HIV Prevention Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The HIV Prevention Specialist uses team approach to conduct field-based outreach, client engagement activities, HIV counseling and testing, and service linkages with individuals eligible for Project Street Beat services, including those who are living with or at risk for HIV/STIs, active substance users, homeless or unstably housed, and/or exchange sex for food, drugs, or shelter. This is a full-time position located in Nassau County at Project Street Beat in Hempstead, within PPGNY Region One.

• Region One – NYC + Nassau County

New York, Nassau, Oneida, Kings, Queens, Richmond, and Bron

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (WEIGHTED & WITH DETAIL

Program and Office Support (65%) 

• Works within a team to engage potential consumers, including targeted street outreach, "word of mouth,” and social networking within underserved communities in Nassau County.

• Performs outreach activities in communities where potential PSB clients congregate including methadone clinics, shooting galleries, strolls, community parks, street corners, and local business and service providers. Establishes trusting relationships and provides information on and referrals to PSB services.

• Provides rapid HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis C testing in PPGNY HIV prevention grant targeted communities. Obtains urine specimens for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing.

• Facilitates linkages to internal and external services including HIV prevention/PrEP/PEP counseling, HIV primary care, HIV case management, and other HIV harm reduction related services such as ESAP, overdose prevention services; as well as PPGNY health centers and external social service agencies for counseling, housing, pantry, etc.

• Follows all manufacturer’s instructions for rapid testing and all infection control precautions.

• Enters data, based on the funding source, into the REDCap or AIRS reporting platform for all delivered services and appropriate information into PPGNY’s EMR system called Epic.

• Works with the Manager of HIV Prevention Programs to ensure clients are engaged in prevention services including PrEP, PEP, HIV Primary Care, Linkage to Care, and other services as needed. 

Administrative Team Coordination (10%) 

• Maintains a supply of outreach materials on the Plan Van and communicates with the team to ensure that materials are available

Budgetary/Statistical Support (10%

• Completes and submits service documentation on a daily basis, and maintains files compliant with PSB standards as outlined in the PSB Policy and Procedure Manual.

• Accepts individual responsibility for program spending (e.g, program supplies, etc.), distribution of incentives and documentation, according to the spending plan and PSB Incentive Distribution Policy.

Customer Service Responsibilities (5%) 

• Participates in ongoing training on changes with regard to HIV prevention services, in addition to other relevant topics.

Human Resources (5%)

• Completes all responsibilities according to established protocols, policies and standard practices in the areas of ADA and regulatory compliance programs such as HIPAA.

Special Projects (5%)

• Performs other educational and experience related duties as required.

• Mission: A demonstrated commitment to PPGNY’s mission related to bodily autonomy, health equity, and gender and racial justice.
• Equity values and competencies: A demonstrated commitment to learning about and enhancing practices related to racial equity and its impact on healthcare systems; strong relationship building and communication skills, including an ability to work and build trust across cultural differences related to race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and to reflect on one’s personal identity with humility.
• Patient-facing equity competencies: Ability to provide compassionate, non-judgmental and culturally responsive care across race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and demonstrates deep sense of accountability to patient experience.

• Ability to positively engage with the community.
• Understands the dynamics of working in a team environment.
• Must demonstrate competency regarding cross cultural differences and issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Must be detail oriented with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must have strong organizational and problem-solving skills required with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in non-traditional work settings.
• Proficient in Spanish is a requirement.
• Knowledge of computers and data entry experience required.

• College degree in a related field.
• 1 year of volunteer or work experience conducting outreach to populations at risk for HIV/STIs, active substance users, homeless or unstably housed.
• Preferred knowledge of sexual reproductive healthcare, HIV related topics, and PPGNY services
• Preferred experience testing for STIs and working with issues such as homelessness, HIV/AIDS, substance use and mental health issues.
• Preferred knowledge of health care delivery system and public health benefit programs.
• Willingness and availability to support our population in the field as needed
• Proficiency in Spanish required.
• A valid New York State Driver’s License devoid and of any violations; Must have a car.
• Willingness and availability to work in the mobile unit and drive The Plan Van.

• Requires prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks including use of a computer. Frequent standing, walking, bending, on uneven ground. Requires lifting or moving of medical supplies/equipment. Visual acuity sufficient to perform frequent work on a computer screen and review printed reports and other materials. Requires the ability to hear and to communicate orally with others.
• This role routine uses standard office equipment such as computers, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and medical equipment and will require reaching, grasping, ushing and pulling.
• This job operates in a mobile unit (The Plan Van) and professional office environment. Potential exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions in a health setting environment requires sanitizing compliance regulations. Requires frequent travel to various environments.
• Requires flexible schedule and during peak activity periods work in excess of 7.5 hours per day and/or 37.5 hours per week.
• During the winter season, follow winterizing checklist on the Plan Van in advance of days when temperature is forecasted to be 32 degrees and below, and fill freshwater tank before outreach.

All candidates applying for this position will be required to take a language assessment as part of the interview process. This assessment is designed to evaluate your proficiency in Spanish, ensuring that you have the necessary bilingual skills to perform effectively in this role.​

PPGNY's benefits package includes:

Generous PTO and holiday schedule

Medical, dental and vision coverage options for you and eligible dependents

FSA, HSA, Commuter pre-tax reimbursement funds

Short- and Long-Term Disability, Free Basic Life and AD&D

401(k) Retirement Plan with Safe Harbor contributions after 1 year of employment

All positions at PPGNY require:

Proof of immunization or immunity to certain communicable diseases (including influenza during the flu season and Covid-19) and testing for tuberculosis. These certifications are required by the NYC DOHMH Health Code, NYSDOH and OSHA.

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) is a leading provider, educator, and advocate of sexual and reproductive health care in New York State. PPGNY is proud to provide a wide-range of family planning services at our brick-and-mortar health centers and mobile care units. We care for everyone regardless of their immigration status, zip code or ability to pay. PPGNY’s education and outreach programs are backed by medically accurate, evidence-based information that allows people to make informed decisions about their health and future. As a voice for reproductive freedom, PPGNY supports legislation and policies that ensure all New Yorkers have access to the full range of reproductive health care and education.

At PPGNY, we provide the absolute best care to our patients and our communities through innovative health care delivery and education programming. We care for everyone who walks through our doors regardless of insurance, ability to pay or immigration status. As a leading voice for reproductive freedom, PPGNY fiercely advocates for policies to ensure that all New Yorkers will have access to the full range of reproductive health care services and information.

PPGNY is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe we are most impactful when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with common purpose. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.