Health Educator I, (A266053-2), 202, HIV Clinic

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Reviews, chooses, and prepares educational material used in health promotion programs through various health educational techniques and outreach at community level for lay persons.
• Weighs and measures participants weekly; takes blood pressure of participants; conducts self-appraisals for each participant every three months.
• Helps persons fill applications for health services and teaches how to access the health care system (Medicaid, Title V, etc).
• Prepares and maintains reduction chart current and submits the same to participant every three months.
• Provides immunization and vaccine for preventable disease promotion.
• Prepares weekly class schedule; prepares monthly report of activities accomplished.
• Maintains close contact with volunteers in case they need forms or other equipment.
• Projects a positive and professional image of intervention division.
• Inputs information into the computer regarding referral information.
• Works with physicians, healthcare providers and community groups on public health services.
• Administer HIV and STI testing for clients in clinic and community settings through rapid testing
  devices or venipuncture.
• Conduct brief risk assessments and assist clients in creating individualized prevention plans based on their test results.
• Collect and process blood (finger-stick and venipuncture) and STI specimens and prepare specimens for laboratory processing following established protocols.
• Ensure proper labeling, handling, and transportation of laboratory specimens according to testing and safety guidelines.
• Provide HIV test results to clients and explain results clearly while ensuring confidentiality and
  sensitivity.
• Provide clear, understandable, current and accurate information to clients, consumers, and
  community members.
• Provide information in a way that demonstrates respect, active listening skills, empathy and patience in a non-judgmental, stigma-free way.
• Provide HIV and STI education services to individuals in community health center/clinic setting and
  community settings reaching individuals at high-risk for HIV infection.
• Provide culturally relevant and culturally appropriate services at adult-themed venues catering to
  gay/bisexual men and other priority populations identified through prevention efforts.
• Identify individuals who know they are HIV-positive but are not in HIV medical care by receiving
  referrals, utilizing organizational information about missed appointments, and conducting outreach at various community organizations and venues.
• Provide crisis and short-term intervention for individuals as needed; ensure that clients requiring
  immediate crisis counseling receives appropriate linkage to licensed professionals.
• Document client encounters, testing results, referrals, outreach activities, and prevention services in program databases and reporting systems according to program requirements.
• Enter and maintain accurate client information and testing data in electronic data systems and ensure documentation is completed within required timelines.
• Maintain organized client files and ensure all documentation complies with program standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Assist with compiling program data for reporting purposes required by the Texas Department of State Health Services and other funding entities.
• Serve as advocate for clients within the community and assist with connecting clients to appropriate services.
• Comply with all program protocols, including those regarding confidentiality of client information.
• Complete continuing education and required trainings as mandated by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Provide assistance with PrEP and PEP navigation to set up appointments, conduct follow-ups, and assist clients with accessing medication assistance programs.
• Assist with outreach events, testing campaigns, and community awareness activities related to HIV /STI prevention.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: 

• Knowledge of principles and practices of health education and outreach.
• Knowledge of chronic disease risk practices and disease prevention and promotion methods.
• Knowledge of health problems and community resources.
• Knowledge of people's behavior or culture according to social-economic status.
• Knowledge of Mexican culture.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, PrEP and PEP, including infected and affected populations, high-risk groups, and a willingness to work with these groups and populations.
• Knowledge of community HIV /AIDS and other resources, including existing social and behavioral health resources and referral agencies.
• Knowledge of specimen collection procedures including finger-stick blood collection and STI specimen handling.
• Knowledge of client confidentiality and client rights according to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with others and to deal tactfully with professional personnel and the public.
• Ability to stimulate and work with local groups to provide leadership and organizational assistance to programs dealing with health issues.
• Ability to understand both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to speak effectively with groups and individuals.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver's License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
• Ability to effectively function as a team member.
• Ability to effectively communicate, connect and collaborate with local, regional and national organizations to achieve the primary goals and objectives of this program.
• Ability to efficiently manage time and multiple responsibilities.
• Capable of administering HIV Rapid Testing devices.
• Basic computer and data entry skills required to accurately document services in program databases and reporting systems.
• Ability to provide culturally competent services to diverse populations and maintain a nonjudgmental approach to client care.
• Phlebotomy training is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 
 Never

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space 
• Warehouse environment

Seldom

• Vehicles

Sometimes

• Outdoor environment

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment
• 
  

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

Sometimes

• Communicable diseases

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Seldom:

• International travel

Sometimes:

• Local travel
• Regional travel
• National travel

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• At least one (1) year of experience in health education, outreach, or community social support.

Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480, two days prior to the scheduled test or interview.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer.           

We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.