RAIN - Support Navigator

AGENCY AREA: Program Staff

REPORTS TO: Director of Outreach (with Research Project Manager as a task supervisor)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Support Specialist reports to Director of Outreach and the task supervisor. The Support Specialist is responsible for supporting outreach, education, testing, and engagement efforts aimed at improving health outcomes for communities disproportionately impacted by HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis C., also client recruitment and retention and social media for the Adelante project and its activities. This role works collaboratively with internal staff, community partners, and research teams to provide culturally responsive services, facilitate education and support groups, assist with research activities, and promote organizational programming. This position requires bilingual fluency in English and Spanish to effectively serve diverse communities and conduct interviews, outreach, and counseling.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Navigator will work under the supervision and administrative guidance of the task supervisor and the Director of Outreach while carrying out the following responsibilities:

• Outreach: Participate in community outreach and recruitment including implementing outreach strategies, collaborating with community partners, and assisting with social media strategies.
• Group support and education: Assist with organizing and facilitating group educational programming and support groups.
• Coordinate and conduct research interviews in Spanish or/and English.
• Work collaboratively with outreach staff and RAIN staff.
• Assist with implementation of trainings on LGBTQ+-related topics for community groups.
• Provide HIV/STI/Hepatitis C testing and counseling providing results to clients in the community in a timely manner.
• Participate in related training on topics such as peer outreach, motivational enhancement, case management, and HIV and gender affirming medical care.
• Assist with facilitation of peer networks serving Latine individuals in NC and SC.
• Conduct social networking strategy among MSM of color social groups and online through social media as Grindr, Tinder, Jack'd etc. and identify individuals at risk for HIV and STD infection or transmission.
• Document all activities provided as required by the program funder and RAIN.
• Attending and assist with RAIN outreach events and promote related RAIN programming.
• Working knowledge of and adherence to HIPAA regulations, attend all required training courses and maintain confidentiality of client's records, situations and information.

• Meet all programmatic and third-party deadlines; maintaining and providing all billing records, reports, daily and monthly work records, time sheets, surveys, requests and tracked mileage when due and in approved format.
• Work effectively with other community service providers to ensure optimal quality of services offered to participants and to develop new resources to meet the needs of the participant; always maintaining the highest level of professionalism and cooperation with other service providers.

• Participate in continuous quality improvement for the department and the agency.
• Willingness to utilize personal networks and social media to recruit and retain.
• Conduct outreach on traditional and non-traditional hours as scheduled
• Provide navigation and other support services to individuals including but not limited to essential support services, PrEP, testing, and other referral services
• Learn and utilize the SBIRT model

MINOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in training, conferences, supervision, agency and inter-disciplinary meetings and required agency functions

• Must be willing to be trained/certified as a Certified Application Counselor for the ACA
• Oversee safekeeping of gathered research and client information as directed by HIPAA, RAIN and the research teams
• Must be timely and prepared to work during traditional and non-traditional scheduled hours
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or leadership team
• Working knowledge of and adherence to HIPAA regulations, attending all required training courses and maintaining confidentiality of client's records, personal situations and information

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma
• Bachelor's degree in human services or two years' work experience in direct HIV work
• Must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation and auto insurance coverage
• Living with HIV and successfully virally suppressed preferred
• Knowledge of HIV and other STI's

• Ability to comfortably and professionally build, maintain and navigate working relationships across the agency and within the community including but not limited to clients and their families, staff colleagues, volunteers, third party providers, universities, donors and members of the Board of Directors

• Public speaking, training and strong interpersonal communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and willingness to train others
• Self-starter; able to work with limited supervision with skills in creative thinking and problem solving
• Ability to demonstrate cultural competency and understanding of the structural barriers impacting health outcomes
• Knowledge of and expected willingness to remain current on LGBTQ+ cultural issues
• Bilingual Required

• Experience and comfort with technology and social media platforms
• Experience in using a computer with proficiency in Word, Excel with an aptitude and willingness to learn other job specific programs
• Phlebotomy Certified (or willingness to get certified at RAIN's expense)

KEY COMPENTENCIES:

• Passing score on HIPAA regulations training, understanding of confidentiality and expected willingness to always maintain these standards
• Be familiar with community resources
• Be able to build rapport and relationships quickly with a variety of people including clients, therapists, medical care providers, and other service providers
• Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills in real world settings
• Ability to demonstrate cultural competency and understanding of the structural barriers impacting health outcomes
• Ability to recognize and maintain personal and professional boundaries as well as practice regular self-care

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this job classification. They are not to be construed as an all-inclusive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities of people assigned.

RAIN's policy is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, disability or veteran status.