Project HOPE Community Outreach Specialist, 17.5 hours/week
Duties: Community Outreach Specialist duties revolve around outreach and prevention education related to HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STI), viral hepatitis (B&C), and substance abuse (collectively referred to as HIV/AIDS/STI/VH/SA) for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened people of Boston. All duties will be performed using American Sign Language. Specific duties include:
- Outreach to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people within the City of Boston by performing outreach and awareness activities in community settings, and through writing online articles and producing ASL vlogs.
- Develop and provide Deaf-accessible workshops on HIV/AIDS/STI/VH/SA, with a focus on sex education and risk reduction.
- Conduct one-on-one and small group health education on HIV/AIDS/STI/VH/SA.
- Contribute to the Project HOPE website with additional visual, Deaf-accessible information, including vlogs, related to HIV/AIDS/STI/VH/SA.
- Develop and deliver supplemental training for ASL and DeafBlind interpreters that introduces these interpreters to HIV/AIDS/STI/VH/SA terminologies and concepts.
- Collaborate with health and medical service providers to identify individuals who can benefit from HIV/AIDS/STI/VH/SA prevention education, and advocate for accessible services.
- Provide supported referrals to facilitate access to testing for HIV/AIDS/STI/VH.
- Prepare written reports and other documentary evidence related to services provided.
- Design and develop informational brochures that are Deaf-accessible.
- Co-coordinate our annual Health Fair and AIDS Walk events.
- Work occasional evening and weekend hours as needed to provide consumer training through workshops and social activities.
- Attend supervisory, staff & department meetings, trainings, and participate in agency committees.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field strongly preferred. Minimum 2 years experience in human services working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. Strong knowledge of HIV/AIDS/STI/Hepatitis B & C/substance abuse and related health issues preferred. Comfort in discussing sexual and drug-using behaviors and ability to maintain confidentiality required. Respectful, nonjudgmental, and accepting of diverse populations, regardless of HIV/AIDS status, drug use, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, and/or disability. Strong presentation skills and ability to develop and conduct trainings/workshops preferred. Strong interpersonal skills, computer literate, ability to prepare written reports and articles, and meet deadlines. Conflict resolution and active listening skills preferred. Ability to communicate in ASL required.
Supervision: Reports to the Director of Project HOPE.
To Apply: Send resume, cover letter, and 3 work-related references to: Jill Hatcher, Project HOPE Program Director, DEAF, Inc., 215 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 02134, or by email to jhatcher@deafinconline.org (email is preferred).
DEAF, Inc is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer. Deaf persons, women, veterans, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.