Job Location : Buffalo,NY, USA
PRIDE CENTER OF WNY
The Community Health Worker is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of linkages, referrals, outreach activities and risk reduction services specifically targeted to transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals and young men who have sex with men (YMSM), with a focus towards Communities of Color. The Community Health Worker promotes retention in care efforts to ensure that individuals remain engaged in their healthcare and action plan goals.
The Community Health Worker will assist with the the following:
* Provides linkages and/or referrals to services related to identified needs
* Follows up with individuals and providers to verify whether services were accessed.
* Engages with organizations, community partners, and members of the community online, virtually, and in person;
* Obtains and maintains appropriate releases and other necessary documentation for community referrals on file for each client as necessary.
* Supports clients' retention in care through monitoring, sending appointment reminders, reviewing action plans and identifying and addressing any barriers directly, or through referrals if necessary.
* Conducts rapid HIV testing procedures onsite and/or offsite at outreach programs and community events
* Provides clients with test results; conducts follow-up and linkage to care and/or prevention services according to the agency's HIV testing policies and procedures
* Prepares and submits patient samples and documentation required by the NYSDOH for clients with reactive rapid HIV tests according to the agency's HIV testing policies and procedures.
* Conducts and documents quality control procedures for HIV test kits as required by the manufacturer and according to the agency's HIV testing policies and procedures.
* Adheres to all mandated NYSDOH, CDC and agency reporting/surveillance protocols and follow-up as required by law and the agency's HIV testing policies and procedures.
* Assists with all aspects of planning and implementing individual and group-level HIV risk reduction and sexual health education.
* Assists with development and implementation of annual outreach plans and testing recruitment plans, which include goals, objectives, and strategies for reaching TGNC and YMSM individuals with information about HIV/STI/Hepatitis C testing, risk reduction, and supportive services.
* Collaborates with stakeholders and community partners to identify venues, geographic areas, bars/restaurants, and other social outlets and networks, in order to identify and engage transgender, TGNC, and YMSM consumers in a culturally competent manner.
* Conducts outreach to the target population as defined by the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute and according to the grant work plans using strategies such as street, neighborhood, and bar outreach;
* Assists with planning and implementation of social media, social networking, and other creative outreach and recruitment strategies.
* Maintains consistent relationships with current and potential community providers. Cultivates professional relationships with individuals and agencies in the community to facilitate referrals and support seamless access to services.
* Reviews and understands the Trans Health Initiative (THI) and YMSM grant work plans and program narratives including all deliverables and data/documentation requirements.
* Documents all outreach and referral activities on program forms and in data systems, including Medent and AIRS, according to program procedures and within required time frames; completes all required reports.
* Enters and ensures consistency and accuracy of documentation of client services
* Tracks progress in accomplishing work plan goals; identifies barriers where goals are not being met and communicates them to the Director of Health Education & Outreach.
* Represents the Pride Center at community events-including local, regional, and statewide events.
* Works in collaboration with other Pride Center programs and team members to ensure a client-focused approach to care.
* Participates in ongoing QI/QA activities and training to improve clients' experience
* Maintains and protects sensitive information in enterprise systems; uses/shares data in compliance with Information Governance and Security Policies.
* Other duties as requested.
Qualified Candidate will hold an High School diploma or G.E.D. or related field required with two to four (2-4) years of experience working with LGBTQ+ communities -OR- equivalent combination of education and experience. Personal or professional experience with HIV/ AIDS, transgender, non-binary, young men who have sex with men communities; sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, and LGBT issues, essential. Candidate must be able to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally, demonstrate familiarity with computers and MS Office software (Outlook, Word) and effective time management and organization skills. Sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, addiction and LGBT issues essential. Valid driver's license and access to a working vehicle is required.
Job Type: Full-time
Other requirements : Valid driver's license and access to a working vehicle is required.
What The Pride Center of WNY and Evergreen Health Offers You:
* Multiple comprehensive medical health insurance plans for you to choose from
* Dental and Vision coverage at no cost to you
* Paid Time Off package that equals 4 weeks of time in your first year
* 403b with a generous company match
* Paid parking or monthly metro pass
* Professional development opportunities
* Paid lunch breaks