Prevention Counselor

Matrix Human Services•Ferndale, MI

6d•$42,000 - $45,000

About The Position

Matrix Human Services is Educating Children, Supporting Families and Rebuilding Neighborhoods in Detroit. THE IMPACT YOU WILL BE A PART OF WITH JOINING MATRIX Over 30 program locations throughout Detroit and surrounding areas 20,000+ individuals benefiting from Matrix services every year The largest Head Start Program in the city of Detroit The largest HIV treatment and prevention program in Detroit After school youth services and academic enrichment Workforce Development and Financial Literacy Programs Housing Education and Home Buying Assistance Healthy Senior Living Program FOCUS ON PERSONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT. Tuition Assistance. Professional Development Support. In-House Learning and Professional Development Platform. WE EMBRACE WORK LIFE BALANCE. Vacation Banks. Paid Holidays. BENEFITS OPTIONS. Medical/Rx. Dental. Vision. Life/AD&D Insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts. Combine Short- & Long-Term Disability. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 403(b) Retirement Account. CEO Starr Allen-Pettway has been honored by the Michigan Chronicle as a distinguished nonprofit leader in Southeast Michigan. CORE VALUES: Positive Attitude Always Learning Results Through Accountability Building Relationships Temporary Position until June 30, 2026. Up to 40 hours a week JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTABILITY The Prevention Counselor plans and assists with HIV testing & counseling and other sexually transmitted infections such as screening for Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis C screenings. Conducts patient intakes, assesses patients risk, takes patients samples, provide testing results, and assists patients with developing risk reduction plans. HIV Test Counselors provides referrals, linkage to medical care and supportive services. Provides sexually transmitted risk reduction and health education counseling to high-risk individuals. Locates patients who are unaware of being infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections such as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis C. Provides information on community services and provides health education.

Requirements

Bachelors in Human Services Degree preferred, with a minimum of high school diploma or GED required.
Minimum of one (1) or more years of HIV experience required with (5) five years of experience preferred.
Direct knowledge of community programs and resources providing health education and risk reduction, treatment of sexually transmitted disease, and support to HIV patients preferred.
Phlebotomist certified preferred, phlebotomist trained required within twelve months of hire.
Current licensure/certification to practice in the State of Michigan, if applicable.
PC literacy and comfort with various forms of case management software.
Interpersonal skills and the ability to see, hear, speak and write English to communicate effectively with public and staff. Good verbal and written skills.
Analytical ability sufficient to resolve problems requiring the integration of data from diverse sources.
Ability to travel throughout the services area including the city of Detroit and counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Monroe and Lapeer.
Evening and weekend hours required, as needed.

Responsibilities

Participates in outreach efforts to locate individuals at risk of HIV infection or not aware of their status.
Educates, coaches, and empowers individuals at risk of HIV infection using motivational interviewing techniques and strategies to help them identify and adhere to risk reduction plans and their behavioral goals.
Assists clients in removing barriers to remaining HIV negative including providing them with risk reduction tools (condoms, lubricants, etc.), assisting them in identifying triggers that may lead to putting themselves at risk of HIV/STI, works with them to develop an individual risk reducation plan, provides linkages to resources (such as insurance) to assist them in obtaining services in need of (such as PrEP).
Provides HIV Prevention Counseling, HIV health education and risk reduction in accordance with the standards, guidelines, contractual obligations, and protocols established by the Center for Disease Prevention and Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
Efficiently and accurately executes integrated screenings for HIV, STDs, and HCV by collecting rectal, pharyngeal, urethral and phlebotomy specimens from persons unaware of their status.
Provides testing results to individuals assisting them in understanding the test, the results, ensuring linkage to the appropriate treatment provider, and providing other referrals as needed.
Demonstrates competency in all facets of client centered clinical interactions including recruitment, rapport building, intake, assessment, health education, risk reduction treatment planning, medication adherence, reassessment of risk reduction treatment plans, and referrals.
Assists persons living with HIV who are lost to care by linking them back into care.
Follows up with all individuals to ensure linkage to and ongoing utilization (for access) of resources needed.
All clinical and administration documentation (grant data statistic submission, reports etc.) are completed fully and within time frames designated.
Completes all clinical documentation (testing logs, intakes, progress notes, etc.) fully and within the designated time frames.
Assists in the evaluation of program outcomes and realignment of program recruitment activities.
Networks with community leaders/gatekeepers, other service providers, including physicians, clinics, nightclubs, bath houses, etc., developing new venues for the program to participate with for identifying individuals at risk of HIV infection or unaware of their HIV status.
Educates individuals and the community on HIV testing and counseling services to increase awareness and increase testing.
Adapts peer support messaging and protocols for HIV/STI testing to use with YBMSM who are at high risk for HIV.
Distributes information regarding criteria and process for HIV/STI testing and risk reduction.
Ability to be a team player, participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and approach to service delivery.
Participates in public event opportunities such as, AIDS Walks, World AIDS Day, Pride Events, and other miscellaneous community events/activities/fundraisers.
Maintains awareness of community changes which could impact service delivery.
Maintains professional conduct with clients including being on time for visits, returning phone calls, and maintaining professional boundaries.
Able to work with a diverse group of individuals comprised from different socio- economic, racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, religious, etc. backgrounds.
Maintain and enhances professional expertise through educational / organizational activities.
Maintains knowledge of requirements of regulatory, licensing and accreditation agencies including Standards of Care for HIV/STI testing and counselling.
Assists in maintaining the testing and counseling laboratory, ensuring inventory is ordered, checked in, locked up, and maintained within safe environmental conditions.
Ensures that all laboratory procedures are followed, laboratory area is kept clean and sanitized, and all laboratory forms are fully and accurately completed.
Document and report any incidents or accidents immediately.
Runs laboratory controls at directed times to ensure tests remain accurate and reliable.
Assists in maintaining, operating, and driving the mobile HIV/STI testing unit including completing maintenance logs ensuring oil, tires, gas and structural checks are being maintained and are up to date.
Ensure vehicle is kept clean, properly stocked and ready for service.
Document and report any incidents or accidents immediately.
Prepare, set up, and dismantle HIV/STI testing sites, such as tents, heaters, tables and other program materials as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.