Outreach & Linkage Specialist

Classification: Temporary to Regular, Part-time to Full-time
Location: Office in Oakland, California (with local outreach)
Reports to: Program Manager
Salary: Competitive, depends on experience
Posting date: December 21, 2012
Application deadline: Open until filled
Number of positions currently available: 1-3 within classifications listed above
Note: Hire(s) for this position are time-sensitive and applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as close to the posting date as possible.

Description
Outreach & Linkage Specialist will participate in Oakland WOW! (Women Outreaching to Other Women), Bay Area Network for Positive Health (BANPH), Get Real (Real Empowerment And Life), and/or similar outreach projects of WORLD. This is a position that assists in finding individuals at high risk for HIV and assisting them to access testing through available networks of care. Additionally, Specialist refers individuals out of care to a full spectrum of screening and care services with particular attention to mental health and substance/recovery needs. Conducts street-level outreach, venue-based outreach, and direct outreach to high-risk black and Latina females who have sex with men and transgender male to female individuals for HIV testing, partner services, and for those women who test HIV positive provide linkage to care. Outreach & Linkage Specialist is a part of the WORLD staff and works collaboratively with other WORLD staff and other community resources. Outreach & Linkage Specialist will interview and assess individuals who need services such as food, shelter, domestic violence counseling, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and case management. Specialist will enhance agency visibility in the local community in order to obtain referrals and self-referrals of women who test HIV positive. Specialist will also have direct communication as needed with clinics and other outside agencies referring women to WORLD. Due to responsibilities associated with this position, Specialist must be a licensed and insured driver with a clean driving record who is willing and able to use personal vehicle daily for work-related duties. The Program Manager will supervise the Outreach and Linkage Specialist.

Minimum Qualifications
1. Solid experience conducting outreach (street-level, venue-based, direct outreach, etc.)
2. Experience working in human service provision at community agencies, healthcare settings, or related environments
3. Solid quantitative skills and English-language skills necessary to track, document, and monitor outreach efforts and client contact, and report regularly to supervisor verbally and in writing
4. Strong and positive communications skills for use with supervisor, staff and clients
5. Team player, self-motivated, able to work independently as well as on a team
6. Solid knowledge base as related to HIV/AIDS issues
7. Familiarity with service options available to support and empower women living with HIV/AIDS
8. Experience and proficiency with computer programs (including but not limited to Microsoft Word and Excel, and other programs in the Microsoft Office Suite), typing, phones, internet, and other administrative tasks
9. Current driver’s license, working automobile, current auto insurance, and clean driving record
10. High school diploma or equivalent
11. Ability to successfully clear health screenings and background checks
12. Ability to work legally in the United States
13. Clear written and verbal communication in English required, additional language skills a plus
14. Knowledge of harm reduction, healthy coping, and steps for networking with providers preferred
15. Knowledge of criminal justice, substance abuse, mental health preferred

Duties and Responsibilities
1. Conduct outreach in various settings and to diverse populations in Alameda County, and other local areas
2. Provide transportation to clients
3. Refer clients to WORLD’s Peer Advocate Program and local health care providers
4. Help clients access services by providing referrals, accompanying to appointments, and engaging with providers
5. Provide non-directive information to clients about HIV, treatments, stress reduction and self-care strategies
6. Remind clients of medical and other supportive appointments, and follow-up after appointments
7. Provide support and referrals for dealing with difficult issues (disclosure, adherence, parenting, relationships, pregnancy and HIV, substance use)
8. Advocate for consumers by bringing concerns to attention of providers
9. Complete written documentation in a timely and efficient manner
10. Work daytime and/or evening hours as assigned
11. Other duties as assigned

Application Procedure
Mail resume and cover letter to both Sylvia Young, WORLD, 449-15th St., Suite 303, Oakland, CA 94612, or email to syoung@womenhiv.org and jmorrish@womenhiv.org with the title “Outreach & Linkage Specialist” in the subject line of your email. Questions can be emailed to syoung@womenhiv.org. No phone calls please.