Peer Navigator

Description

Since 1986, The Project has served people living with HIV/AIDS with remarkable care and radical acceptance. We take a holistic approach to health care by treating the entire individual. Our services include HIV case management, HIV/STI prevention, harm reduction supply distribution, no-cost mental health services, and more. Learn more about us at www.tpqc.org.

The Project is pleased to announce that we are actively seeking an HIV Peer Navigator to support people living with HIV in the Quad Cities and surrounding counties. The Peer Navigator will work closely with medical case managers to help clients access care and stay engaged in support programs. This role is ideal for someone with personal experience or strong knowledge of the lived experience of HIV.

Peer Navigator Responsibilities Include:

· Collaborate with all medical case managers to provide peer-level support to all clients newly diagnosed with HIV or individuals reengaging in care for the first 6 months offering guidance, emotional support, and assistance navigating services during the early stages of care engagement.

· Act as an advocate on behalf of clients by using knowledge of community resources and lived experience to access supportive services.

· Collaborate with the Prevention team to conduct HIV, STD, HCV, and other related disease testing and counseling services in community outreach settings such as shelters, methadone clinics, harm reduction facilities, street outreach, behavioral health centers, substance use centers, and other outreach locations where high-risk target populations congregate.

· Work closely with clients to address and reduce stigma and isolation and assist with building social connections through oversight of the TPQC HIV Support Group and referrals to other psychosocial supports.

This full-time position is based at our office in Moline, Illinois with typical hours Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. Working flexibly (some days of the week remotely) is available. This is a non-supervisory position.

Compensation:

Compensation starts at $19.61 per hour. The final offered salary is determined by years of professional and/or lived experience beyond the minimum requirement, with an additional 2.5% for those proficient in a second language relevant to the role. Our compensation structure is experience-centric and not contingent on education. As part of our commitment to pay equity, salaries are non-negotiable and include an annual cost of living increase.

Benefits:

· Mission-driven and supportive organization.

· Health/Dental/Vision benefits - Day 1.

· Generous PTO accrual & 12 Paid Holidays

· 401(k) + 401(k) matching

· Tuition reimbursement

· Professional development assistance

EEO Statement

The Project of the Quad Cities believes in equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. Our company’s success depends on the effective utilization of qualified individuals regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We will not discriminate based on these characteristics in a personnel action including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotions, transfers, demotions, benefits, compensation, discipline, termination and any other conditions or privileges of employment.

People of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

 Required Education and Experience:

· High School Diploma or GED

· Knowledgeable about the lived experience of living with HIV and, mental health issues or substance use issues and willingness to mindfully share those experiences

· Lived experience of systemic oppression and non-dominant cultures from Black, Indigenous, and other people of color; transgender, non-binary, and other LGBTQ+ people; and people with disabilities, including HIV

· Strong cultural awareness of people living with HIV/AIDS, men who have sex with men, communities of color, and people with substance use issues, and how this may affect or influence service delivery

· Desire and ability to engage in equity and inclusion initiatives and discussions in the workplace, including but not limited to engaging in training workshops, team and department meetings, and critical conversations for how The Project can better meet the needs of those we serve

· Completed HIV Prevention Training and Risk-Based Testing Training within 6 months of hire.

Licensure/Certification Requirements

· Valid Driver’s License, current vehicle insurance coverage, and reliable access to a working vehicle