Outreach Specialist

 Matrix Human Services is Educating Children, Supporting Families and Rebuilding Neighborhoods in Detroit.
THE IMPACT YOU WILL BE A PART OF WITH JOINING MATRIX

• Over 30 program locations throughout Detroit and surrounding areas
• 20,000+ individuals benefiting from Matrix services every year
• The largest Head Start Program in the city of Detroit
• The largest HIV treatment and prevention program in Detroit
• After school youth services and academic enrichment
• Workforce Development and Financial Literacy Programs
• Housing Education and Home Buying Assistance
• Healthy Senior Living Program

FOCUS ON PERSONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT. Tuition Assistance. Professional Development Support. In-House Learning and Professional Development Platform.
WE EMBRACE WORK LIFE BALANCE. Vacation Banks. Paid Holidays.
BENEFITS OPTIONS. Medical/Rx. Dental. Vision. Life/AD&D Insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts. Combine Short- & Long-Term Disability. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 403(b) Retirement Account.
CEO Starr Allen-Pettway has been honored by the Michigan Chronicle as a distinguished nonprofit leader in Southeast Michigan.
CORE VALUES:

• Positive Attitude
• Always Learning
• Results Through Accountability
• Building Relationships

JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTIBILITY:

The Peer Specialist works in the High Impact Outreach Program to reach people living with HIV who are out of care to help bring them into the care continuum. The peer uses a low barrier model to build relationships with individuals who are currently not ready or willing to engage in services and therefore unable to benefit from the HIV care continuum. As part of a mobile team the peer will use motivational strategies to support individuals in taking steps toward accessing HIV care services. 

The Peer Specialist will conduct mobile, street and venue based outreach in neighborhoods, parks, drug houses, bath houses, and other venues where communities at high risk for HIV reside and gather. The Specialist will use their knowledge of the community to identify locations and times for outreach. The Specialist will also meet with individuals who are seeking care in emergency departments and those who have been hospitalized due to non-adherence to antiretroviral therapies. They will respond to requests from medical providers to meet with these individuals and follow-up with them upon discharge. The Peer Specialist will address immediate physiological and safety needs through distribution of food, hygiene kits, phones, etc. They will establish and maintain good working relationships with internal and external partners to ensure appropriate connections to HIV care and support services.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required. 
• Community Health Worker certification preferred. If not certified, training must be completed within twelve months of hire. 
• Experience working with individuals living with HIV and/or experience as a recipient of HIV prevention/care services. 
• Good verbal and written skills.
• Understanding of the functions of patient advocacy and knowledge of rules and regulations concerning HIPAA and client confidentiality.
• Well-organized and demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing priorities. 
• Computer literate, proficient in Microsoft Outlook, able to learn and effectively utilize client software database. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains professional boundaries with clients. 
• Understands the functions of patient advocacy and knowledge of rules and regulations concerning HIPAA and client confidentiality. 
• Comfortable in a culturally diverse environment and demonstrate awareness of the value of cultural humility. 
• Keeps accurate documentation of outreach activities and referrals to HIV care services. All documentation is completed fully and within designated time frames. 
• Maintains awareness of community changes which could impact service delivery.
• Conducts community outreach and networks with community members and service providers developing new venues and program partnerships. 
• Maintains professional conduct with colleagues and facilitates effective interaction in one on one situations and in meetings. Ability to be a team player. 
• Participates in ongoing trainings to increase skill level. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

WORKING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Works primarily outside of the office with a teammate or teammates. This includes mobile outreach (driving a large recreational vehicle), street outreach (walking), venue-based outreach (based out of a specific location like a bar or bath house) among others. Days of the weeks and hours of the days will be based on the needs of the communities served. Some work time will be spent in a standard office environment with traditional business hours. This includes time spent in meetings and completing required trainings, data entry and other routine tasks.