Community Health Outreach Educator

Position Summary

The Community Health Outreach Educator (CHOE) plays a vital role in connecting marginalized populations, especially Black and LGBTQI+ communities, with healthcare services. This position involves community outreach, education, and resource navigation aimed at advancing health equity and accessibility. The CHOE collaborates closely with Planned Parenthood health centers to facilitate appointments and provide accurate family planning and reproductive health information, ensuring optimal access to care. Travel within the region will be necessary up to 60% of the time.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage directly with local LGBTQI+ and Black communities to understand their needs and preferences.
• Organize and conduct outreach events, workshops, and activities that raise awareness and promote inclusivity and health equity.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community members, organizations, and leaders to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services.
• Advocate for LGBTQI+ and Black individuals by addressing systemic barriers preventing care access.
• Provide outreach throughout the cities of Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Kingston, including community venues such as food pantries, laundromats, and salons.
• Promote enrollment in Family Planning Benefit Programs and other health initiatives.
• Foster trust across cultural differences, practicing humility and providing compassionate, non-judgmental care in a safe environment.
• Identify and connect individuals with appropriate community resources and healthcare services.
• Stay updated on services and programs relevant to marginalized communities at local, regional, and national levels.
• Assist individuals with culturally competent resource access and crisis support as necessary.
• Maintain proficiency in AIRS, Salesforce, and similar platforms for documentation and reporting.
• Coordinate with internal teams to keep referral lists and resource materials current.
• Make appointments and offer general referrals to health and social services for clients.
• Complete required training on sexual and reproductive health and outreach facilitation skills.
• Support the planning, scheduling, execution, and materials preparation for outreach and education programs.
• Represent the department at meetings, coalitions, and community events and participate in special projects as assigned.

Required Competencies and Qualifications

• Commitment to bodily autonomy, health equity, and gender and racial justice aligned with Planned Parenthood's mission.
• Dedication to learning about and applying racial equity principles in healthcare contexts.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities across diverse cultural identities, including understanding and reflecting on personal identity with humility.
• Capacity to provide culturally responsive, empathetic, and non-judgmental care across intersecting identities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and customer service orientation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel; familiarity with virtual tools is a plus.
• Understanding of issues faced by LGBTQI+ individuals and communities of color regarding access to health care and social determinants of health.
• Knowledge of gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, and biological sex concepts and the ability to educate others on these topics.
• Ability to work independently, consistently produce high-quality outcomes, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with ability to meet deadlines and work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid driver's license and daily access to a vehicle to accommodate travel requirements within Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Kingston.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field preferred.
• Openness to learning and leading educational efforts in sexual and reproductive health.
• Additional language skills valued.

Physical and Work Environment

This role involves extended computer use, periodic standing, walking, bending, and lifting items up to 25 pounds related to events or programming. The work setting includes a professional office and various indoor and outdoor locations for outreach activities, with potential exposure to communicable diseases. The role demands a flexible schedule, including occasional work beyond standard hours during peak periods.

Additional Information

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance options, FSA/HSA and commuter benefits, disability coverage, basic life insurance, and a 401(k) plan. All employees are required to meet immunization and testing standards in compliance with health codes and regulations.

PPGNY is devoted to diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The organization passionately advocates for reproductive rights and provides care without regard to immigration status, insurance, or ability to pay.