Peer Navigator (Part Time)

Cornerstone Family Healthcare is actively recruiting for a Peer Navigator to join our growing team in Kingston, NY. 

RATE OF PAY/SALARY: $18.00 per hour.

WORK LOCATION(S): Kingston, NY

STATUS: Part-Time (Up to 21 hours per week)

CORNERSTONE’S MISSION: 

Cornerstone Family Healthcare is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center with a mission to provide high quality, comprehensive, primary and preventative health care services in an environment of caring, dignity and respect to all people regardless of their ability to pay.  For more than fifty years, Cornerstone has been responsive to meeting the needs of the communities in which we serve with a continued emphasis on the underserved and those without access to health care regardless of race, economic status, age, sex, sexual orientation or disability. 

General Purpose:

Under the supervision of the Syringe Services Program (SSP) Supervisor, the SSP peer position is part-time with a maximum of 21 hours per week. The program is a mobile unit based Syringe Service based in Ulster and Dutchess Counties.

Key Competencies: 

• Participate in outreach to high risk injection drug users at the community level as well as within shelters, soup kitchens and other community based organizations in order to publicize program services and recruit clients.
• Participate in outreach to community partners and work with SSP Supervisor and Prevention Specialist to make drug users      aware of health issued and their risk of HIV/HCV.
• Participate in providing ESAP vouchers, PrEP information and information on opioid overdose prevention to clients of the outreach program.
• Work with Program Supervisor and Prevention Specialist in referring clients for testing, linkage to treatment and other services as deemed appropriate.
• Complete such trainings as assigned by the Program Supervisor.

Description of Duties:

• Observe and abide by HIPAA and the HIV Confidentiality Law.
• Use personal contacts, Social Media and other networking strategies to reach out to high risk individuals.
• Assist  the Program Supervisor and Prevention Specialist in promoting and implementing program services.
• Pass on to Program Supervisor, any referrals for HIV/STI/HCV testing and counseling and referrals for chemical dependency treatment, PrEP and PEP medication, medical treatment and other service as applicable.
• Maintain an awareness of the demand for services among the targeted population and consult with Program Supervisor about adjusting programming as needed.
• Assist Program Supervisor and Prevention Specialist in conducting outreach recruitment activities through the use of Social Media, presentations to services providers and networking with community organizations and key community members.
• Complete the mandated continuing education trainings as selected and scheduled by the Program Supervisor.
• Assist in program coverage when required.
• Attend and participate in monthly department, All Staff and other required meetings. 
• Be familiar with Cornerstone policies and procedures and the Employee Handbook. 
• Maintain confidentiality of all aspects of Cornerstone including, but not limited to, patient confidentiality, financials, and employee relations. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• A High School Diploma with experience in peer education, HIV/STI counseling and/or disease prevention.
• Familiarity with the target population and the geographic area assigned. Commitment to undergo training about HIV/STI’s and HCV, harm reduction, mental health and community resources.
• Travel/Time Requirement: Must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license and independent means of transportation for frequent travel to locations throughout the assigned county as well as to the offices of Cornerstone.