Supportive Services Specialist

AIDS Center of Queens County, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The AIDS Center of Queens County, Inc. seeks a full-time Supportive Services Specialist to provide syringe exchange and HIV/HCV testing across Queens. You will link clients to medical and social services, conduct testing and counseling, and educate on harm reduction while maintaining documentation.

This role supports vulnerable populations, requires flexibility for some evenings and holidays, and offers comprehensive benefits. Two sites: Richmond Hill and Woodside, NY.

Qualifications

• Experience in health education and disease prevention.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne pathogens, drug use, and mental health.
• Ability to relate to active drug users respectfully and without judgment.
• Willingness to work some evenings and occasional holiday hours.
• Current NYS driver’s license (preferred) in good standing.
• Culturally competent and able to work with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.

Responsibilities

• Provide and document syringe exchange transactions during SEP hours at various sites.
• Link clients to medical, behavioral health, harm reduction, and supportive services.
• Assess the needs of participants, refer, advocate, and coordinate as needed.
• Present harm reduction information (safer shooting techniques, overdose prevention, and vein care) with injectors in various settings.
• Provide rapid HIV/HCV testing at syringe exchange sites (including mobile units) during all SEP hours.
• Conduct pre- and post-test counseling.
• Maintain HIV/HCV testing supplies and logs.
• Conduct confirmatory tests for preliminary positives.
• Conduct overdose prevention training and Naloxone distribution.
• Maintain a friendly, welcoming atmosphere at syringe exchange locations, including mediation when needed.
• Complete all required program and agency documentation.
• Schedule timely disposal of syringes.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Harm Reduction Supportive Services Program Coordinator and/or the Director of Harm Reduction.

Skills

Health education

Disease prevention

HIV/AIDS knowledge

Cultural competency

Non-judgmental communication

Driver's license

Job description

Company Overview

Since 1986, the AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC) has grown to become the largest provider of HIV/AIDS services in the borough of Queens, serving over 10,000 clients and 30,000 community residents across three sites. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other chronic conditions. We are committed to providing comprehensive healthcare and social support services at no cost to our clients.

Position Summary

The Supportive Services Specialist will provide syringe exchange, HIV and HCV testing services throughout the borough of Queens.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide and document syringe exchange transactions during SEP hours at various sites.
• Link clients to medical, behavioral health, harm reduction, and supportive services
• Assess the needs of participants, refer, advocate, and coordinate as needed.
• Present and discuss harm reduction information (including safer shooting techniques, overdose prevention, and vein care) with injectors in various settings.
• Provide rapid HIV/HCV/SYPH testing at Syringe Exchange sites (including mobile unit-based) during all syringe exchange hours
• Conduct pre- and post-test counseling
• Maintain HIV/HCV/SYPH testing supplies and logs
• Conduct confirmatory test for those with a preliminary positive result
• Conduct overdose prevention training and Naloxone distribution.
• Maintain a friendly, welcoming atmosphere at syringe exchange location, including mediation and conflict resolution between clients, if necessary.
• Complete all required program and agency documentation.
• Schedule timely disposal of syringes.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Harm Reduction Supportive Services Program Coordinator and/or the Director of Harm Reduction.

Qualifications Required

• Experience in health education and disease prevention.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne pathogens, drug use, and mental health.
• Ability to relate to active drug users respectfully and without judgment of their choices.
• Willingness to work some evenings and occasional holiday hours.
• Current NYS driver’s license (preferred) in good standing.
• Must be culturally competent and able to work with individuals from non-traditional backgrounds in terms of gender identity and sexuality. Must be able to convey sensitivity in a non-judgmental manner.

The Supportive Services Specialist position is a full-time, non-exempt position, based at two sites: Richmond Hill, Queens, and Woodside, Queens.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by engaging with vulnerable populations, promoting health education, and connecting individuals to essential services. ACQC offers rewarding work in a collegial environment, and comprehensive benefits, which include medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and commuter benefits.

ACQC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.