Outreach Specialist

Outreach Specialist

The Outreach Specialist is responsible for the key funded program activities of testing for HIV/STIs to eligible priority populations as indicated in the contract statement of work and program requirements. Staff is to ensure that HIV Prevention services are provided in a culturally responsive and sensitive manner to all eligible persons according to the specific requirements detailed per funding opportunity and align goals and objectives of the national HIV/STD Strategy and the Texas HIV Plan. Outreach Specialist travels within assigned metro or rural areas and provides HIV, Syphilis, HCV testing and education. Assists clients with service referrals as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of one-year experience in community outreach working with target population of grant.
2. Prefer bilingual Spanish and previous experience working with Hispanic, African American, and LGBTQ populations.
3. Proficiency in the use of social media, computer and Microsoft Office/365; Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
4. Must be willing to be fingerprinted and pass background check.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Implement focused Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) / Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing in Non-Traditional Settings.
2. Engage individuals and communities most vulnerable to HIV and provide HIV, STI, and HCV testing, comprehensive prevention services and Linkage to Care for people living with HIV.
3. Provide comprehensive services as approved in contract for a full STI panel, including viral hepatitis (if the Client meets eligibility criteria; see CDC guidance for eligibility criteria Viral Hepatitis Guidelines and Recommendations | NPIN (cdc.gov), sexual and drug use history, prevention education, access to partner services, and disclosure support.
4. Must implement projects to prevent the onset and reduce HIV, STIs, Hep C, Communicable Diseases, substance abuse and mental health disparities.
5. Must work to engage in the required grant model, a community-driven model designed to build a community's capacity to address health disparities through mobilization efforts.
6. Will assist in implementation of community-level interventions aimed to improve health by changing community norms and attitudes, community awareness, and community behavior of priority populations and/or system interventions that aim to improve health by changing policies, health system/organizational practices, and power structures.
7. Must strengthen community involvement in prevention efforts by increasing a sense of community ownership, participation, and collaboration in prevention activities at various community sites which can include educational systems such as; colleges, training schools and other schools.
8. Increase local coordination and collaboration among community members, groups, organizations, and sectors (e.g., private business, public institutions);
9. Increasing community awareness, support, education, and dialogue.
10. Create an environment in which people of color, LGBTQ individuals, youth,and other marginalized populations are empowered.
11. Must submit required data on project activities and client contacts using systems and formats specified by Supervisor/Manager/Director.
12. Must work with project team to assess needs, resources and/or practices prior to implementation of the proposed interventions.
13. Must work with project team to develop a plan that summarizes major activities with milestones and goals and are responsible for monitoring and reporting on progress.
14. Must lead and maintain mechanisms for community or stakeholder engagement, such as community advisory boards.
15. Must work with project team to carry out planned activities as indicated in project plan and conduct periodic assessments of progress that follows a formal evaluation plan.
16. Must follow general and specific requirements of statement of work for awarded project, agency policies, and procedures.
17. Shall complete all required trainings as indicated in contract which includes, but not limited to program reporting systems, data security, quality assurance, monitoring, program planning, policies, and protocols
18. And other duties as assigned

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Public speaking skills and comfortable working with groups, both small and large
• Proficiency in the use of social media, Microsoft Office applications
• Proven ability to establish effective working relationships with all levels of management, staff and volunteers
• Strong organizational (time management), analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Must be able to work well independently and as a member of a team
• Knowledge of local HIV/STD/Hep C, FQHC's, ATOD stakeholders, initiatives, and plans

Work Environment: Office and work in the community

Work Schedule: This position is nonexempt and is eligible for overtime. Typical hours are Monday through Friday 8am-5pm. On occasion, you may be asked to work evenings as required or necessary. On occasion, you may be asked to participate in special events that may occur on the weekend.

Occupational Risk Exposure: Medium risk