Community Health Worker-HIV Test Counselor

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Contractual Professional Springfield, IL, US

Purpose: The Community Health Worker (CHW)-HIV Test Counselor serves as a trained community member to provide trust-based health information and education, help participants cope with and overcome fear by walking participants through HIV and STI testing process, and by helping participants understand how to prevent HIV and STIs with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), doxyPEP, condoms, lube, dental dams and other prevention tools.

The CHW will also connect participants with referrals and navigation for housing, employment, health insurance, primary care, and others as identified by participants. These duties will be conducted during night reach mobile services and weekend events. The CHW will work closely with the Infectious & Chronic Disease Program Manager and the Director of Health Initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities-include the following:
These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Recruitment and Engagement:
  Identify, engage, and maintain meaningful relationships with Black & Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) through targeted outreach and participation in community-based events including those who do sex work, are unhoused, and/or struggle with substance use disorder.
• Night reach Program Participation:
  Actively participate in the League’s Night reach Program, conducting nighttime outreach in high-priority areas across Central Illinois. This includes providing HIV education, distributing prevention materials, and offering direct linkage to testing and care resources.
• Regional Tours:
  Support outreach and engagement efforts during Central Illinois tours, which may involve travel between counties to reach high-risk populations.
• Collaboration:
  
  Attend coordination meetings with the Infectious & Chronic Disease Program Manager and Director of Health Initiatives to review engagement strategies, outreach outcomes, and emerging community needs.
• Testing and Counseling:
  Facilitate access to confidential HIV, hepatitis C, and other STI testing, pre- and post-test counseling, and linkage to confirmatory services.
• Navigation and Linkage:
  Connect individuals living with or at risk for HIV, hepatitis C, and other STIs to appropriate healthcare providers, clinics, and social service agencies.
• Support and Advocacy:
  Offer peer support and advocacy for individuals impacted by HIV, reducing stigma and improving quality of life.
• Documentation:
  Collect and report data on engagement, outcomes, and barriers identified during outreach activities.
• Represent the Springfield Urban League at events, maintaining professionalism and community engagement standards.
• Perform related duties and administrative tasks as assigned.

Desired skills:

• A high school diploma or GED is required for this position.
• Strong communication skills are essential. Demonstrated ability to conduct sensitive, empathetic interviews and conversations that highly respect the dignity and diversity of participants.
• Ability to maintain participant records and information in an accurate, timely and confidential manner. Basic computer skills required.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups and stakeholders.

Working Conditions:

• Must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance as required by the State of Illinois.