AFC Senior Peer Health Advocate

Program: Action Front Center and DYCS


Location: 33 Chestnut Street


Position: Senior Peer Health Advocate (2) positions


Hours: 20/hrs. 52/ wks.


Salary Range: $16,297 - $21,382


Salary Grade: 13


Summary of Responsibilities:


Under the direction of the High Impact Prevention Program Manager, the Senior Peer Health Advocate is responsible for assisting in implementing scientifically evaluated and proven interventions/prevention strategies, to individuals living with/or at risk of HIV/HCV or sexually transmitted infections (HIV, Hepatitis C, STI etc.).


The Senior Peer Health Advocate position provides leadership assistance, and support to staff/volunteers in offering peer lead service activities, provided through the AFC Dept.; with a focus on activities offered through AFC's Targeted Prevention and Support /Educational Services, High Impact services, and related Dept./Agency advocacy initiatives/efforts.


The Senior Peer Health Advocate assist in coordinating and providing strategic consumer/client navigation, outreach, peer support, and peer delivered education and intervention services, to targeted individuals/groups/communities. Primary duties for this position include outreach and recruitment; screening and assessments; marketing and program promotion; group training/workshop facilitation; conducting special events, community forums, presentations, fairs, etc.; initiating consumer linkages and partnerships; navigation, information, and referral; service planning/coordination; data collection and reporting.


This position also supports and provides additional leadership in planning and implementing efforts conducted by 3-5 Peer Educators. The Senior Peer Health Advocate assists the High Impact Prevention Manager and Health Educator/Test Counselor in recruiting and managing both stipend and volunteer Peer Education Team members; conducting formal peer educator training; and implementing related activities/special events. The Senior Peer Health Advocate also maintains and secures consumer and program data for use in reporting program and participant progress. This position also completes and submits required reports, log sheets and other statistical information, which confirms outcomes and adherence to contractual obligations and policies.


The Senior Peer Health Advocate plays a major role in advocacy efforts, increasing public awareness, creating systemic changes, and increasing resources for individuals/communities impacted by HIV/HCV/STI. This position contributes to bringing greater insight on the perspectives of people living with HIV/HCV/STI or at risk to the public, organizations, policy makers, community leaders, etc. and to varied community sectors.


Qualifications and Education and Experience:


Education : High School diploma/equivalent is required; and successful completion of ABC/AFC Peer Educator Training core curriculum or possession of NYS Peer Education Certification credentials . An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered upon willingness to complete required coursework/training to meet positions qualification in a specified time frame.


Experience: Requires a minimum of two (2) years direct experience in healthcare/community education, public health, human service field, or comparable setting, preferably in a not for profit/community-based organization. Requires direct experience working in HIV, HCV, and/or STI education, outreach, and/or peer support services. Requires the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

• Must possess good organizational, planning, analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills; and must be attentive to details. Requires good time-management skills; and the ability to handle multiple tasks/priorities, with fixed deadlines. Requires flexibility and ability to work in a fast-paced environment; and availability for evenings/weekend assignments. Requires strong leadership skills, tact, and diplomacy; and the ability to work independently, as well as a team member.
• Requires a strong level knowledge of HIV, HCV, and STI issues; consumer/community engagement and mobilization strategies; and strategies to increase public awareness/education. Must be familiar with the needs of those individuals/groups/communities most impacted by HIV/HCV/STI, focusing on vulnerable populations (i.e., low-income, people of color, etc.). Requires some knowledge of local community demographics; statistical data, advancements, and trends; and barriers/obstacles in accessing care/treatment.
• Experience and familiarity working with related successful evidence-based curriculums, interventions, and prevention service strategies, including motivational interviewing, and adult learning styles, is required. Experience training, mentoring, and supervising adult/youth peer educators/work groups, is required. Must be able to engage people living with HIV/HCV/STI and to deliver accurate HIV, HCV, and STI information to individuals and groups. Requires the ability to work with people living with and are at high risk and help them navigate to services, including escorting to appointments and other supportive services as needed.

• Must have demonstrated experience conducting and interpreting individual screening assessments, developing service plans and goal setting; and monitoring/evaluating consumer progress. Requires knowledge of related assessment, screening methods, and instruments used in providing navigation services. Experience conducting consumer and staff info/referral and navigation services to increase access/options for referrals, is required. Ability to initiate and maintain service linkage agreements/partnerships, is required.

• Requires knowledge of care engagement, treatment adherence barriers, and current data trends in care related to HIV, HCV, and STI issues. Must have knowledge of priority populations at risk /or living with HIV/HCV/STI; and must have enthusiasm and a sensitivity to the needs, norms, values, and cultural beliefs, associated with HIV/HCV/STI status and treatment.

• Must have strong communication skills, oral and written; and experience in public speaking, preparing, and disseminating educational and informational announcements, and related communications. Must have demonstrated experience assisting in coordinating community forums and events. Requires experience convening groups; and facilitating informational sessions/trainings, presentations, meetings, and related special events for diverse groups/individuals.
• Requires commitment to developing consumer/Peer Voice and leadership skills; and the ability to lead, recruit, and engage people from impacted populations in advocacy, education, coalitions, focus groups, and program activities. Should have some familiarity with the following related subject areas: public policy, legislative issues, health disparities, social determinants of health; and an understanding of HIPAA and NYS HIV confidentiality laws, policies, and procedures.
• Requires familiarity with the Greater Rochester area, community resources, community-based organizations, and support service programs. Familiarity with local health organizations, health-care benefits, and delivery systems, both public and private, is preferred.
• Requires the ability to develop effective working relationships at various organizational levels and multiple sectors/segments of the community, must be able to develop positive partnerships and collaborations with Agency affiliates, and the public.
• Requires proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; familiarity with data systems and data entry; experience in maintaining electronic and paper records/file systems; experience preparing reports, forms, spreadsheets, and related communications.
• Bi-lingual skills and the ability to speak, read, and write in the Spanish language is a plus.
• Requires the physical health and physical capability to work in an office setting as well as in the field.
• Requires access to reliable transportation daily and a valid NYS Driver's License is preferred.