Prevention Specialist - Community Health Engagement program

Prevention Specialist

The Prevention Specialist will provide prevention and outreach strategies to populations that are at risk for developing HIV infection, STI’s, and viral hepatitis. The Prevention Specialist will perform opioid overdose prevention, outreach and counseling, Narcan distribution, and other supply access and education, infectious disease counseling and testing, and post-overdose follow-ups, Strategies include group level and individual level interventions. The Prevention Specialist will collaborate with community groups and agencies as needed to advance the prevention/education models that are implemented and streamline referrals.

What You Will Be Doing to Make a Difference... 

• Work with prevention team to identify priority populations in the Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Hull and surrounding communities to focus prevention outreach efforts. 
• Assist with the development and implementation of strategies for providing prevention and education to identified populations both to individuals and groups.
• Screen, interview and counsel individuals who feel they are at risk of HIV/STI/Hep C infection.
• Collect specimens (blood/urine) and swabs for HIV/ STI and Hepatitis C and send such specimens to appropriate testing sites.
• Provide and distribute materials, such as condoms, syringes, bleach, pipes, fentanyl test strips, printed material and other harm reduction material designed to decrease the target population’s risk of infectious disease, overdose, and other substance use-related illnesses
• Develop and provide appropriate referrals for clients in need of services.
• Perform individual level interventions. 
• Facilitate educational groups in substance use treatment centers and for community groups.
• Assume role as HIV/STI/Hepatitis C content and resource specialist for the company’s providers and staff.
• Attend meetings, conferences and trainings to expand knowledge of topics such as STIs, HIV, Hepatitis C, substance use, etc.) and be current on new developments as required by supervisor or designee.
• The position requires a flexible schedule in order to provide appropriate targeted outreach. Evening hours are required.
• Complete all necessary paperwork in a timely and accurate fashion, and manage time appropriately to allow for completion of paperwork.
• Establish and maintain a good rapport and harmonious relationships with staff, clients, and other program related individuals.
• Execute duties to reflect reasonable safety standards. Universal/standard precautions must be utilized and training obtained in areas that constitute risk.
• Must have dependable/reliable transportation as position requires travel to and from client sites and external training.
• Perform duties consistent with the company’s Community Health Center’s policies and procedures.
• Perform other related work duties as needed or as required by supervisor or designee.

Important Health and Wellbeing Benefits - BENEFITS BEGIN FIRST DAY OF WORK

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Health and Dental Insurance
• Eye-Med Vision Benefits
• Employer Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Medical Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account
• Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

• 35 Days Paid Time Off (15 Vacation Days, 12 Holidays and 8 Sick Days)

Additional Benefits

• Retirement Plan 403(b) (employer match after the first year of employment)
• Opportunities for Reduced Tuition for Clinical Master's Degree
• Opportunities for Student Loan Forgiveness
• Mileage Reimbursement

Extensive Training Program

• Two-Week Orientation, Training, and Shadowing
• Weekly Group Supervision
• Weekly Individual Supervision
• Daily Mentoring and Support
• Immediate Access to Comprehensive Online Self-Paced CEU Trainings
• Opportunities for Certification in Evidence-Based Practices

QUALIFICATIONS 

• High School diploma, Bachelor’s degree preferred with minimum two years professional or lived experience in health education, substance use services or HIV services.
• Knowledge of HIV, STI and Hepatitis transmission required.
• Demonstrates a level of comfort working with diverse populations; people recently released from prison, people who use drugs, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people experiencing houselessness, and people who do sex work.
• Phlebotomy experience preferred, willingness to learn required. 
• Self-directed, flexible, excellent teaching and interpersonal skills.
• Displays excellent judgment skills.
• Demonstrates ability to strictly adhere to confidentiality requirements.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail with excellent record-keeping skills.
• Has reliable transportation.
• Bilingual candidates and individuals with lived experience related to the scope of services encouraged to apply.

Bay State Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment free from bias, discrimination, or harassment of any kind, and mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Contact Information: 

[email protected]

857-374-5669