Description

Title: Engagement Specialist (Orthopox/MPV)

Department: Community Access

Reports To: Program Coordinator

Location: 30 Bay Street 4th Floor, 10301

Position Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $37,000-40,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications; excellent benefits package

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI serves the most vulnerable individuals, families, and communities with critical services and programs. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities – the poor and working poor, low-income people with chronic illnesses, persons with criminal justice involvement, substance users, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

To deploy proactive outreach and engagement in communities most at risk for the Orthopox/ Monkeypox Virus (MPV) infection, CHASI will take efforts to help stem the current outbreak and mitigate potential inequities in health care access and outcomes. Engagement Specialists are essential public health workers who are trusted members of the community they serve and are passionate about social justice and supporting their communities. This trusting relationship enables Engagement Specialists to serve as a connector between the community and health/social services to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural humility of service delivery. 

The Engagement Specialists in this program will conduct street outreach activities to navigate eligible community members into relevant services and screen for Orthopox, (MPV/Monkeypox), treatment options. Engagement Specialists will conduct outreach in targeted locations and utilize their knowledge and skills for target population and outreach methods with the objective of offering clients MPV prevention education, testing, and treatment support. This will be done in close partnership with the program’s sub-contractor, the Pride Center of Staten Island. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct outreach, assessment, and linkage to MPV/Orthopox services while conducting street outreach at targeted locations to raise awareness of MPV, including modes of transmission and symptoms, how to reduce exposure, and support eligible community members to access vaccines and provide other informational resources.
• Conduct targeted tabling/canvassing events per week to gain engagement of clients for successful navigation into MPV services. Outreach sessions may be conducted in partnership with community partners and/or other CHASI programs.
• Raise awareness about the virus and local prevention, testing, and care options that are affirming and non-stigmatizing. 
• Utilize screening tool to assess client eligibility for vaccine services. 
• Connect community members to services including vaccination appointments through pre-coordinated vaccination locations.
• Counsel clients to increase their linkage acceptance and readiness.
• Conduct outreach and follow-up activities to ensure linkages are completed via telephone.
• Work collaboratively with community partners to support clients needing urgent engagement.
• Complete internal and external reports detailing programmatic activity as requested for CHASI Sr. Management and/or funders. 
• Attend weekly Partners Forum, utilize information to share with community members while conducting street outreach.
• Attend and track all required MPV trainings.
• Engage community members with the knowledge and understanding of languages, attitudes, and activities that reduce stigma and creative facilitating and inclusive environments. 
• Participate in regular performance review meetings.
• Ensure HIPAA and all confidentiality and data collection requirements are followed.
• Attend department meetings, trainings, and contractor-facilitated provider meetings.
• Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of experience providing community service, customer service, or other experience engaging community members.
• As per funder specifications, candidates must have the ability to support the development of tailored engagement strategies. Identification with or experience working with populations most impacted by MVP are strongly encouraged to apply. 
• Experience working with and/or connection to LGBTQI populations on Staten Island preferred.
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends required.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Effective oral & written communication skills.
• Proficiency with computers and web-based applications, MS Word, and Excel. 
• Strong organizational skills. 
• Ability to adapt to multiple and changing priorities.

Please Note: As a public health organization, Community Health Action of Staten Island is now requiring all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have a qualified medical exemption; if selected for the role you must have at least one dose of the vaccine to begin employment.

CHASI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff. People of color, LGBTQ, women, and people with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.