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PEER EDUCATOR

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Us Helping Us is a mission-driven nonprofit known for its work at the intersection of service delivery, community education and mobilization, advocacy and research. For the past 30 years, Us Helping Us has provided innovative services, programs and activities to improve the health and wellbeing of racial, sexual and gender minorities, especially Black gay and bisexual men, people with HIV (PWH), and persons with substance use and mental health disorders. As it exists today, we currently operate two office locations in the greater Washington, DC area and offer a variety of clinical, behavioral health and social services in a trusting, compassionate and non-judgmental environment. We have developed a 12-month Peer Educator workforce development for young Black and Latino gay, bisexual and other sexual minority men, ages 18-29 years, and are looking for eager and willing to learn young Black and Hispanic SMM to join this yearlong professional development and training program.

POSITION SUMMARY

Utilizing a case management model, young Black and Latino SMM with significant and multiple employment barriers to find livable-wage work will be provided with an individualized professional development training and required certifications, an on-the-job training opportunity, and applicable counseling services. In addition, the Peer Educator will play an integral role at The DENIM Collection, an innovative, community-based medical home that emphasizes comprehensive care coordination (caring for the whole person) for young Black SMM and Black transwomen, aged 13-34 years, in the greater Washington, DC area, and provide specialized services in a professional environment. Specifically, the Peer Educator will recruit youth of color to engage in services and activities at The DENIM Collection, facilitate skill-building workshops, and partner with Community Health Workers to conduct community-based outreach and mobilization activities and other advocacy efforts.

 

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Peer Educator will have the following responsibilities:

 

  • Participate in a 12-month professional development and training curriculum, including soft and hard skills and a 10-week Community Health Worker certification.

  • Complete other trainings and certifications, including community-based outreach, HIV/STD 101, point-of-care testing technologies and evidence-based HIV behavioral interventions.

  • Engage in monthly shadowing experiences with Us Helping Us employees (e.g., community health workers, case managers, therapists) and other collaborative partners.

  • Participate in and lead implementation and evaluation of activities, events and services for young Black and Latino SMM.

  • Recruit young Black and Latino SMM and young Black transwomen to participate in activities, events and services at The DENIM Collection and Us Helping Us, during community-based events and social and sexual networking apps (e.g., Facebook, Jack’d).

  • Develop and organize materials and supplies for activities, events and services hosted at The DENIM Collection and Us Helping Us.

  • Assist the Office Manager in the development and maintenance of inventory logs.

  • Participate in youth advisory board meetings as well as overall community advisory board meetings (as a youth representative).

  • Perform targeted community-based education and mobilization activities, including integrated HIV/STD testing, as appropriate and needed.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Excellent interpersonal, team building and problem solving and decision-making skills. Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to put theory in practice, provide clarity during chaos; and ability to find innovative ways to resolve problems.

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills as well as organizational and stress management skills.

  • Commitment: Passion for the mission of the organization, including a strong commitment to working to improve the health and quality of life of LGBTQ+ youth and adults, and improving the health and well-being of racial, sexual and gender minorities.

  • Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of the DMV and issues that TGNC youth with histories of homelessness face; effective advocacy efforts to improve quality of life and local housing and employment resources. Intermediate computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office and electronic health record (e.g., eClinicalWorks) and data systems.

  • Skills: Demonstrated ability to conduct sensitive, empathetic interviews and conversations that respect the dignity and diversity of our clients. Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to put theory in practice. Ability to help manage conflict. Ability to maintain client records and information in an accurate, timely and confidential manner.

  • Personal qualities: Sound judgment, ability to work independently (with limited supervision), but cohesively, with medical and social service providers and ability to work effectively in a busy and ever-changing environment. Excellent customer service is key.

Experience and Education:

  • A high school diploma or GED is preferred. Candidates with a high school diploma or GED must complete a GED certification during the 12-month training period.

  • Have a valid driver's license. Regular travel within the greater Washington, DC area is required for this position.

  • Interest and/or experience working with racial minorities and LGBTQ+ youth and adults.

  • Bilingual English/Spanish and/or other languages strongly preferred.

Specifications:

  • The annual salary is $45,000-$47,500 plus a generous benefits package, including 80/20 employer/employee-paid health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, short-term disability and federally observed holidays.

  • This is a full-time position (working a minimum of 40 hours per week) and requires regular evening and weekend commitments.

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. with a valid work permit required.

  • Must submit to a background investigation and drug test.

  • Us Helping Us has a smoke-free environment and non-smokers are preferred. Excellent personal hygiene is a must.

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To apply, send cover letter and resume with Peer Educator - Last Name in the subject line to: communications@uhupil.org or click here.

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