Prevention Educator COPE (Plymouth, MA)

40hrs - Schedule: Mon- Fri 8:30a-4:30p

Location: Plymouth, MA

The Prevention Educator at our COPE program will outreach and recruit injection drug users and their sexual and drug using partners, sex workers, sexual and drug using partners of those who are HIV positive, and other individuals with high risk HIV/STI/HCV behaviors using the Harm Reduction Philosophy.The position will also provide risk reduction counseling and recommend appropriate screening services for those recruited, including HIV/STI/HCV screenings & syringe access services. Screen and provide appropriate risk reduction counseling for those at high risk for opioid overdose. The Prevention Educator will also enroll appropriate individuals in the Nasal Narcan pilot. Strategies include group level and individual level interventions. Network with community groups and agencies as needed to advance the prevention/education models that are implemented.

The C.O.P.E Center (Community Outreach, Prevention and Education Center) provides HIV outreach, education, counseling, and testing to individuals at highest risk for HIV and opiate overdose including injection drug users and their sexual and drug-using partners, sex industry workers, gay and bisexual men, transgender individuals, and other populations disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.

General Statement of Duties: Outreach and recruit injection drug users and their sexual and drug using partners, sex workers, sexual and drug using partners of those who are HIV positive, and other individuals with high risk HIV/STI/HCV behaviors using the Harm Reduction Philosophy. Provide risk reduction counseling and recommend appropriate screening services for those recruited, including HIV/STI/HCV screenings. Screen and provide appropriate risk reduction counseling for those at high risk for opioid overdose. Enroll appropriate individuals in the Nasal Narcan pilot. Strategies include group level and individual level interventions. Network with community groups and agencies as needed to advance the prevention/education models that are implemented.

Responsibilities:

1. Identify, engage and recruit individuals whose injection drug use and commercial sex work put them at highest risk for HIV/STI/HCV infection. Identify individuals whose opioid use puts them at high risk for an opioid overdose. Identify bystanders to opioid use who may be present during an overdose.
2. Work with the team to develop strategies for providing HIV/STI/HCV prevention, education, counseling and testing and opioid overdose prevention to identified populations.
3. Screen, interview and counsel individuals who feel they are at risk of HIV/STI/HCV infection or opioid overdose.
4. Collect specimens (via venous blood draw, finger stick, and/or urine specimen) for HIV/STI/HCV antibody tests from individuals who feel that they are at risk and send and/or transport specimen as appropriate to the State Laboratory.
5. Collect data and complete paperwork timely and accurately for statistical and monthly reports.
6. Initiate and conduct follow-up activities to assess implication of services provided and the impact those services have on clients.
7. Develop, provide, and document appropriate referrals in focused areas for clients in need of services. Provide transportation to clients at needed.
8. Provide and distribute all appropriate materials, such as condoms, bleach, printed material that will increase the target population’s level of awareness and understanding of HIV transmission.
9. Enroll appropriate clients and bystanders to participate in the Narcan Pilot Program.
10. Facilitate group level interventions and health communications with DPH/OHA approved curriculum as designated by supervisor.
11. Work in conjunction with the Program Director and persons served to assess the ongoing effectiveness of the Prevention, Counseling, Screening and Referral Programs.
12. Coordinate efforts with other HIV/AIDS and substance abuse related programs.
13. Promote the program through community outreach and information dissemination.
14. Attend meetings, conferences and training to expand knowledge of HIV disease and related topics (STD’s, Hepatitis C, substance abuse, harm reduction, overdose prevention etc.) and be current on new developments as required by supervisor or designee.
15. Allow for a flexible schedule in order to accommodate required evening and weekend hours.
16. Complete all necessary paperwork and documentation in a timely and accurate fashion.
17. Establish and maintain a good rapport and harmonious relationships with staff, clients, and other program related individuals.
18. Assist with case management responsibilities as needed.
19. Perform duties consistent with agency/program policies and procedures.
20. Execute duties to reflect reasonable safety standards. Universal/standard precautions must be utilized and training obtained in areas that constitute risk.
21. Perform other related work duties as needed or as required by supervisor or designee.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS desired. High School Diploma or GED plus outreach/education experience strongly desired.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Harm Reduction principles and practices required.
• Experience with HIV/substance abuse/addictions/overdose.
• Good organizational and communication skills (oral and written) required.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work in a team and individual setting.
• Approachable personality and open mindedness required.
• Resident of or familiarity with the Plymouth area desired
  
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean strongly desired.
• Must have valid driver’s license and have own means of transportation.