OUTREACH CLINIC TECHNICIAN

Job Role Summary

An Outreach Clinic Technician is a public health professional who is responsible for providing direct STD/HIV services to clients, including providing STD/HIV testing, educating and counseling clients about STD/HIV, collecting and entering data into the electronic medical record system, processing specimens in preparation for lab testing, and providing support to clinic operations as needed.
Outreach Clinic Technicians are also responsible for collaborating and building relationships with community partners, community venues, distributing safer sex kits in priority locations, sharing public health information with community members (i.e., social media, educational presentations), and strategizing for the expansion or modification of community-based STD/HIV testing and prevention efforts.

Essential Duties

• Facilitates STD/HIV testing with clients, primarily in community settings. Includes performing phlebotomy and other specimen collection, as well as providing individualized counseling, education, and referrals. 
• Communicates appropriate and accurate information about STD/HIV to clients and the public verbally or in writing. 
• Ensures accurate and timely specimen processing and enters data into the electronic medical record system and other databases as needed. 
• Recruits priority populations for testing and other services by actively engaging members of those communities in the field or online. 
• Develops and maintains expertise in all program-relevant areas, including but not limited to: STD/HIV fundamentals, screening and treatment recommendations, phlebotomy and specimen collection, disease prevention and intervention strategies, community outreach and engagement, social media use, and cultural competency. Training is provided.
• Maintains a safe working environment in all settings and completes tasks in compliance with safety standards. 
• May be required to drive the Community Outreach/STD Control Program Mobile Vans. Training is provided.
• Participates in public health emergency preparedness exercises and in the response to public health emergencies, as directed. 
• Participates in a minimum of two H.O.P.E. events totaling a minimum of eight (8) hours annually.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Bachelor’s degree, medical assistant program, or phlebotomy program preferred.
• One year of relevant work experience with transferrable skills in customer service, communication, or patient interaction required.
• Phlebotomy skills strongly preferred, though not required. Training can be provided.
•  Reliable automobile with insurance.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Must possess a valid Indiana driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain favorable interpersonal relationships with diverse populations.
• Ability to interact with health care professionals, programs, personnel, and community members outside of the program as a representative of MCPHD, conducting all business in a professional, collaborative, and nonjudgmental manner.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills in order to effectively work cooperatively with all levels of staff and community members.
• Advanced knowledge of and ability to apply the use of computers, mobile devices, and systems for outreach purposes.
• Ability to manage a variety of tasks and responsibilities simultaneously with accuracy and close attention to detail with frequent changes and strict deadlines.
• Sensitivity to and experience working with ethnically, culturally, and sexually diverse individuals, communities, agencies, and organizations that comprise the STD/HIV public health field.

Working Environment

• Physical work environment varies, with a portion of time spent in a standard office and clinic setting. Community locations vary and may include street outreach via mobile van, LGBTQ events/spaces, county jails, universities, etc.
• Travel is required frequently, the majority of which is limited to the Central Indiana area, exposing incumbent to hazards inherent to vehicular travel and field work.
• On-the-job duties require talking, hearing, sitting, walking, using hands, and reaching with hands and arms. Occasionally required to balance, stoop, crouch, and stand. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases, combative patients and their associates in stressful situations.
• Flexible availability is required. Job functions are performed during typical business hours, evenings, and some weekends.