Job Description

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Director of Programs, the Health Educator I will provide culturally affirming/competent HIV prevention and education services for individuals at-risk for contracting HIV in Orange County. The Health Educator I must have a clear understanding of behavior change practices. Experience building and/or organizing diverse ethnic and cultural communities is a must, including, but not limited to the following target populations: people of color, gay/lesbian/ bisexual/ transgender/questioning community, monolingual and/or undocumented immigrants, substance users, and homeless persons, of varying ages. The Health Educator I must also have the ability to build rapport with the target populations, assess individuals’ risk for HIV exposure/infection, identify appropriate risk reduction strategies, and comfortably discuss sexual issues/barriers with clients. This is a full time position requiring flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Conduct outreach activities at bars, nightclubs, bathhouses, and other events/venues to promote services, recruit program participants and volunteers, and provide health education to the target populations.
2. Facilitate support groups, behavior change workshops, and skills building trainings to groups varying in size.
3. Implement programmatic scope of work at a minimum of 85% completion rate.
4. Report on intervention activities and propose strategies to address challenges in implementation and emerging trends.
5. Provide necessary programmatic documentation, including the timely completion of reports, administration of evaluation tools, and other program related assignments.
6. Assist in the coordination and participate in community events, health fairs, and festivals.
7. Represent the agency by attending local planning groups, community forums, and collaborations or consortium meetings.
8. Other projects as assigned to meet program and agency mission, goals and objectives.
9. Ability to work overtime and perform duties during weekends, holiday, and evenings when required.
10. Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles.
11. Regular attendance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. High school diploma or GED equivalent or two years of direct service or HIV prevention work.
2. Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and related issues.
3. Great attitude and people skills a must.
4. Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
5. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate to staff from a variety of cultures, languages, and educational backgrounds.
6. Ability to work with diverse communities (e.g., multi-gender, ethnic, generation, bilingual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, substance use).
7. Strong written and oral skills necessary for program narrative reporting and presentations.
8. Ability to coordinate multiple projects/tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.
9. Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
10. Valid California Driver’s License, plus proof of car insurance; reliable transportation.
11. Verification of employment eligibility and passing of background check.
12. Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles.
13. Updated tuberculosis test (annual requirement) – read, reviewed and dated by a clinician.
14. Fully COVID-19 vaccinated (2 weeks from last vaccination dose to be considered fully vaccinated).

NON-ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS - KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of behavior change interventions.
2. Demonstrated experience and knowledge of PC hardware and software (i.e., Windows, word processing, spreadsheets).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. This incumbent does not have formal supervisory responsibilities.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (WORKING CONDITIONS)

1. Ergonomically safe office environment with desktop computer, desk, chair, natural light from windows.
2. Outreach in nightclubs, massage parlors, bathhouses, and other outreach venues that target population frequents. Must be comfortable with environmental conditions at the outreach locations, such as noise level, aggressive patrons, substance use, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. In the course of performing this job, this position typically spends time sitting, standing, walking, carrying (max. 20 lbs), lifting (max. 20 lbs), listening, and speaking.
2. Ensure maximum safety standards for staff and clients by requiring all staff and other workers (including interns, volunteers, consultants and contractors) to follow safety protocols related to COVID-19 and COVID- 19 variants including but not limited to obtaining full vaccination status against COVID-19. Vaccination is a condition of employment. Failure to adhere to vaccination protocol may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

1. This position requires someone that can accommodate to any/all of the following: constant distractions, interruptions; uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; and availability for on call/duty after regular working hours, and exposure to inappropriate behavior and language of others.

Company Description

Special Service for Groups, Inc. – better known as SSG – is a non-profit health and human service organization dedicated to building and sustaining community-based programs that address the needs of vulnerable communities. Special Service for Groups (SSG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide community-based solutions to the social and economic issues facing those in greatest need. SSG has evolved into a model organization designed to provide services for diverse groups with maximum efficiency and impact. This is achieved by developing and managing programs which serve our many communities by encouraging their involvement and self-sufficiency. SSG believes that the needs of groups and individuals cross traditional ethnic, racial and other cultural boundaries. SSG serves as a bridge between people with common needs to identify ways to pool resources for the greater good of all.