DescriptionPOSITION 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.
QualificationsESSENTIAL 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.
