Green Door: HIV Counselor/Educator

The Friends of Shattuck Shelter is a non-profit organization providing a wide range of creative and effective services for homeless men and women. We are seeking a qualified candidate for a full time HIV/AIDS counselor/educator in our Green Door Project. We value a diverse work force and Spanish/ English language and culture is a plus. We offer competitive salary and benefits, and are looking for the right candidate to provide HIV counseling and testing services to homeless men and women living on the streets of Boston.



Position Summary:

Provide culturally competent, anonymous and confidential HIV antibody counseling, testing and referral services to homeless men and women living on the streets of Boston, in local shelters and at other provider sites at regularly scheduled sessions, including the Chauncy Street Community Services office. Work as part of a team of HIV Counselors/ Educators to lead “Thinking About Testing” and HIV groups at shelters and other sites frequented by homeless adults at high risk for HIV. Collaborate and provide HIV education, counseling, testing and referral services for clients being served by the Friends of the Shattuck Shelter Community Case Management Team.



Essential Functions:

• Provide counseling and testing, group facilitation, short-term psycho-social support and supported referrals in accordance with Green Door Project protocols and priorities to homeless adults at risk for HIV at the Chauncy Street site and satellite sites as scheduled.

• Provide harm and risk reduction assessment and education.

• Conduct “Thinking About Testing” groups at adult shelter, addiction treatment programs and other community sites that serve homeless men and women, and act as a resource of information regarding other sexually transmitted diseases including Hepatitis A, B & C.

• Administer Orasure HIV antibody tests.

• Provide partner counseling and referral services.

• Collect CTSS data, maintain client charts and complete program reports and documentation as required.

• Act as member of the Green Door Project and Chauncy Street Case Management teams and work in collaboration with other Community Based Service program staff.

• Attend trainings/workshops related to HIV services as required.

• Attend and participate in all appropriate program meetings, supervision, case consultation etc., as required.

• Assist in the maintenance of linkages and collaborations with providers of services to homeless adults at assigned sites.



Physical/Mental Abilities Required:

• Ability to travel to and access multiple sites in downtown Boston and in Jamaica Plain.

• Ability to work effectively with culturally and racially diverse individuals living on the street and in shelters and a demonstrated competence with people who are active substance users, including IV drug users, men who have sex with men, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgendered

• Computer skills sufficient for word processing, electronic communication, data collection and reporting

• Ability to effectively and appropriately advocate for clients

• Excellent interpersonal skills



Qualifications:

Required:

• A minimum of 3 years experience in HIV counseling and testing and/or HIV prevention

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of HIV and harm reduction

• BA/BS degree or other formal training and/or experience in social work, psychology, public health, health education, addictions or related areas. Individual clinical skills and ability to lead education groups

• Motivated and self-directed individual

• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member

• Good communication, organization and writing skills

• Computer literacy

• Well-developed professional boundaries and ethical standards

• Must have access to a car and valid Massachusetts driver’s license



Preferred:

• Bilingual/bicultural abilities (English/Spanish) strongly preferred

• Experience and commitment to working with homeless individuals

• Experience in providing services to homeless women

• Life experience with homelessness, substance use and/or HIV/AIDS, as well as experience with culturally and racially diverse individuals

• Knowledge of harm reduction philosophy and methodologies



Organizational Core Competencies

• Client/Customer Focus: Establishes and maintains appropriate professional relationships with a broad range of diverse clients and gains their trust and respect. Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of clients; gets first-hand client information and uses it to assess needs and capabilities, and develop action plans; talks and acts with clients in mind.

• Perseverance: Committed to the mission, is conscientious and enjoys working hard. Pursues everything with energy, drive, and a need to finish; seldom gives up before finishing, especially in the face of resistance or setbacks.

• Results: Can be counted on to meet goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; very oriented to client results and outcomes; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.

• Peer Relationships: Can quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all; can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups; can solve problems with peers with positive, effective communication; works effectively with a diverse team; is seen as a team player and is cooperative; easily gains trust and support of peers; encourages collaboration; can deal with conflict with candor.



BILINGUAL/BICULTURAL ABILITIES ENGLISH/SPANISH STRONGLY REFERRED



To apply online please go to : http://www.prohire.com/candidat...



Or you may submit resume and cover letter to:

Human Resources

Friends of the Shattuck Shelter

170 Morton St.

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

email to HR@shattuckshelter.org

fax (617) 971- 9339