Outreach Worker

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation Inc.; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health organization in Plainfield, NJ, is looking for an outreach worker to implement and evaluate services directed at substance users. Responsibilities include conducting outreach, providing harm reduction education, and maintaining client records. A Bachelor's degree and two years of experience in HIV/AIDS or a related field are required. Strong communication skills and a commitment to diversity are essential. This role requires travel within the community, so a valid driver's license is necessary.

Qualifications

• Two years experience in HIV/AIDS or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse backgrounds.
• Access to a currently registered car and a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to substance abusers and high-risk communities.
• Provide harm reduction and health education.
• Maintain client case records and ensure confidentiality.

Skills

Work with diverse backgrounds

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HIV/AIDS or related field

Job description

Under the supervision of the Syringe Access Program Manager performs assigned duties relating to the implementation and evaluation of Outreach Services

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct outreach to the substance abusers and high risk communities. These communities include women and men who are IDUs and those who engage in substance use.
• Street Outreach will be conducted in at least teams of two in identified high risk areas.
• Outreach will be provided to service providers in the area to introduce SAP and ARCH services.
• Provide relevant literature to clients and members of the community. Engage IDUs and those who engage in substance use in dialogue pertaining to risk behaviors, harm reduction and testing options for HIV, Hep C, STDs and availability of PrEP. Identify obstacles for the provision of services and assist with referrals.
• Actively seek and identify individuals or groups requiring the agency's services.
• Provide harm reduction and health education.
• Serve as a resource for members of the community who are IDUs and those who engage in substance use already to ensure access to needed care and treatment services.
• Conduct an assessment of need, which includes type of drug use and number of injections daily/weekly.
• Complete and maintain data collection as required.
• Network with community providers and coordinate service delivery.
• Provide education on proper syringe use and disposal/education materials, referrals to drug treatment services, ARCH nurse services and medical and/or mental health services.
• Track number of returned syringes and address barriers with participants.
• Provide syringes and all the other materials needed for safer injection.
• Establish, maintain and update client case records using approved agency forms and procedures. Ensure confidentiality of all records.
• Prepare monthly reports in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

Professional Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in staff meetings and supervisory conferences.
• Maintain working relationships with other community providers.
• Provide written reports and maintain statistics as required.
• Represent the agency at community events, meetings and conferences.
• Attend and participate in staff training opportunities.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Commitment to Hyacinth philosophy
• Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and interests.
• Bachelor's degree plus two years experience in HIV/AIDS or related field. A candidate, who has no degree but seems exceptionally suitable, will be considered if he/she has four additional years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communications.
• Access to currently registered car and a valid driver's license.