Community Health Educator

Title: Community Health Educator

Organization: ALFA (AIDS Leadership Foothills-area Alliance)

Location: Hickory, NC

Reports To: Director of Prevention Services

Job Summary

The Community Health Educator plays a key role in ALFA’s prevention and outreach efforts. This position provides compassionate, nonjudgmental services including rapid testing (HIV, STI, and hepatitis C), risk reduction counseling, harm reduction services, and community education. The Educator will be cross-trained in all prevention activities but will maintain a focus area, such as outreach or testing coordination.

Core Responsibilities

Client Services & Testing

• Provide trauma-informed, client-centered risk reduction counseling.
• Administer rapid testing for HIV, HCV, syphilis, and other STIs at fixed-site and mobile locations.
• Assist with specimen collection and shipping, supply management, and positive STI follow-up and partner notification.
• Ensure accurate documentation and data entry in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Collaborate with staff to meet Counseling, Testing, and Referral (CTR) program goals and quality standards.
• Assist with fixed-site harm reduction services, including distribution of naloxone, condoms, and safer use supplies.

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Plan and implement education and testing events in both traditional and non-traditional settings.
• Represent ALFA at community events, health fairs, and partner meetings.
• Deliver health education presentations tailored to target populations.
• Operate the Mobile Testing Unit and assist in mobile harm reduction services.
• Maintain and grow partnerships with community organizations, venues, and local agencies.
• Support the expansion of ALFA’s condom distribution network.

Program Support & Evaluation

• Assist in implementation of ALFA’s social marketing and prevention campaigns.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of departmental goals and program outcomes.
• Complete required reporting for local, state, and federal funders, including EvaluationWeb and other platforms.
• Track and manage inventory for testing and outreach supplies.
• Maintain compliance with agency policies and privacy standards.

Additional Duties

• Maintain confidentiality and client dignity in all interactions.
• Travel throughout the nine-county service area for home visits and outreach as needed (mileage reimbursement or agency vehicle available).
• Follow all safety protocols when providing services.
• Support ALFA functions, fundraisers and community outreach events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Community Health, Health Education, or related field, OR equivalent combination of education, training, and lived experience.
• Commitment to harm reduction principles and nonjudgmental service delivery.
• Ability to engage with diverse communities, including people who use drugs, LGBTQ individuals, communities of color, and those impacted by stigma and health inequities.
• Strong communication, public speaking, and writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license, vehicle liability insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Completed COVID-19 vaccination series.
• Willingness to obtain rapid testing and Whetstone certifications within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to pass a background check and motor vehicle record review.

Preferred:

• 1–2 years of experience in public health, HIV/STI prevention, or harm reduction work.
• Rapid testing certification (HIV, HCV, syphilis).
• Phlebotomy experience or certification.
• Spanish language proficiency.
• Familiarity with PrEP, PEP, HIV/HCV/STI prevention strategies.
• Experience with social marketing or community health promotion campaigns.

Working Conditions:

• Regular travel throughout the service area required; agency vehicle provided for outreach.
• Evening and occasional weekend work required for outreach and events.
• Ability to lift and carry outreach supplies (up to 25 lbs).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage: $18.27 – $22.12 (commensurate with experience)
• Generous health and dental insurance coverage
• 12 paid holidays PTO/Vacation time
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

This position is non-exempt from overtime compensation.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

ALFA prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law. ALFA is committed in policy, principle, and practice to maintaining an environment which prohibits discriminatory behavior, and provides equal employment opportunity for all persons.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.27 - $22.12 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

• Public Health

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Hickory, NC 28602 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hickory, NC 28602: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $22