Chicago Healthy Adolescents and Teams (CHAT) Specialist

The CHAT (Chicago Healthy Adolescents & Teens) Specialist supports Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) in efforts to reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy among teens and young adults in Chicago. The role provides STI prevention education, STI testing support, and contraception education to promote community health. This position reports to the CHAT Program Manager and is a part of the External Affairs Department. 

Essential Functions: Performance in each category will be evaluated based on measurable outcomes aligned to operational, financial, and quality metrics. 

1. (60% - Program Implementation) Deliver the CHAT program in community-based settings with fidelity, using a person-centered approach to health education and service delivery. Responsibilities include leading sexual and reproductive health presentations for youth and adults; providing pre- and post-test counseling for STIs in Chicago schools, colleges, and community organizations; offering accurate, non-directive information to support informed consent for STI testing; collecting specimens; completing laboratory requisitions; and preparing specimens for processing at Planned Parenthood’s designated laboratory in accordance with established policies and procedures. Maintain proficiency in routine laboratory testing, including urine and swab testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and follow all CLIA, OSHA, and laboratory safety requirements.
2. (20% Partnership Representation, Collaboration, and Outreach) Build and sustain relationships that support program visibility, coordination, and service delivery. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining relationships with school and community partners; participating in outreach activities that support both the CHAT program and Planned Parenthood of Illinois; staying informed about family planning methods, abortion care, other PPIL services, and PPIL protocols, policies, and procedures; and providing regular feedback to the CHAT Program Manager regarding training and continuing education needs.
3. (20% Data Reporting) Support follow-up and reporting activities in accordance with PPIL protocols and Illinois regulations. Responsibilities include assisting with patient follow-up related to positive STI results; helping schedule return visits; supporting timely treatment for patients with positive test results; assisting clinical staff with timely reporting of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea cases to CDPH and IDPH; and participating, as assigned, in routine medical record audits and quality assurance activities.

Other responsibilities: Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to remain informed about PPIL

protocols, policies, and procedures. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to PPIL core values of access, activism, care, confidentiality, equity, inclusion, excellence, integrity, respect, self-determination, and stewardship; practice these values in relations with internal and external customers. Other duties as assigned. 

Required: High School Diploma or GED with an equivalent combination of education, lived experience, and relevant professional work experience.

Preferred: Certified Medical Assistant or equivalent experience preferred.  Some college level education or additional training and/or education in sexual and reproductive health is desirable.

Minimum of one year demonstrated experience providing sexual and reproductive health education to youth, particularly those from underserved or marginalized communities. Commitment to health equity and experience working with diverse communities, including youth impacted by systemic barriers.  Familiarity with electronic health records systems and the provision of family planning services, including one year of laboratory or healthcare experience, is preferred.

Fluency in Spanish, including speaking, reading, and writing, is not required but strongly preferred. The role also requires competency and confidence in public speaking and managing group dynamics with youth. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and use the phone. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to pipette urine samples, key in data, handle, or feel and reach.  The employee is required to be in contact with and use bleach and other disinfectants on a daily basis.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

Must have access to reliable transportation for travel throughout the City of Chicago and be willing to travel to PPIL sites throughout Illinois.  This is a hybrid role, typically requiring 2–3 days per week onsite at the Chicago Administrative Office, with occasional onsite work at a PPIL Health Centers and community-based locations.  Availability during evening and weekends is required.