travel required.

SCOPE: The goal of the Program Specialist is to drive the effective implementation of evidence-based interventions for participants living with HIV (PLWH) who identify as Black/African American and who have high barriers to accessing and maintaining medical care. Typical services include health navigation, education, informal counseling and case management, referrals to and navigation of community resources. The Programs Specialist is a versatile role designed to enhance service delivery through cross-departmental training and collaboration. This position requires a dynamic individual capable of managing multiple responsibilities, providing direct support to participants, and contributing to the continuous improvement of our integrated service model.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Contributes to the Urban League’s mission, commitments, goals, and to the team effort by performing the following duties:

Participant Support and Service Delivery:

• Provide comprehensive support to participants, addressing needs across various service areas (e.g., workforce development, housing, peer support).
• Conduct assessments to determine participant needs and develop individualized service plans.
• Offer guidance, coaching, and resources to help participants achieve their goals.

Cross Departmental Training and Collaboration:

• Participate in cross-training programs to gain proficiency in multiple service areas.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Share knowledge and best practices with team members to foster a collaborative work environment.

Relationship Management

• Maintain a relationship with funding partners, through activities such as: participating in monthly, ad hoc, and Program Navigator team meetings as needed and active participation with strategic and focused outreach.
• Report and monitor deliverables (including quarterly reports, success stories, and expenditures).
• Contribute to the overall agency efforts by completing other duties as assigned.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships and partnerships with community partners that are in contact with African American families who may be eligible for Oregon Health Plans, including schools, after-school programs, community clinics, local organizations, and faith-based communities.

Community Outreach and Case Management

• Conduct ongoing case management and community outreach to reach program participants through the following activities:
• Complete short-term financial assistance application packets with program participants
• Collaboration with internal resources, community outreach to establish new partnerships, other nonprofits serving business and low-income residents, and partner community-based organizations.
• Provide one-on-one support through case management and career coaching activities, such as screening and assessment, housing stability navigation, resume writing/review, practice interviews, career counseling, training and skills, and job application assistance.
• Provide referrals (and follow-up) to community resources, health resources, and housing stabilization support. businesses/employers, and partners.
• Create materials and conduct extensive outreach on safer sex and harm reduction materials for distribution, and conduct extensive outreach
• Set up safer, stigma-free spaces for participants to learn about and receive support on implementing risk reduction activities. Provide culturally appropriate and accessible health education and information.
• Assist Individuals to find and connect to the health screenings, health care, and social services they need, across the community. Promote cultural mediation between program participants and the health care system.

Case Management and Tracking

• Track and input (in required database) individual information, services, and performance progress
• Track and input (in required database) group activities such as program and number of attendees
• Track and input (in required database) outreach to partners and service providers, such as activities, number of participants, and outcome
• Track community connections and develop community resources.
• Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate enrollment program in accordance with contractual goals under the guidance and leadership of the Programs Director.
• Assess clients’ involvement in services, identify barriers to care and readiness to access care, including client knowledge of eligibility status, health records, and other personal information required for Oregon Health Plan intake.
• Ensure compliance with all contract requirements including program performance data, reports, and documentation as required.
• Provide support and coordination for group activities, such as Program Orientations, financial empowerment workshops, tenant education events, and other employment or housing-related support.
• Support community members while they are processing their diagnosis and provide education about the care system, as well as attend appointments with the client to teach skills such as health literacy, self-management, and self-advocacy.
• Educate individuals who are newly diagnosed with HIV and those who are not virally suppressed about the importance of viral suppression and the means of achieving it as well as provide support to clients as they move through preventive and treatment services, with a focus on retention in care.
• Help maintain current array of program collateral and outreach materials for various programs within the Urban League.
• Attend all required funder and partner meetings.
• Locate upcoming events at which to conduct outreach activities, maintain calendar of such events.
• Submit monthly funder reports in a timely fashion

KNOWLEDGE / SKILL / ABILITIES:

• Commitment to and knowledge of social justice issues and the dynamics of social change, the history, and mission of the Urban League of Portland, and expertise in the present scope of Urban League service and advocacy programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of structural racism and Anti-Blackness as it relates to employment, education, and employment.
• Knowledge of emergencies, social, education, domestic violence, health, human services, and information/referral systems.
• Experience with case management, pre-employment activities, and job search development, especially for people of color and other marginalized groups.
• Ability to deal with distressed and/or demanding participants and employees in an effective, participant-centered manner.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make good judgments as it pertains to participants.
• Ability to communicate in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone.
• Possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto insurance and have full use of an automobile during work hours.
• Ability to use basic office equipment, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and computer.
• Demonstrated computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites with an emphasis on Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook programs.
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; good time-management, problem prevention, and problem-solving skills.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying. This would typically include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health, Social Work or related field

OR

Minimum of three years of experience in community outreach, health education, or social services, working with and relating to African Americans.

PLUS

Community Health Worker (or other traditional health worker) Certification- preferred but will train.

BENEFITS:

Within your first year of employment the Urban League of Portland is excited to offer the following benefits after 90 days of successful employment:

• HMO plans 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision for qualifying employees and their additional dependents.
• PPO plans starting at $29.89
• 21 days of PTO in your first year
• 12 paid holidays
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance

About the Urban League of Portland: Established in 1945, the Urban League of Portland is one of the oldest African American service, civil rights and advocacy organizations in the region. We are part of a network of over 90 National Urban League Affiliates across the country and are recognized as one of the leading voices for African Americans and others in Oregon and Southwest Washington. We are a key coalition-builder amongst other organizations, and work extensively with both traditional and emerging groups, the faith-based community, businesses, and other organizations, including those serving immigrants and refugees. The Urban League of Portland’s mission is to empower African Americans and others to achieve equality in education, employment, health, economic security and quality of life. Our programs include a distinctive blend of direct services, organizing, outreach, and advocacy. We offer workforce services, community health services, summer youth programming, senior services, meaningful civic engagement opportunities, and powerful advocacy.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The Urban League of Portland is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.