Hudson Valley Community Services (HVCS) is hiring a PHA Prevention Specialist. The PHA Prevention Specialist delivers peer-driven services to YMSMs between the ages of 13 to 24 in the counties of Rockland, Dutchess, Orange and Westchester. The programs goal is to increase awareness of HIV/HCV/STI status through educational workshops and outreach events and to refer young men at risk for testing, linking them to treatment and encouraging behavior modification to lower infection risk. |
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Under the supervision of the Peer Health Alliance (PHA) Supervisor, the PHA Prevention Specialist delivers peer-driven services to YMSMs between the ages of 13 to 24 in the counties of Rockland, Dutchess, Orange and Westchester. The programs goal is to increase awareness of HIV/HCV/STI status through educational workshops and outreach events and to refer young men at risk for testing, linking them to treatment and encouraging behavior modification to lower infection risk.
- Conduct outreach to recruit and develop a core group of young MSMs to act as peers for the PHA program.
- Conduct outreach to community partners and maintain collaborative relations with service providers in the counties serviced by the program.
- Conduct groups and events that provide health education and risk reduction strategies.
- Provide referrals for clients for testing, linkage to treatment and other services as deemed appropriate.
- Complete data entry into the AIRS system for each intervention and service.
- Observe and abide by HIPAA and the HIV Confidentiality Law.
- Provide training, treatment updates and development strategies for peers, in conjunction with Program Supervisor, on a continuous basis.
- Compile program data and ensure that all required data is entered in the agencys AIDS Institute Report System (AIRS) in an accurate and timely manner.
- Develop, promote and implement groups and events providing health education and risk reduction strategies, such as Sex, Dating and Choices groups, to increase knowledge, comfort and commitment to safer sex practices.
- Actively participate with peers in the Community Promise Program, a high impact HIV/STI prevention program rooted in behavior stage theory.
- Provide referrals for HIV/HCV/STI testing and counseling.
- Provide referrals for PrEP and PEP medication, as well as other services and benefits as applicable.
- Follow up on all referrals.
- Continuously review and assess the demand for services among the targeted population and consult with Program Supervisor about adjusting programming as needed.
- Maintain client charts and ensure consistency with agency policies in all aspects of the annual workplan.
- Conduct 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.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelors Degree in education, health, human services or related field with experience in outreach, HIV or STI counseling and prevention.
- Or, an Associates Degree with two years of experience in peer education, HIV/HCV/STI counseling and/or disease prevention will be considered.
- Or, a High School Diploma with four years of experience in peer education, HIV/HCV/STI counseling and/or disease prevention will be considered.
- Minimum of one year experience working with the target population. Knowledge of HIV/HCV/STIs and HCV, harm reduction, mental health or community resources.
Requirements
- 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 Hudson Valley Community Services (HVCS).
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to lift and/or move up to 10 lbs. Must be capable of standing for long periods of time, and able to climb steps, balance, kneel, crouch or crawl to complete his/her duties. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform his/her essential job duties.
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