Health Educator, ATV/ Peer Leadership

Who is Bridging Access to Care, Inc.*_: *_Bridging Access to Care, Inc. (BAC) is a nonprofit, multi-service, community-based behavioral health care organization committed to building healthy communities, one person at a time.

Brooklyn Aids Task Force was the very first HIV/AIDS organization in Brooklyn prioritizing serving persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) since 1986.

In 2012, Brooklyn Aids Task Force changed its name to BAC and successfully made the transition from an AIDS-centered organization to a multi-service community-based healthcare organization. Today, BAC provides mental health and substance use-related social services, comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, and coordinated health care and supportive services to underserved racial and ethnic minority communities in Brooklyn and other parts of New York City.

Bridging Access to Care, Inc. offers a competitive salary package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development. Employees working in our Health Services divisions are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless approved for a legal accommodation. If you need accommodation for any reason, including related to this job requirement, please get in touch with Human Resources.

JOB SUMMARY: The Prevention and Education Health Educator in our Alternative to Violence program will bring health education directly to Brooklyn communities through meaningful engagement, education, and outreach. As a member of the Prevention and Education Team, this role facilitates dynamic group sessions, provides individualized education, and delivers community presentations for diverse populations, including mandated adults, peers, and high school students. The goal is to meet people where they are, provide practical information, and support positive, sustainable changes that promote health and wellness.

A major component of this role as the Health Educator in our Alternative to Violence program is building participation in the Peer Leadership Program. The Health Educator will recruit participants through internal and external outreach, collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop engaging flyers and promotional materials, and host virtual and in-person informational sessions that introduce the program and connect prospective participants with leadership opportunities.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• MINIMUM: High School Diploma/ GED with at least three (2) years’ experience providing services to marginalized communities, including mandated population, communities of color, sex workers, people who use drugs, and undocumented individuals.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, or related field preferred.
• MINIMUM: One (1) year facilitating groups and recruiting members for groups.
• Strong understanding of anger management, sexual health, HIV/STIs, and harm reduction principles.
• Knowledge of and commitment to trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and nonjudgmental engagement.

Travel Requirement: Up to 75% Street Outreach

Schedule requirements: Minimum 3 Saturdays per month and 2 evenings per week

This role has a variable schedule.

Languages of Preference: Bilingual in English and Spanish or another language spoken in Brooklyn communities is a plus.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Engagement & Outreach

• Participate in program outreach events, including evenings and weekends
• Attend community events, health fairs, and collaborate with local CBOs, shelters, and healthcare providers to increase program visibility
• Utilize trauma-informed practices in all interactions to ensure client safety, autonomy, and trust
• Conduct individual and group health education sessions, including for mandated clients
• Facilitate peer leadership 8-week group and teach basic technology skills (e.g., creating email accounts, etc.)
• Support clients in preparing for orientation and accessing program resources
• Distribute MetroCards as needed to reduce barriers to participation
• Maintain accurate records of attendance and client engagement
• Communicate client progress and needs to the broader team to ensure coordinated support

Partnerships & Outreach

• Create linkages and partnerships with other providers to recruit the target population.
• Attend outreach events, health fairs, and tabling opportunities to recruit eligible participants for program enrollment
• Attend monthly outreach meetings and participate in evening or weekend events as necessary.
• Create engaging content for social media platforms to reach the target audience.
• Post at least one piece of content per month and aim for a minimum engagement of five people per post.

Administrative & Reporting

• Maintain and update Outlook and eCR calendars regularly.
• Submit all AIRS data collection forms 24 hours after the service is conducted, or the next business day
• Maintain updated and accurate individual records for all clients via eCR.
• Complete monthly reports and close client charts according to BAC and department standards
• Submit all attendance sheets to the Program Assistant after each scheduled group
• Create, update, and maintain an Excel attendance sheet for all groups and place it in the P-drive so that it is accessible
• Create and keep an updated folder and spreadsheet for all referrals for the program. Keep this accessible in the P-drive. The referral sheet should list contact information, client information, and outcome – date of intake or if lost to contact after 3 attempts (please include those dates)

Collaboration & Community Partnerships

• Create linkages with high schools and other CBOs that serve the population of focus (POF)
• Maintain open communication with referring sources as required on the progress the participant is making in the program
• Maintain and update Outlook and eCR calendars regularly.
• Maintain updated and accurate individual records for all clients via eCR.
• Submit all AIRS data collection forms and attendance sheets to the Program Assistant for data entry
• Complete monthly reports and close client charts according to BAC and department standards.
• Work with the Program Assistant who will send all letters of communication regarding: Intake appointment, and attendance updates to referring sources as requested.

Professional Development & Compliance

• Attend relevant training and conferences about the program and target audience.
• Join community committees, task forces, or networks related to the program and/or target audience.
• Adhere to the business casual dress code.

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned based on program needs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Previous experience delivering evidence-based interventions and group facilitation
• Ability to withstand extended sitting, extended standing, stairs, and extended travel with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must be willing to work weekends, nights, and long/flexible hours as required by the position.
• Outstanding writing and communication skills, including Twitter/Facebook and other multimedia outlets.
• Strong outreach Skills, including creating partnerships,
• Familiar with using EHR systems.
• Effective communication includes writing, speaking, active listening, and presenting.
• Able to respond to evolving community needs, shift priorities, and work evenings/weekends when necessary.
• Works collaboratively and positively with colleagues, supervisors, and external partners to achieve common goals.
• Thinks critically and resourcefully in field-based or unpredictable environments.
• Navigates high-stress situations with composure and a commitment to self-care and client care.

SOFT SKILLS AND CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Trauma-Informed Communication: Uses empathy, active listening, and nonjudgmental language to create safe and empowering interactions for all clients.
• Cultural Humility & Responsiveness: Demonstrates respect for clients’ lived experiences, identities, and cultural practices.
• Workplace Conduct: Approaches all interactions with respect, empathy, and cultural humility; maintains clear boundaries, follows through on commitments, accepts accountability, is consistent and punctual, and upholds ethical standards to support a safe and trustworthy environment for clients and colleagues.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Able to respond to evolving community needs, shift priorities, and work evenings/weekends when necessary.
• Team Player: Works with colleagues, supervisors, and external partners to achieve common goals.
• Problem-Solving: Thinks critically and resourcefully in field-based or unpredictable environments.
• Resilience & Emotional Intelligence: Navigates high-stress situations with composure and a commitment to self-care and client care.
• Strong Communication Skills: Capable of clear, compassionate verbal and written communication, with an ability to engage a wide range of individuals.

Pay: $26.07 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid jury duty
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• providing services to marginalized communities: 2 years (Required)
• facilitating groups sessions: 2 years (Required)
• HIV/STIs Testings: 2 years (Required)
• Anger Management : 2 years (Required)
• Collaboration and Community Partnerships: 2 years (Required)
• Community Outreach : 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Brooklyn, NY 11249 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26