PrEP Navigation and Engagement Specialist

APLA Health; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

APLA Health in Los Angeles is seeking a PrEP Navigation and Engagement Specialist to increase PrEP uptake, retention, and HIV prevention services through intensive patient navigation and community outreach. You will support PrEP initiation, PEP-to-PrEP transitions, and ongoing retention, while also conducting targeted outreach to identify at-risk individuals and link them to PrEP and PEP services.

The role requires coordinating with clinics, assisting with insurance and patient assistance

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a human services related field or 3 years HIV/health education experience.
• Knowledge of PrEP/PEP, HIV prevention continuum.
• Familiarity with harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and data collection.
• Ability to engage diverse communities with cultural sensitivity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a PrEP Navigator from initial interest to initiation and retention.
• Link clients to same-day PrEP programs and clinical providers.
• Support PEP-to-PrEP transition with follow-up and navigation.
• Provide PrEP education using motivational interviewing and harm reduction.
• Assist with appointment scheduling, reminders, and re-engagement.
• Navigate insurance, meds access, and patient assistance programs.
• Maintain confidential, accurate data entry and reporting.
• Engage in outreach activities and community education for PrEP uptake.

Skills

Motivational interviewing

Harm reduction

Outreach strategies

Data collection

Confidentiality

Cultural competence

Education

Associate’s degree in human services related field

High School/GED equivalent with HIV/health education experience

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:The PrEP Navigation and Engagement Specialist is responsible for increasing PrEP uptake, retention, and continuity of HIV prevention services through intensive patient navigation and targeted community engagement. This role is primarily navigation-focused, supporting individuals through the PrEP continuum of care, including linkage to PrEP Express, follow-up, retention support, and conversion from PEP to PrEP. The remaining portion of this role focuses on outreach and community engagement, with the goal of identifying individuals at risk for HIV and engaging them in PrEP services.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:PrEP Navigation & EngagementServe as a PrEP Navigator, providing individualized support to clients from initial interest through PrEP initiation, follow-up, and ongoing retention.Actively link clients to PrEP services, including, same-day or rapid-start PrEP programs, and clinical providers as appropriate.Provide PEP-to-PrEP transition support, including follow-up with individuals initiated on PEP and navigation into PrEP services upon PEP completion.Conduct PrEP education and counseling using motivational interviewing and harm reduction approaches to support informed decision-making.Support clients with appointment scheduling, reminders, follow-up contacts, and re-engagement for missed visits.Assist clients in navigating insurance, benefits, medication access, and patient assistance programs related to PrEP.Track client progress along the PrEP continuum and ensure accurate, timely data entry and reporting.Maintain strict confidentiality and provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services.Outreach & Community EngagementConduct targeted community outreach and engagement activities focused on identifying individuals at risk for HIV and linking them to PrEP and PEP services.Assist in the development and implementation of a community engagement plan aligned with PrEP uptake and retention goals.Participate in 2–4 outreach activities per month, prioritizing venues and strategies that directly support PrEP enrollment.Assist in the development and dissemination of social marketing and educational materials related to PrEP and HIV prevention.Attend community meetings, forums, and events as needed to represent prevention services and build partnerships.OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS.REQUIREMENTS:REQUIREMENTS:Associate’s degree in a human services related field and 1-year experience working in HIV/health education OR High School/GED equivalent and three years’ experience working in HIV/health education.Knowledge of:PrEP and PEPHIV and STD prevention, health disparities, and the HIV prevention continuumHarm reduction theory and behavior change modelsMotivational interviewing techniquesHuman sexuality, substance use, and sexual healthOutreach strategies and community engagementData collection, reporting, and basic data managementHealth and social concerns of populations disproportionately impacted by HIV, including MSM and other priority populationsPrinciples of social marketing and community-based preventionAbility to:Work independently and manage a navigation-heavy caseloadEffectively engage and support clients through ongoing follow-up and retention effortsWork collaboratively with diverse staff, providers, and community partnersEngage individuals with sensitivity to social inequities and cultural differencesMaintain confidentiality and professional boundariesMeet frequent and sometimes competing deadlines in a fast-paced environmentBuild trust with community members and clientsWORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.WORK LOCATION FLEXIBILITY: APLA Health is a multi-site organization committed to meeting the needs of our patients, clients and communities. Although an employee may be hired specifically to work at one or more designated APLA Health sites, they may be required, on a temporary or emergency basis, to perform work at any APLA Health location based on operational, business, or patient care needs. Reasonable notice will be provided whenever practicable; however, an employee is expected to maintain the flexibility to report to alternate work locations as assigned.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:Must possess a valid California driver’s license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes. Must be flexible with schedule to accommodate working some evening and weekends for outreach purposes.COVID vaccination is required and APLA Health will consider accommodations for disability- and religious-based reasons.An Equal Opportunity Employer.