BROCKTON AREA MULTI-SERVICES, INC

Prevention & Wellness Health Navigator (PWHN)             Hourly Rate: $26/hour

Location: Case Management Program/COPE Center          Hours: 40 per week (Flexible)

Supervised By: Director of Harm Reduction Services

General Statement of Duties: The Prevention & Wellness Health Navigator (PWHN) will join a dynamic team performing outreach across the South Shore of Massachusetts to LGBTQIA+ individuals—with a specific focus on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. The PWHN will have a strong focus, along with the Trans Health Navigator and BAMSI Case Management Services, on providing prevention, education, and health access services for individuals who identify as gay, bisexual, and/or Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)--with a specific commitment to reaching persons who identify as Black, Latinx, and are at high risk for HIV and/or use drugs. The PWHN will also provide, at minimum, risk reduction counseling and education along with appropriate routine screenings for HIV/HCV/STI and substance use disorder (SUD) services. The PWHN will also facilitate and support referrals to social services, community groups, primary care, SUD treatment, behavioral health services, and biomedical interventions such as PrEP and PEP. Lived experience with these target populations and the resources being offered is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities:

1. Conduct outreach and recruitment activities with target populations in prevention, screening, and treatment. Activities will include, but not be limited to: Geolocation Apps including Grindr and Scruff; social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok; bar/club outreach (as available); LGBTQIA+ Pride Festivals and other community events; and informing area providers of program services.

2. Perform health navigation services for those in need, including supported referrals to address the full spectrum of patient needs and providing appointment accompaniment. Ensure linkage to medical care, behavioral health treatment, SUD services, PrEP, nPEP, disease intervention specialists, and other needed services.

3. Work with the Senior Director of HIV Services, the Trans Health Navigator, and persons served to develop strategies for outreach, recruitment, and service delivery to reach target populations.

4. Screen, interview and counsel individuals who feel they are at risk for HIV/HCV/STI infection. Provide harm reduction information and strategies for at-risk individuals as well as enrolling clients and bystanders in the Narcan Pilot Program.

5. Collect specimens (via venous blood draw, finger stick, and/or urine specimen) for HIV/HCV/STI tests and send and/or transport specimen as appropriate to the State Laboratory.

6. Collect data and complete required paperwork for monthly reports.

7. Initiate and conduct follow-up activities to assess community and individual-level impact of provided services.

8. Develop, provide, and document appropriate referrals in focused areas for clients in need of services. Provide transportation to clients as needed.

9. Provide and distribute all appropriate materials, such as condoms, bleach, printed material that will increase the target population’s level of awareness and understanding of HIV transmission.

10. Provide transportation to persons served as needed.

11. Facilitate group level interventions and health communications with DPH/OHA approved curriculum as designated by supervisor.

12. Coordinate and maintain strong working relationships with other community-based organizations (CBOs) serving target populations.

13. Attend meetings, conferences and training to expand knowledge of program subject matter (i.e. HIV/HCV/STIs, harm reduction, overdose prevention etc.) and be current on new developments as required by supervisor or designee.

14. Be available for occasional evening and weekend outreach activities

15. Establish and maintain a good rapport and harmonious relationships with staff, clients, and other program-related individuals.

16. Perform duties consistent with agency/program policies and procedures. Execute duties to reflect reasonable safety standards. Universal/standard precautions must be utilized and training obtained in areas that constitute risk.

17. Perform other related work duties as needed or as required by supervisor or designee.

Qualifications:

· To be considered for this position, the applicant must self-identify as or have demonstrated experience with LGBTQIA+ individuals--with a specific focus on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

· AA/AS desired. High School Diploma or GED plus outreach/education experience strongly desired.

· Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Harm Reduction principles and practices; lived experience strongly preferred

· Knowledge of LGBTQIA+ community within program service area

· Demonstrated computer skills and ability to utilize various social media platforms to reach target populations.

· Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills (oral and written) required.

· Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work in a collaborative team and individual setting.

· Approachable personality and open-mindedness required.

· Resident of or familiarity with the Brockton area strongly preferred

· Must have valid driver’s license and own means of transportation