Description

Title: HIV and Hepatitis C Test Counselor

Department: Pride Center of Staten Island

Reports To: HIV Prevention Project Manager

Location: 66 Willow Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303

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 provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities – people with low or no income, low-income people with chronic illnesses, people with criminal justice involvement, people who use drugs, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Pride Center of Staten Island is Staten Island’s LGBTQ Community Center. The Pride Center provides a variety of social supports and services to the LGBTQ and allied community. The HIV & Hep C (HCV) Testing Counselor is part of the HIV Prevention Team that functions out of the Pride Center of Staten Island. The program works to engage primarily young men of color who have sex, in a variety of services geared toward preventing the spread of HIV. The HIV & Hep C Testing Counselor will assist in conducting outreach through various community initiatives and educational activities. The HIV & Hep C Testing Counselor will provide culturally competent and confidential HIV antibody counseling and testing.

The HIV & Hep C Testing Counselor will provide harm reduction counseling, HIV prevention education, and referrals to clients accessing HIV testing to any needed resources. The HIV & Hep C Testing Counselor will perform HIV risk assessments in addition to Hep C risk assessments, disclosure of HIV testing results and Hep C testing results, and enhanced risk assessments to individuals who test for HIV and Hep C. The HIV and Hep C Testing Counselor will assist in enrollment of HIV Navigation Services (HNS) to provide linkage and navigation for program participants.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct social media outreach on various websites/dating apps and maintain accurate documentation 
• Provide program enrollment with the required number of clients annually through HIV Navigation Services
• Provide linkage and navigation services for all participants who need assistance with referrals such as HIV Counseling Testing (CTR), STI CTR, PrEP/PEP, and other services 
• Educate community members about how HIV is transmitted and strategies to lessen risks of acquiring or transmitting at various testing events/trainings
• Conduct one on one and group HIV prevention education and counseling sessions
• Conduct rapid HIV and HCV counseling and testing services; for those clients who test preliminary HIV , conduct confirmatory testing which involves a blood-stick (training in HIV counseling and testing is provided), and connect clients to HIV care/ care coordination.
• Educate clients in need about medical interventions to assist maintenance of an HIV- negative status (PEP and PrEP medications)
• As needed, help clients navigate medical insurance and care systems to facilitate clients’ access to medical care (PEP, PrEP, or primary medical care) and advocate in this regard; provide referral and escort to these services as needed
• Refer clients to essential support services such as testing/treatment for STIs, substance abuse and mental health services, benefits, etc. Follow up on all referrals made and document clients’ access to these services.
• Attend regular supervision, staff meetings, educational seminars, and other meetings as assigned
• Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI and the Pride Center’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 1 year of experience with community outreach, HIV/STI prevention work / health education, and/or other related field preferred
• High school diploma or equivalency required; some college or bachelor’s degree preferred
• Ability to relate with and successfully engage the target population is essential
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• HIV and/or HCV testing certification preferred
• Computer literate in word processing, email, and ability to navigate the Internet, social media, and mobile apps required
• Effective communication skills, including ability to follow instructions, listen, communicate effectively in writing and verbally; able to organize thoughts logically and explain themselves clearly. Able to comfortably talk to diverse groups of people about sexual health 

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.