LGBTQ+ Health Specialist

Overview

The LGBTQ+ Health Specialist will lead the coordination of educational and peer support initiatives at the Boston Living Center, focusing on enhancing engagement and retention for clients. This role emphasizes delivering substance misuse and HIV prevention services within a harm reduction framework, primarily aimed at racial and ethnic minority males, including MSM, transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable to substance use and infectious diseases. The position reports to the Milieu Engagement Manager.

The Boston Living Center is a resource-rich community hub in Boston's Back Bay serving individuals coping with chronic conditions like HIV/AIDS, substance use disorders, homelessness, food insecurity, and street-related trauma.

Key Responsibilities

• Uphold Victory Programs’ ethical and professional standards, ensuring client confidentiality and strength-based care.
• Facilitate client support related to housing access and overcoming barriers.
• Provide individual and group assistance connecting members to relevant services and referrals.
• Educate clients about PrEP and assist with obtaining PrEP from partnered health centers.
• Deliver harm reduction counseling covering safe injection, wound and vein care, overdose prevention, sexual health, and infectious disease risk mitigation.
• Distribute syringes, naloxone, and related harm reduction supplies to at-risk individuals.
• Lead workshops and facilitate groups addressing health navigation and social support topics pertinent to client needs.
• Conduct VOICES/VOCE interventions tailored for MSM clients.
• Maintain follow-up engagement through milieu support, peer interactions, calls, and wellness checks.
• Manage outreach and recruitment efforts targeting priority populations.
• Assist with intake procedures and client orientation.
• Encourage client empowerment in managing personal healthcare.
• Apply techniques in relationship building, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and conflict de-escalation within the milieu environment.
• Accurately document all activities in the electronic health record within 24 hours, including sign-ins, appointment reminders, progress notes, and action plans.
• Coordinate recruitment for peer support and educational programs.
• Collaborate with external agencies to host guest presentations on employment readiness, digital literacy, and other relevant subjects.
• Maintain compliance with mandated agency and funder training requirements.
• Participate in weekly supervision, monthly staff meetings, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Engage in agency events including advocacy rallies, fundraising, and community outreach activities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• Phlebotomy/specimen collection certification or willingness to undergo training.
• Strong understanding of HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, substance use, homelessness, STIs, and health challenges faced by people who use drugs.
• Experience working sensitively with diverse populations across race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, origin, disability, and economic background.
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable discussing sex and substance use openly and affirmingly.
• Capability to safely operate in environments with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and used syringes, including use of protective equipment.
• Experience in milieu or drop-in settings serving homeless or substance-using clientele.
• Proficiency with computer applications.
• CPR certification (or willing to obtain upon hire).
• TB screening completed or will be completed upon hire.
• Three professional work references, including at least two from supervisors or managers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in harm reduction, community health, or human service fields.
• Conversational ability in Spanish.
• Prior training/experience in nonviolent crisis intervention, de-escalation, and milieu management.

Additional Information

This full-time opportunity entails a 40-hour work week from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, conducted on-site. The pay rate is $26 per hour.

The employing organization values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming workplace that honors varied identities and experiences. With over 45 years of service, the organization supports individuals and families facing homelessness, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and chronic illnesses including HIV/AIDS through an extensive network of programs and expert staff.

Employee benefits include employer-covered 75% of health and 25% of dental insurance premiums, fully covered disability and life insurance, and a comprehensive paid time off scheme. New employees receive up to 4 personal days, 160 sick hours, 10 holidays, and 3.5 weeks of vacation, subject to adjustment based on employment status and tenure.