Outreach Specialist (50699)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Outreach Specialist is responsible for actively seeking out and engaging individuals living with HIV/AIDS who need housing assistance. This role involves building relationships with community partners, developing, and implementing outreach/education strategies, and providing direct assistance to clients in accessing the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Facilitate individual and group counseling/educational and outreach sessions with people living with HIV/AIDS.
• Educate participants and the community about alcohol and substance use disorder, as well as other factors observed to be correlated with HIV/AIDS transmission.
• Will conduct and outreach to various community-based organizations and agencies that work with people living with HIV/AIDS or at high-risk.
• Take lead on and attend community outreach events; coordinate HOPWA related event participation, including, but not limited to establishing registration, set-up/tear-down, times/dates and other event details.  
• Coordinate learning opportunities for clients by engaging external resources and learning opportunities on their behalf.
• Educate the community about the HOPWA program and its services.
• Screen potential clients for eligibility to participate in the HOPWA program; Provide information about the program and its benefits.
• Assist clients in completing the application process; help them to establish referral and/or medical services with their preferred medical service provider.
• Connect clients with case managers for ongoing support.
• Assist in the development and implementation of new outreach initiatives; Collaborate effectively with program staff to improve outreach strategies.
• Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation, and
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in outreach or social services.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and related issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; bilingual preferred.
•  Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

• Ability to respond as needed to crisis situations in an efficient manner.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be sensitive to populations served.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a successful background check.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health, Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation, or related field is preferred.
• Minimum one (1) year experience working in one or more of the following areas: substance abuse prevention, treatment, health promotion/education, community organizing, or working with people experiencing homelessness and their families.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in the community.
• Some travel is required; and some outdoor activities may be required.
• Some driving is required.

Salary : $25