Temporary HIV/Aids, Health & Prevention Program Outreach Worker

Job Title: HIV/Aids, Health & Prevention Program Outreach Worker

Department: Public Health

Reports To: Program Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Location: Springfield, MA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary Range : $25/hour

About New North Citizens’ Council (NNCC)

New North Citizens' Council, Inc. is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families through education, workforce development, housing support, youth services, and community engagement. For decades, NNCC has been committed to creating pathways to opportunity and strengthening communities through impactful programs and services.

Position Summary

The Program Outreach Worker provides community-based outreach, prevention education, counseling, testing, and resource navigation services to individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections, and substance use. Reporting to the Program Supervisor, the Outreach Worker engages underserved populations, promotes harm reduction practices, and connects participants with healthcare, treatment, and supportive services to improve individual and community health outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.)

Community Outreach & Participant Engagement

• Conduct community-based outreach in neighborhoods, streets, residential settings, and other locations where individuals may benefit from prevention and health services.
• Engage individuals who use substances, including underserved Latino and African American communities, to increase access to education, testing, harm reduction, and supportive services.
• Build trusting, nonjudgmental relationships with participants and encourage engagement in available programs and services.
• Assess participant needs and identify appropriate prevention, treatment, and support services.
• Promote culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approaches when engaging participants.
• Participate in NNCC-sponsored activities, community events, and outreach initiatives as appropriate.

Prevention Education, Counseling & Testing

• Provide HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C (HCV), and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention education, counseling, and testing services in accordance with applicable training, certifications, and program protocols.
• Conduct or assist with authorized testing and specimen collection activities within the scope of required training and qualifications.
• Complete required phlebotomy training or maintain applicable credentials when assigned to services requiring those skills.
• Facilitate educational groups addressing HIV/AIDS, HCV, STIs, substance use, harm reduction, and other relevant health concerns.
• Provide participants with accurate information about transmission risks, prevention strategies, testing, and available healthcare resources.
• Encourage participants to access appropriate prevention, screening, treatment, and follow-up services.

Resource Navigation & Service Coordination

• Assist participants in identifying and accessing substance use treatment, detoxification services, behavioral health care, food assistance, clothing, and other essential resources.
• Connect participants with appropriate HIV/AIDS, HCV, STI, and other healthcare services.
• Coordinate referrals and follow-up with community providers and partner organizations as appropriate.
• Support participants in overcoming barriers to accessing healthcare, treatment, and community-based services.

Documentation & Program Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records, outreach logs, testing documentation, and service reports.
• Complete required program documentation and reporting within established deadlines.
• Follow applicable program policies, safety procedures, confidentiality standards, and testing protocols.
• Maintain an understanding of the program work plan and contribute to achieving established goals and service objectives.
• Communicate participant needs, service barriers, and outreach concerns to program leadership.

Training & Program Support

• Participate in scheduled clinical supervision, staff meetings, and required program activities.
• Attend training and continuing education to maintain current knowledge of HIV/AIDS, HCV, STIs, TB, substance use, harm reduction, and related public health issues.
• Collaborate with program staff and community partners to support effective outreach and service delivery.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED/HiSET, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of or experience with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections, substance use, and related community health issues.
• Ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds using culturally responsive, respectful, and nonjudgmental approaches.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to conduct outreach in community-based settings and work effectively with underserved populations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Willingness and ability to complete required training and certifications for assigned counseling, testing, and specimen collection services.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Public Health, Human Services, Social Work, Community Health, or a related field.
• Experience providing community outreach, health education, HIV/STI prevention, harm reduction, or substance use services.
• CADAC certification or eligibility for certification.
• Phlebotomy certification or relevant training.
• Experience facilitating educational groups or providing health-related counseling and testing.
• Knowledge of community resources, treatment programs, and healthcare services.
• Bilingual and bicultural (English/Spanish).

Core Competencies

• Community Outreach & Engagement
• Harm Reduction & Prevention Education
• Communication & Relationship Building
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Documentation & Accountability
• Teamwork & Professionalism

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in community, street outreach, residential, office, and other program settings.
• Regular travel to community locations may be required.
• Outreach activities may involve outdoor work, walking, standing, and working in varying environmental conditions.
• Duties may require bending, reaching, and transporting outreach materials and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• The position may involve contact with individuals experiencing substance use, behavioral health challenges, or other barriers to accessing services.
• Employees must follow established safety practices and applicable infection prevention procedures.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

New North Citizens’ Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.

ADA & Reasonable Accommodation Statement

NNCC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

At-Will Employment Disclaimer

Employment with NNCC is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.