Prevention Advocate Lead

Venice Family Clinic is a leader in providing comprehensive, high-quality primary health care to people in need with compassion, dignity, and respect. In November 2021, Venice Family Clinic merged with South Bay Family Health Care, uniting more than a century of experience helping patients regardless of their income, insurance, or immigration status. The organization now has more than 500 staff who serve 45,000 people from the Santa Monica Mountains through the South Bay. We have 17 locations plus two mobile clinics and an expansive street medicine program for people experiencing homelessness. Read more about us at venicefamilyclinic.org.

Under the direct supervision of the Common Ground Outreach and Engagement Supervisor and the Director, the Lead Prevention Advocate will conduct rapid testing (HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis C), and counseling in the storefront and while on outreach. The Lead Prevention Advocate will provide non-judgmental client-centered counseling to clients and will ensure newly diagnosed clients are referred and linked to medical services within the required time frame. Following the harm reduction model, they will treat every person with whom they interact with respect and dignity. The Lead Prevention Advocate will provide HIV/STD education and risk reduction interventions, condoms, and general clinic information to clients. They will coordinate and provide targeted community outreach and HIV testing and counseling. They will provide PrEP and PEP information and referrals. They will be responsible for ensuring linkages to care are made and followed through. The Lead Prevention Advocate will be certified by the LA County Division of HIV and STD programs to conduct the Competency Assessment Tests for the certified HIV and HCV testers. They will also be responsible for scheduling coverage, periodically monitoring interactions for feedback, and approving submitted tests in the DHSP system.

The Prevention Advocate will provide coverage for the harm reduction program also known as the syringe services program (SSP) and will provide Hepatitis C, syphilis, STD, and HIV testing. The Lead Prevention Advocate will educate clients on overdose prevention, wound care, prevention education, and referrals to various agencies. They will provide clean syringes to clients at certified locations and appropriately dispose of dirty syringes. They will ensure all documentation meets the funding requirements.

Salary range: $30.53 - $40.30 Hourly

Required:

• HIV Counseling Certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work and 3+ years of experience OR equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and antibody testing, PrEP and PEP, community resources, Hepatitis C and STD knowledge, harm reduction, and syringe exchange.
• Skill in providing individualized HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis C health education and risk assessment.
• Skill in motivational interviewing, public speaking, leadership,
• Ability to complete required program documentation and follow through on assignments.
• Ability to discuss sensitive matters in a non-judgmental manner and to respect confidentiality, and work effectively with people of diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.