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Program: Action Front Center

Position: Health Educator / Test Counselor (2 Positions)

Hours: 37.5 /52 wks.

Salary Range: $39,094 – $53,364

Salary Grade: 9

Summary of Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Action Front Center’s High Impact Prevention Program Coordinator, the Health Educator/Test Counselor provides leadership, builds community support, and increases awareness of efforts being implemented, in addressing the HIV epidemic and its related impacts; and in helping to reduce barriers to positive behavioral changes, The Health Educator/Test Counselor works in a team setting, and plays a key role in coordinating and delivering the Depts. [living with HIV.

Additional duties for the Health Educator/Test Counselor include: outreach/recruitment; consumer intake, screening & risk assessments; service planning & coordination; linkage & navigation/info & referral; follow-up services to assure access to services/treatment; evaluations; develops, coordinates, and conducts individual and group educational/informational sessions, training and related special events; conducts rapid HIV testing; pre/post counseling; maintains test labs, equipment & protocols; and monitors compliance/adherence to established policies and protocols, (i.e. ABC, AIDS Institute, DOH, HIPAA, etc.).

In addition, Health Educator/Test Counselor maintains and secures assigned data base systems and records. This position conducts input; maintains consumer and program documentation, both paper and electronic and related data; coordinates and analyzes data for use in reporting and presenting on program progress; completes and submits required reports, log sheets, and other statistical information that confirms outcomes; assist in monitoring adherence to contractual obligations, policies, and procedures; and assist in preparing for program/file audits and site visits.

Qualifications and Education and Experience:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required, in Human Services, Health Science/Community Health, Social Work, Counseling, or related discipline. An equivalent combination of education (Associate’s Degree required); related experience and/or specialized certifications that indicate the ability to successfully perform the duties of the position, will be considered.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience is required in health care/community education, public health, human services, or comparable setting, preferably in a not for profit/community-based organization. A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in HIV counseling, testing, education, and service coordination, is required. Volunteer recruitment, training, and management experience is a plus. Requires the demonstrated ability to maintain professional boundaries; and the ability to comply with confidentiality policies, standards, and laws. Must have sensitivity to the needs, norms, values, and cultural beliefs, associated with HIV status and treatment.

+ Must possess strong organizational, planning, and task/project management skills. Requires strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, and attentiveness to details. Must have good time-management skills; and be able to handle multiple tasks and priorities, with fixed deadlines. Requires flexibility and ability to work in a fast-paced environment; and availability for possible evenings/weekend assignments.

+ Requires a strong knowledge of HIV/STI/HCV issues including consumer/community needs, treatment adherence barriers, related statistical data, testing technology, prevention & intervention strategies, and trends & advancements in care. Must have a demonstrated knowledge of approved laboratory quality assurance protocol for handling and transporting of specimens; and knowledge of procedures for delivering test results. Must be knowledgeable of strategies for initiating linkages to treatment/medical care and partner services. Requires experience working with priority populations who are at high–risk and/or living with HIV/HCV/STI, as well as family members/caregivers.

+ Requires strong knowledge of recommended implementation guidelines for testing services, and key updates that impact HIV/HCV/STI testing delivery in non-clinical settings. This includes targeted recruitment for HIV/HCV/STI testing; advances in HIV/HCV/STI testing technologies & equipment; current protocols for HIV/HCV/STI testing and counseling; and service inclusion guidelines.

+ Requires a knowledge of successful health care provisions; related health disparities; advocacy efforts; and familiarity with related areas/topics/obstacles, etc. (i.e., epidemiology, accessibility to treatment, health related issues, etc.).

+ Requires strong communication skills, both verbal and written; strongly prefer experience developing, preparing, and disseminating informational announcements, educational materials, directives, marketing information, etc. and related communications, to increase awareness, encourage testing, and treatment. Some knowledge and proficiency in social media management vehicles, as well as traditional informational platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tik Tok, Magazines, and LinkedIn), is a plus.

+ Must have strong interpersonal and customer service/relations skills; and experience working with individuals/groups from diverse backgrounds, organizational levels, in a variety of settings. Requires experience and commitment to developing consumer voice; dispelling myths regarding testing/treatment; and increased accessibility to services. Requires the ability to engage people from impacted populations in special events, coalitions, focus groups, and program activities to encourage testing and treatment. Prefer some experience coordinating and leading teams, individuals, and organizations in collaborative initiatives and events, both internal and external.

+ Must have strong public speaking and presentation skills; and experience implementing effective outreach, recruitment, and program engagement strategies. Requires demonstrated experience coordinating successful consumer/community engagement, educational, and testing activities; and initiatives to increase awareness and treatment.

+ Must have experience coordinating special events, convening supplemental/ public meetings, forums, and consumer/public awareness/testing activities.

+ Must have knowledge of local, state, and national public policy issues, and laws pertaining to HIV testing and counseling. Knowledge of NYS DOH, NYS Aids Institute, HIPAA, and NYS HIV confidentiality laws, policies and procedures is required.

+ Familiarity with the Greater Rochester area, with particular a knowledge of health organizations, health-care benefits and delivery systems is strongly preferred. Requires the ability to develop effective working relationships at various organizational levels and multiple sectors and segments of the community, both public and private. Must be able to develop positive partnerships and collaborations with Agency affiliates, and the public.

+ Experience working on fund and resource development initiatives and strategies is strongly preferred. The ability to identify and research funding opportunities; and assist in developing grant proposals for funding and program resources is a plus.

+ Requires proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications: Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, and Outlook. Must have experience managing data base systems and data entry; experience in maintaining electronic & paper records and file systems; preparing reports, forms, spreadsheets, and related communications

+ Bi-lingual capabilities - English and Spanish preferred.

+ Requires the physical health and physical capability to work in an office setting as well as in the field.

+ Requires a valid NYS Driver’s License, and access to reliable transportation.

Valid NYS motor vehicle license, safe driving record, and reliable insured personal vehicle for use at work is required daily.