Health Educator

POSITION TITLE: HEALTH EDUCATOR

LOCATION: Big Bend Cares

DEPARTMENT: Education

TYPE OF POSITION: Full-time with nights and weekends required.

GENERAL FUNCTION: The Health Educator provides HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C rapid testing (including confirmatory HIV testing) and comprehensive sexual health education in non–health care settings. This position conducts individualized risk assessments, refers individuals to medical care, treatment, PrEP, and support services, and distributes condoms and educational materials. The Health Educator proactively engages priority populations; especially those disproportionately impacted by HIV/STIs through one-on-one outreach, group education, community events, and sustained communication with community partners. This role requires demonstrated cultural competence, particularly in working with LGBTQIA+ communities and young adults in diverse outreach environments.

The position reports directly to the Director of Prevention and Outreach.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Contributes to the development and implementation of outreach strategies for each assigned program or grant, focusing on authentic engagement of priority populations through 1:1 outreach, group education, community events, digital outreach, and consistent communication with key community partners.
• Provides HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C rapid testing (including confirmatory HIV testing), sexual health education, harm reduction materials, and linkage-to-care services in compliance with DOH protocols, Big Bend Cares policies, and grant requirements.
• Maintains a high level of cultural competence when engaging populations disproportionately impacted by HIV/STIs, including LGBTQIA+ communities, young adults, people of color, and individuals experiencing homelessness or substance use.
• Conducts risk assessments, provides prevention counseling, and offers appropriate referrals to PrEP, PEP, primary care, behavioral health, case management, or other supportive services as needed.
• Completes all required documentation and data entry in a timely and accurate manner, including DOH 1628 forms, CTLS updates, testing logs, and outreach activity reports.
• Prepares and submits monthly reports, outcome summaries, and required backup materials to the Director of Education and Outreach as required.
• Assists with preparation for DOH monitoring visits, site inspections, and quality assurance reviews, including ensuring compliance with testing standards, supply management, and documentation requirements.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with community partners, venues, and organizations to expand access points for testing and education.
• Assists in developing culturally responsive educational materials and outreach messages tailored to the needs of the populations served.
• Ensures all testing environments, mobile, community, or event-based, meet safety, privacy, and confidentiality standards.
• Participates in required conferences, trainings, community planning groups, and professional development activities to maintain current knowledge of HIV prevention, LGBTQIA+ health, harm reduction, and public health trends.
• Provides support for special projects, health promotion campaigns, or organizational events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE: Related experience in health, social, or rehabilitative services. Strong computer skills required.