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Peer Educator

Job Title: Peer Educator

Office Location: Utica

Salary: $22.00 – $23.50/Hourly

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt. Thirty-five-hour (35.00) week; evenings and weekends are expected for meetings, workshops, outreaches, events, and seminars.

 Position Summary: The Peer Educator is responsible for providing peer-led education, support, and mentorship to incarcerated individuals.  This role facilitates group and individual sessions on wellness, safety, rights, and recovery, and serves as a positive role model and resource for incarcerated individuals. The Peer Educator helps foster a culture of support and safety, linking peers to services and resources, and empowering them to make informed decisions. Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to maintain confidentiality and act with empathy and professionalism.

Apply: recruitment@acrhealth.org

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Bachelor’s degree health, human services or another related field; OR at least three years’ experience working in nonprofit social service agency providing direct services to diverse e.g., persons of color, LGBTQ+, People Who Use Drugs, or individuals with behavioral health needs.) OR an equivalent combination of education/experience.
  2. Demonstrated experience delivering stigma-free, non-judgmental, and culturally competent services.
  3. Sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, chronic illness, LGTBQ+ issues and a strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of ACR Health are essential.
  4. Access to a reliable vehicle with insurance and a valid NYS driver’s license that complies with DMV screening requirements for travel purposes.
  5. Must demonstrate strong judgment, proactive initiative, and the ability to exercise discretion effectively.
  6. Excellent communication, documentation and writing skills are essential.
  7. Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office is a must; Electronic Health Records systems preferred.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Incorporate best practices regarding confidentiality into all job duties and communications in accordance with Article 27-F and HIPAA, ACR Health policies and procedures and other applicable regulations.  Protect agency data in accordance with confidentiality procedures and protocols.  Observe and abide by the HIV Confidentiality Law and HIPAA.
  2. Pass NYS (New York State) DOCCS (Department of Correction and Community Supervision’s) background investigation and Volunteer selection process as a contingency of employment.
  3. Work with NYS DOCCS to schedule regular HCPIs and Peer Training during Phase 1 and Phase 3 orientations, ASAT (Alcohol and Substance Abuse Therapy) or other times allowed by NYS DOCCS personnel.
  4. Attend NYS DOCCS annual volunteer training, submit to NYS DOCCS required annual tuberculosis testing and adhere to NYS DOCCS Volunteer Policies.
  5. Act as an agency liaison to Volunteer Coordinators, Corrections Officers, Nurses, SURNs, ORCs (Offender Rehabilitation Coordinators), Deputy Superintendents, Superintendents, and other Administrators and DOCCS Personnel when appropriate.
  6. Attend medical callouts from incarcerated individuals seeking information/services.
  7. Conduct enhanced outreach in correctional facilities through HCPIs, targeting high-risk sub-populations of individuals to promote and facilitate access to HIV counseling and testing services, individual and group level HIV/STD/HCV education and risk reduction counseling, and other HIV prevention interventions.
  8. Conduct Peer Training in accordance with the NYS Peer Training Curriculum.
  9. Implementation of designated interventions outlined in assigned work plan, monthly services summary, and logic model.
  10. Recruitment of peer educators and clients for the designated program(s) services (e.g. IDI’s, IDG’s, and HIV testing.
  11. Provides individuals with Protocol Based Counseling activities, including counseling, risk assessment and development of a corresponding risk reduction plan, testing for HIV antibodies, and referrals for HIV/STI/HCV-related services.
  12. Maintain accurate client and service records in accordance with Prevention Department’s policy and procedures.
  13. Prepare all required reports and supporting data which relate to specific Prevention Department activities and as assigned by the Director of Prevention. Complete accurate monthly, quarterly and/or annual report(s) within agency and departmental guidelines.
  14. Attend meetings and trainings that address target population(s) issues and concerns. Assist with annual community and program needs assessment activities.
  15. Identify and develop networking relationships with community-based organizations.
  16. Assist with the general work of the Prevention Department, including special projects and general agency programs/initiatives.
  17. Participate in appropriate and applicable training/professional development opportunities for a minimum of 24 hours of curriculum-based training annually.
  18. Participate as a culturally competent member of the Prevention Department and agency, which includes having the capacity to function effectively as an individual within the context of cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by consumers and their communities.
  19. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Prevention-Community Initiatives, Deputy Executive Directors, and/or Executive Director.

 *All interventions must be delivered within the fidelity requirements of the intervention, the standards outlined by funders, and department/agency policy and procedures.