Community Health Specialist

Description

At DAP Health, we are committed to transforming lives and advancing health equity for all. As a leading nonprofit health care provider, we deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the diverse communities of the Coachella Valley and San Diego County. Our comprehensive services range from primary care to mental health, wellness programs, and beyond, with a focus on those who are most vulnerable. Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate, innovative organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. If you're looking for a dynamic and purpose-driven environment, we invite you to explore the opportunity to contribute to our mission.

Job Summary

The Community Health Specialist provides one-time health education on individual, groups and

community levels and also offers referrals and prevention/education messages and materials.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide HIV, HCV, and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) education services to individuals in community settings reaching individuals at high-risk for infection which includes completing a risk assessment and providing risk reduction education messaging;
• Provide HIV, HCV, and Syphilis testing to clients and instruct self-collection for gonorrhea and chlamydia;
• Collect and process blood (finger-stick and venipuncture) specimens and prepare specimens for laboratory processing;
• Provide HIV and HCV test results to clients;
• Facilitate referrals to medical care, Early Intervention services, PrEP/PEP navigators and other DAP Health or other health clinic services as needed;
• Provide group and community-level health education presentations and speak at events regarding risk-reduction and community health modalities to reduce individual and community risk for HIV, HCV, and other infectious diseases. Locations include schools, alternative youth programs, substance abuse and mental health facilities, homeless care organizations, jails and correctional facilities, and courthouses among others;
• Provide support group facilitation that does not utilize a formalized curriculum or evidence-based intervention and does not require adherence with fidelity to a structured curriculum and evaluation component;
• Provide education to DAP Health staff as appropriate as well as the community on topics regarding health conditions impacting our service area and strategies to engage members of targeted and impacted populations in care;
• Reach out to local schools, community centers, and other entities to expand our education and outreach services;
• Remain well-informed of how to access community resources helping to guide clients through these systems and communicate information in a manner consistent with agency standards;
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of work;
• Keep Electronic Health Record up to date as needed (Epic);
• Establish and maintain positive community relations;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written
• Works a flexible schedule including working some evenings and weekends

Education and Experience

• Valid CA Driver's License with up-to-date auto insurance
• Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross accredited BLS certification
• California Department of Public Health Office of AIDS HIV testing and finger stick certification preferred. If not presented upon hiring, it must be completed upon first available training in the region.
• Partner Services Training certificate. If not presented upon hiring, it must be completed upon first available training in the region.
• State of California Phlebotomy license. If not presented upon hiring, it must be completed upon first available training.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 24 pounds
• Operates in an office setting at times and requires frequent times of sitting, standing, repetitive motion and talking
• Involves contact with patients or patient specimens. Exposure to blood, body fluids, non-intact skin or tissue specimens required
• Services may be provided throughout the Coachella Valley. Community settings may include health fairs, religious institutions, substance abuse treatment facilities, homeless organizations, high schools and colleges, businesses or partner health and social services organizations.