Company Overview Since 1986, the AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC) has grown to become the largest provider of
HIV/AIDS
services in the borough of Queens, serving over 10,000 clients and 30,000 community residents across three sites. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other chronic conditions. We are committed to providing comprehensive healthcare and social support services at no cost to our clients. Position Summary The Hook Up and Bridge (HUB) Program is designed to deliver holistic HIV prevention and care services while linking clients to supportive services. The program emphasizes client choice, wellness, and quality service provision, recognizing the importance of supportive services in overall health and well-being. The Outreach Specialist supports ACQC's Harm Reduction program by conducting mobile and street outreach across designated Queens neighborhoods. This role focuses on engagement of TGNBI+ (Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary, and Intersex+) individuals, PWID (People Who Inject Drugs), and people who exchange money for sex, providing low-threshold harm reduction education, rapid testing, and enrollment into ACQC's HUB Program. The Outreach Worker serves as a trusted community presence and works to increase awareness of HIV prevention services, PrEP/PEP, harm reduction, mental health support, and other health resources. Key Responsibilities Complete client intake, screening, and needs assessments Provide education on HIV prevention, PrEP, PEP, ART, HIV treatment, STI and hepatitis services Build trusting relationships with populations disproportionately impacted by HIV. Provide real-time referrals and linkages to ACQC's internal programs as well as external programs. Utilize the GOALS approach to facilitate respectful conversations regarding sexual health and substance use. Schedule and facilitate warm handoffs to Care Navigators and Mental Health Professionals. Distribute Harm Reduction educational materials, fentanyl/Xylazine test strips, and naloxone (when applicable) with training. Attend community events, health fairs, Pride events, shelters, syringe service programs, and other outreach locations. Participate in staff meetings, training, and continuous quality improvement activities. Uphold participant confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions. Engage with people who use drugs (PWUD), TGNCNBI and people who exchange sex for money using trauma-informed, person-centered approaches. Document all services in a timely and accurate manner Attend meetings, supervision, and training Work in office, community, and mobile settings Participating in evening and weekend outreach as needed Perform other duties as assigned by the Harm Reduction Supportive Services Program Coordinator and/or the Director of Harm Reduction. Qualifications Required Minimum 2 years of experience in navigation, case management, or outreach Experience working with people impacted by substance use, mental health conditions, and LGBTQ+ communities Knowledge of harm reduction and trauma-informed care Bilingual English/Spanish required Strong communication and organizational skills Ability to work independently and in a team Proficiency in basic computer systems and electronic records Driver's license preferred Residents of Queens neighborhoods are strongly encouraged to apply. Must be culturally competent and able to work with individuals from non-traditional backgrounds in terms of gender identity and sexuality. Must be able to convey sensitivity in a non-judgmental manner. The HUB Outreach Specialist position is a full-time, non-exempt position, based at two sites: Richmond Hill, Queens, and Woodside, Queens. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by engaging with vulnerable populations, promoting health education, and connecting individuals to essential services. ACQC offers rewarding work in a collegial environment, and comprehensive benefits, which include medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and commuter benefits. ACQC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Join us to empower communities through impactful engagement and innovative outreach strategies that foster healthier lives for those most in need! Please forward cover letter and resume to the attention of the Program Coordinator.
Pay:
$45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance