BAMSI
Location
Brockton, MA | United States
Job description
Schedule: Mon-Fri: 8:30a-4:30p (flexible based on site needs)
up to $26 hr
Overview: BAMSI's HIV & Harm Reduction Services Division is seeking an additional full-time Prevention & Wellness Health Navigator (PWHN) to join a dynamic team providing outreach and direct services across the South Shore of Massachusetts to LGBTQIA+ individuals actively using substances or in recovery — with a specific focus on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Persons with lived experience in harm reduction, LGBTQIA+ communities, HIV treatment and prevention services, and substance use are strongly preferred. The PWHN will assist with street and community outreach, facilitate and support referrals to social services, community groups, primary care, SUD treatment, behavior al health services, and biomedical interventions such as PrEP and PEP . This position will be split 3 days full-time at the Brockton COPE Center and 2 days full-time at the Plymouth COPE Center with some fluctuation for programming needs.
BAMSI is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization founded in Brockton, Massachusetts, with a vision of driving change and creating equal opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental and behavioral health challenges. Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. (BAMSI) was incorporated on March 21, 1975 as South Shore Multi-Services Inc., under Chapter 180 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as a not-for-profit human service organization. On July 9, 1975, it changed its name to Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc. It was formed for the development, coordination, and delivery of integrated human service programs, and according to its website, its mission is “to empower people and enrich their lives, through compassionate support and diverse services, one individual, one family a time.” BAMSI employees up to 2,000 people and operates adult, child, and family services, assisting approximately 30,000 individuals each year in Worcester, Middlesex, Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth Counties.
BAMSI is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Access for all; to creating a holistic system of care that meets people where they are; and abolishing the stigmas surrounding mental illness, disability, and addiction.
We strive to offer valuable benefits that promote a healthy work/life balance and add value to our employees’ lives. Our comprehensive benefits include:
*Available benefits are based on position and scheduled hours.
General Statement of Duties: The Prevention & Wellness Health Navigator (PWHN) will join a dynamic team performing outreach across the South Shore of Massachusetts to LGBTQIA+ individuals actively using substances or in active recovery—with a specific focus on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. The successful PWHN will use harm reduction strategies to provide comprehensive prevention and care services alongside staff at the Brockton and Plymouth COPE Centers to individuals at highest risk for HIV and opiate overdose including injection drug users and their sexual partners, sex industry workers, gay and bisexual men, transgender individuals, and other populations disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS The PWHN will also provide, at minimum, risk reduction counseling and education along with appropriate routine screenings for HIV/HCV/STI and substance use disorder (SUD) services. The PWHN will also assist with street and community outreach, facilitate and support referrals to social services, community groups, primary care, SUD treatment, behavioral health services, and biomedical interventions such as PrEP and PEP. Lived experience with these target populations and the resources being offered is strongly preferred. This position will be split 3 days full-time at the Brockton COPE Center and 2 days full-time at the Plymouth COPE Center with some fluctuation for programming needs at the discretion of the Director of Harm Reduction Services or their designee.
Responsibilities:
· Conduct outreach and recruitment activities with target populations in prevention, screening, and treatment. Activities will include, but not be limited to: Street/community outreach, Geolocation Apps including Grindr and Scruff; social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok; bar/club outreach (as available); LGBTQIA+ Pride Festivals and other community events; and informing area providers of program services.
· Perform health navigation services for those in need, including supported referrals to address the full spectrum of patient needs and providing appointment accompaniment. Ensure linkage to medical care, behavioral health treatment, SUD services, PrEP, nPEP, disease intervention specialists, and other needed services.
· Work with an interdisciplinary team and persons served to develop strategies for outreach, recruitment, and service delivery to reach target populations.
· Screen, interview and counsel individuals who feel they are at risk for HIV/HCV/STI infection. Provide harm reduction information and strategies for at-risk individuals as well as enrolling clients and bystanders in the Narcan Pilot Program.
· Collect specimens (via venous blood draw, finger stick, and/or urine specimen) for HIV/HCV/STI tests and send and/or transport specimen as appropriate to the State Laboratory.
· Collect data, complete all necessary paperwork in a timely and accurate fashion including qualitative and quantitative program reporting and evaluation for BAMSI, MDPH and/or SAMHSA.
· Complete and maintain data entry for all programing using various online platforms.
· Facilitate group level interventions and health communications with DPH/OHA approved curriculum as designated by supervisor.
· Work in conjunction with the entire HIV Services staff and persons served to assess the ongoing effectiveness of the Prevention, Counseling, Screening and Referral Programs.
· Initiate and conduct follow-up activities to assess community and individual-level impact of provided services.
· Develop, provide, and document appropriate referrals in focused areas for clients in need of services. Provide transportation to clients as needed.
· Provide and distribute all appropriate materials, such as condoms, bleach, printed material that will increase the target population’s level of awareness and understanding of HIV transmission.
· Assist with ongoing management and operations of the BAMSI Community Food Pantry provided in partnership with the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) including inventory, food ordering, pickup and delivery as needed.
· Coordinate and maintain strong working relationships with other community-based organizations (CBOs) serving target populations.
· Attend meetings, conferences and training to expand knowledge of program subject matter (i.e. HIV/HCV/STIs, harm reduction, overdose prevention etc.) and be current on new developments as required by supervisor or designee.
· Be available for occasional evening and weekend outreach activities
· Establish and maintain a good rapport and harmonious relationships with staff, clients, and other program-related individuals.
· Perform duties consistent with agency/program policies and procedures. Execute duties to reflect reasonable safety standards. Universal/standard precautions must be utilized and training obtained in areas that constitute risk.
· Perform other related work duties as needed or as required by supervisor or designee.
EDUCATION/CREDENTIALS:
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
BAMSI conducts as needed, job-related backgro und checks (e.g., may include but is not limited to fingerprints, drug testing, TB testing, verification of employment history and/or reference checks) prior to employment.
We at BAMSI appreciate your interest and consideration of roles in our organization. BAMSI is an equal opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, age, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran or military status and regardless of whether the qualified applicants are individuals with disabilities. EEO is the Law Reasonable Accommodations for Applying/RecruitmentJob tags
Salary
