Peer Navigator - Milwaukee

Diverse and Resilient, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Diverse & Resilient, Inc. in Milwaukee seeks a Peer Navigator to assist people living with HIV in accessing and staying engaged in medical care, addressing barriers, and achieving personal health goals through individualized support, education, advocacy, and care coordination.

The role involves community outreach, HIV education, stigma reduction, collaboration with healthcare providers, documentation in CAREWare, and assisting with transportation and referrals while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Lived HIV experience or experience helping people navigate HIV care.
• Understanding of needs of communities disproportionately affected by HIV.
• Experience in HIV services, healthcare navigation, or related human services preferred.
• Strong interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Onsite work in Milwaukee with occasional travel in Southeast Wisconsin.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations and healthcare partners.
• Provide individualized navigation to access care, insurance, medications, and resources.
• Educate participants about HIV care, adherence, and engagement.
• Identify and address barriers to care and engagement.
• Accompany participants to appointments and support communication with providers.
• Develop participant-centered goals and strategies for adherence and attendance.
• Coordinate with providers, case managers, and other professionals to avoid duplication of services.
• Maintain accurate documentation in CAREWare and other systems.
• Connect participants with housing, mental health, and social services as needed.
• Assist with transportation arrangements for appointments and services.
• Provide HIV education and facilitate educational activities.
• Participate in trainings and program meetings.
• Support stigma reduction activities and community education.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Active listening

Relationship-building

Cultural responsiveness

Bilingual English/Spanish

CAREWare

Tools

CAREWare

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Peer Navigator supports people living with HIV in accessing and remaining engaged in medical care, addressing barriers to services, and achieving their personal health goals. Through individualized support, education, advocacy, and care coordination, the Peer Navigator helps participants navigate healthcare systems, strengthen self-advocacy skills, and improve health outcomes.

The position also supports community engagement, HIV education, and stigma reduction efforts in alignment with Diverse & Resilient's mission.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to Peer Navigation Program Manager and the Director of Community Programs

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, public health professionals, and other partners to support participant engagement and access to HIV care.
• Engage people living with HIV and provide individualized navigation services that support access to healthcare, insurance coverage, medication assistance programs, and other resources.
• Educate participants about HIV care, medication adherence, viral suppression, and the benefits of ongoing engagement in medical services.
• Support participants in identifying and addressing barriers to accessing and remaining engaged in HIV care.
• Accompany participants to healthcare appointments when appropriate and support effective communication between participants and their providers.
• Work collaboratively with participants to develop individualized goals and strategies that support medication adherence, appointment attendance, and overall health and well-being.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, case managers, and other service professionals to ensure participant-centered services and minimize duplication of care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of participant interactions, services, and outcomes in CAREWare and other required systems.
• Connect participants with medical, mental health, housing, social services, and other community resources as needed.
• Assist participants with transportation arrangements and access to healthcare appointments and related services.
• Provide HIV education and facilitate individual or group educational activities as appropriate.
• Participate in required trainings, professional development opportunities, and program meetings.
• Support HIV stigma reduction activities and community education initiatives.
• Contribute to program goals, service delivery expectations, quality improvement activities, and grant deliverables.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and comply with applicable privacy requirements, including HIPAA.
• Collaborate with other Diverse & Resilient staff and support organizational programming, outreach, and community events as needed.

SPECIALIZED KNOW-HOW & REQUIREMENTS

• Experience living with or being impacted by HIV, or experience supporting individuals navigating HIV care and healthcare systems. Lived experience is strongly valued.
• Understanding of the experiences and needs of communities disproportionately impacted by HIV, including LGBTQ+ communities and communities of color.
• Experience working or volunteering in HIV services, healthcare navigation, community outreach, or related human services preferred.
• Strong interpersonal communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to establish trust and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants.
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Commitment to confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, and participant-centered services.
• Ability to work primarily onsite in Milwaukee, with occasional travel throughout Southeast Wisconsin and flexibility based on program needs.
• Reliable transportation to meet position responsibilities.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred, but not required.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and general computer use.
• Ability to learn and use electronic documentation systems, including CAREWare and other organizational software.
• Ability to maintain accurate electronic records and complete required reporting.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform essential job functions in office and community-based settings, with reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, colleagues, and community partners.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and technology necessary to perform job responsibilities.
• Occasional movement of materials and supplies associated with program activities.

If you have any questions, please contact Tou Fong Lee: [e-mail].