Careers

Description:

The Education Specialist provides education and referral for HIV/STI/PrEP services for individuals within King County. This position works on the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) team at the Sexual Health Clinic at Harborview team and provide education and coordination of care for target populations. Work is conducted primarily in person and depending on the circumstances, virtually. People with lived experience of substance use, incarceration, houselessness, and/or sex work; people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities; and people living with HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C are strongly encouraged to apply. This emphasis on diversity and inclusivity reflects a commitment to providing equitable and just health and human services to all individuals, regardless of their background. This position demands a commitment to equity, social justice, and a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by individuals in the Black community.
 
 This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the Black community in King County. We prioritize dignity, equity, and evidence-based care. As an Education Specialist working to educate, link, and refer individuals to appropriate services, candidates join a team that is committed to improving health outcomes for underserved individuals in the community. This role providers the chance to deliver patient centered education and support. The work environment is collaborative and is supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes medical providers, nurses, disease research intervention specialists, and administrative staff.

Job Duties

 

• Conduct educational and informational programs for staff, clients, community groups and professionals regarding topics around safe sex practices, risk reduction, HIV/PrEP/STI services and other related topics
• Promote diverse culturally appropriate health beliefs and practices, patient preferred languages, health literacy, and other communications needed for participants referred to care
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to assess needs, monitor patient access to care, and eliminate barriers to service delivery
• Provide health education technical assistance and support to PHSKC staff, partner organizations, and members of the public
• Conduct outreach to priority populations in neighborhoods, community centers, and other areas within King County
• Provide patients with information about potential health risks related to HIV/STIs and assist in developing a plan to reduce future risk for acquiring/transmitting HIV/STIs
• Investigate factors for PrEP discontinuation among HIV negative persons thought to be at increased risk for acquiring HIV.
• Assure confidentiality of all records, data, and information as required by section, department, state and/or federal regulation.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills/Eligibility:

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of HIV and STD transmission modes, symptoms and implications.
• Demonstrated ability to provide medical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Knowledge and demonstrated application of motivational interviewing skills.
• Knowledge and demonstrated application of behavior change theory and risk reduction strategies.
• Oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills
• Skill in effectively communicating a broad amount of information to a wide variety of audiences
• Demonstrated ability to protect PHI and other confidential information.
• Experience navigating and using electronic health records and/or other client level data repositories.
• Demonstrated ability to follow procedures/protocols and apply them to unpredictable situations.
• Familiarity with Microsoft programs such as Outlook, and the ability to use drop down menus, point and click software, and multiple screens.
• Familiarity with social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, and the ability to navigate and use the platforms for sexual health promotion
• Ability to drive a county fleet vehicle to multiple locations within King County on a flexible schedule during work hours.
• Possess a valid WA State driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire. Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health position (include for ALL customer/front-facing and Float Pool positions)
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health position.

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum two years of progressively responsible experience in health education, patient care, or related fields; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the role effectively.
• Bilingual/ bicultural/ individuals with diverse backgrounds, including people with lived experience with behavioral health and recovery, incarceration, houselessness, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities.
• Competency, comfort, and experience working and communicating with diverse populations and interest groups such as; men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, adolescents, younger adults, drug users, etc.
• Experience working in a position where you routinely coordinated with community-based organizations and healthcare providers
• Previous experience as a health educator focused on HIV/STDs, sexual health, family planning, or reproductive health.
• Current knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of HIV and other STDs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to a variety of audiences including professional colleagues, policy makers, and members of at-risk populations.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and exercise independent good judgment.