Peer Health Navigator

## Description

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| **Department** | Health Services | **Reports To** | Health Services Coordinator | **Education Requirement** | High School Diploma/ HSE |

| **FLSA** | Non- Exempt | **Salary** | $25/ hour | **Schedule** | 35 hours/week ; 4 weekdays and 1 weekend day. 1 remote day |

**ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW**

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) is dedicated to protecting LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides comprehensive services, including housing, healthcare, and educational support to over 2,000 youth annually. AFC's mission is to create an affirming and supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.

**POSITION SUMMARY**

This position is responsible for providing direct Health Counseling and HIV testing services with a focus on connecting young LGBTQ people (16-25 years old) experiencing homelessness to medical care.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

**Health Advocacy**

• Provide support and coaching to help clients navigate and advocate for themselves within the healthcare system
• Assist clients with scheduling internal and external medical appointments
• Escort clients to appointments at AFC’s medical clinic and other settings
• Work collaboratively with clients and other AFC staff to ensure access to healthcare and other needed resources
• Spread awareness of HIV prevention, STI minimization, and other harm reduction techniques and connect peers to Health Counselors for HIV testing

**Harm Reduction Support**

• Deliver peer-based harm reduction support to peers around sex work, drug use, sexual health issues, STI minimization & treatment, reproductive health, and general wellness.
• Provide non-judmental care to people who engage in sex work and use drugs.
• Help peers access resources/tools to reduce harm (i.e. Narcan, testing kits)
• Initiate and hold space for open conversations about pleasure, consent, gender, and sexuality.
• Develop and facilitate group programming centered around harm reduction
• Attend trainings to further develop health-related skills, knowledge, and understanding of available resources

**Clinic Coordination & Medical Treatment Planning**

• Work closely with other members of the Health Services Team and medical providers to coordinate AFC’s on-site medical clinic services
• Help connect HIV+ clients to medical care and ongoing supportive services.
• Work with care teams to plan around how to best support young people with complex medical needs

**Supporting Ali Forney Center Programs**

• Documenting encounters with clients & supporting data entry for AFC’s SAMHSA-funded programs
• Conduct agency intakes assessments.
• Attend weekly treatment planning meeting, individual and group supervision
• Provide daily coverage in the Community Room and throughout drop-in, as needed.
• Develop relationships with NYC service providers, including but not limited to those addressing medical, mental health and housing needs.

## Qualifications

**QUALIFICATIONS**

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| **Competencies** - **Communication:** Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with youth, colleagues, and supervisors. - **Empathy:** Ability to understand and share the feelings of others, providing compassionate support to youth. - **Problem-Solving:** Strong ability to identify problems and develop effective solutions independently. - **Teamwork:** Ability to work collaboratively with the treatment team, IT and Facilities, and program supervisors. - **Adaptability:** Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and handle emergencies calmly and efficiently. - **Organizational Skills:** Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate documentation and manage multiple tasks effectively. - **Cultural Competency:** Awareness and understanding of the cultural and social issues affecting LGBTQ+ and homeless youth. - **Conflict Resolution:** Ability to mediate and resolve conflicts among youth and between youth and staff. | **Skills Needed** - Former clients of AFC are strongly encouraged to apply - Familiarity with NYC services - Ability to multitask and manage different priorities under pressure. - Ability to work independently and with others. - Ability to use resources to problem solve. - Effective computer skills and proficiency Google Suite |

| **Technical Skills** - Lived experience of homelessness, drug use and/or sex work - Knowledge of harm reduction principles and strategies - Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS and other STIs - Experience and comfort being in community with trans\* people - Able to navigate New York City independently and comfort accompanying clients - Passionate about bridging healthcare disparities that queer and trans BIPOC face - Competent communication & writing skills. - Comfortable talking about sex and drug use. - Compassionate & empathetic. |

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| **FULL-TIME BENEFITS & PTO** |

| - Paid sick, vacation, personal, 12 holidays - Medical - Dental - Vision - 4O1k (matching) - EAP program |

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| | Bilingual (Spanish) speaking candidates are encouraged to apply. Transgender and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply. The Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. |