HIV/AIDS Outreach Worker - STOP HIV-AIDS Initiatives

Within the context of a client and family-centred model and in accordance with established vision and values of the organization, the HIV/AIDS Outreach Worker works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide support services to designated/marginalized HIV positive individuals and their families with accessing HIV services. Monitors clients by methods such as observing client’s health condition and environment. Arranges, plans, escorts and accompanies as necessary, designated/marginalized individuals on appointments, errands and other activities. Creates linkages to other community resources and programs. Assists clients in accessing benefits or assistance as appropriate and provides brief assessment and planning on issues related to HIV. Liaises and works with community resources and healthcare providers. Provides basic health-promoting information and promotes development of life-skills to clients. Performs a variety of general clerical duties, attends meetings and participates in patient care planning and coordination.

The STOP HIV Outreach Team is an intensive case management team comprised of nurses, social workers and outreach workers who follow HIV+ individuals with challenges engaging or maintaining their linkage to care and/or adhering to their treatment programs. Over time the intent is to transition these clients to lower intensity resources as they develop and demonstrate increased ability for self-care. As a transitional team, the level of support we provide to each client is on a continuum and will vary depending on where the client is in relation to their care plan. 

• Diploma in Community Social Services and one (1) year related experience working with active drug users, individuals with HIV/AIDS, HEPC, mental health issues and/or involvement in the sex trade, members of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Two Spirit (LGBT2S), Aboriginal people and communities and or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Valid BC driver’s license and vehicle.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

• Demonstrated ability to work with marginalized and culturally diverse populations including those with chemical dependency and mental illness and HIV positive.
• Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills that promotes communication and lead to a cooperative approach to problem solving within a multidisciplinary setting.
• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with clients and families in order to explore issues that are beyond the initial presented concerns.
• A working knowledge and familiarity with health and social service programs in the Downtown Eastside and lower mainland.
• Working knowledge of harm reduction principles.
• Crisis prevention/intervention and conflict resolution/de-escalation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment as well as capacity to work in partnership with other community agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques and First-aid.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.