PrEP Linkage and Retention Specialist

Who We Are:

Aliveness Project is a community center for people living with HIV. We serve over 5,000 folks annually, the majority of whom are low-income. The Aliveness Project boldly advances equitable access to transformative HIV care and prevention. Our primary objectives are to ensure that our members have access to:

• Basic needs: We provide meals, a food shelf, and medical nutrition therapy while our Case Management team helps provide access to healthcare and housing.

Community:

Our community center model provides a safe and supportive place for members to gather and build community.

Prevention:

We provide a community-based free PrEP/STD Clinic, pharmacy, and targeted outreach to communities disproportionately affected by HIV through education, awareness, and strategies for eliminating stigma. Aliveness Project is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff that is representative of the communities we serve and live in. People of color, LGBTQ-identified individuals, and people with lived experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Title:

PrEP Linkage and Retention Specialist Reports to:

Associate Director of Clinical Operations Job Summary:

At Aliveness Project, we believe everyone deserves access to affirming, high-quality healthcare and the support they need to thrive. As a PrEP Linkage and Retention Specialist, you'll play a key role in advancing our mission to end the HIV epidemic in Minnesota by helping individuals access and stay connected to HIV prevention services. This is a highly relational role for someone who enjoys building trust, removing barriers, and helping people navigate healthcare systems with confidence. You'll work directly with community members who may benefit from PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and other prevention services, serving as a guide, advocate, and consistent source of support throughout their prevention journey. Working alongside providers, case managers, outreach staff, and community partners, you'll help create pathways to care, improve health outcomes, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health and wellness. Every connection you make has the potential to change a life and strengthen the health of our community.

Major tasks include:

Participant Engagement & Care Navigation

• Serve as the primary point of contact for individuals interested in PrEP and other HIV prevention services.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with participants through consistent engagement and person-centered support.
• Connect participants to PrEP providers, including Thrive Clinic and other community healthcare partners.
• Support participants through the enrollment and onboarding process, ensuring a smooth transition into care.
• Maintain ongoing communication with participants to encourage retention in care and continued PrEP adherence.
• Conduct follow-up outreach to participants who miss appointments or may be at risk of disengaging from services. Advocacy & Barrier Reduction
• Help participants navigate healthcare systems, insurance processes, medication access, and appointment scheduling.
• Accompany participants to initial PrEP appointments when additional support is beneficial.
• Identify and address barriers that may impact healthcare access, including transportation, housing instability, stigma, substance use, financial concerns, and insurance challenges.
• Connect participants to additional supportive services, including mental health resources, housing programs, substance use services, and other community supports. Education & Community Engagement
• Provide accurate, accessible education on PrEP, PEP, HIV prevention, sexual health, and available community resources.
• Participate in outreach and engagement efforts focused on communities disproportionately impacted by HIV.
• Represent Aliveness Project and Thrive Clinic in a professional, welcoming, and culturally responsive manner. Collaboration & Administrative Responsibilities
• Collaborate closely with healthcare providers, case managers, outreach staff, and community partners to support participant success.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of participant interactions and outcomes.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training opportunities, and professional development activities.
• Serve as a backup for front desk and patient care coordinator functions, including coverage for breaks, vacations, and other staffing needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in public health, social services, or a related field is a plus. Two or more years of experience in HIV prevention, PrEP navigation, outreach, care coordination, or participant engagement preferred. Experience working with communities disproportionately impacted by HIV. Knowledge of HIV transmission, PrEP, PEP, and current HIV prevention strategies. Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Experience utilizing trauma-informed, harm reduction, and culturally responsive approaches. Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Windows-based systems, and electronic documentation tools. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required. Commitment to Aliveness' mission of HIV education, prevention and destigmatization.

Compensation:

Salary range is $48,000 to $54,000 based on experience.

Benefits:

Generous benefits include health insurance, holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) and 4% employer matched IRA. Benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance and free lunch.

To Apply:

Submit your resume, a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the position, and three references to macy@aliveness.org . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.