HIV & STI Tester

Department

BSD MED - Infectious Diseases

• Chicago Center HIV Elimination

• Testing

About the Department

The Chicago Center of HIV Elimination, embedded within the University of Chicago's main campus in Hyde Park, is located in Chicago's HIV epicenter. Of the 20 neighborhoods in the city with high annual HIV diagnosis rates (greater than 40 per 100,000), 13 of them are no more than eight miles from the University of Chicago. This area includes 4 of the 6 communities with the highest annual diagnosis rates in the city (Washington Park, West Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing and South Shore). Our position within the hardest hit neighborhoods in Chicago provides unique opportunities to advance HIV testing and prevention interventions locally, providing tangible results to those most affected and to improve the lives of those living with and without HIV infection. CCHE seeks to eliminate new HIV transmission events over the next 30 years (from 2011 to 2041) by using network science to target and integrate prevention as well as create structural and community-specific interventions.

Job Summary

The HIV & STI Tester will specialize in LGB (lesbian, gay and bisexual) and TGNC (transgender and gender non-conforming) services as it relates to STI and HIV testing and network services such as: drop in and outreach-based STI and HIV testing services, including phlebotomy; HIV notification, linkage to care services for treatment and PrEP services, and STI treatment notification and linkage to care. The HIV & STI Tester will be a part of the Network Services team and will engage with community members over the phone and in person. Candidates will work in a sex-positive and LGBQ and TGNC affirming environment, are expected to actively pursue required knowledge and skills for professional development, and expected to stay informed about the resources available on the South side of Chicago that serve our population and inform the team on opportunities for collaboration.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities

• STI and HIV testing (includes phlebotomy) for community members at CCHE's off-site location, The Village.

• Provides STI and HIV testing in community locations such as bars, clubs, and house parties during non-traditional hours (e.g. nights and weekends).

• STI and HIV notifications of testing caseload, linkage to care, includes PrEP treatment screening, referrals and linkage.

• Completes proper documentation for all testing encounters; this includes consent for testing, releases of information, screening for 'risk factors', and HIV pre- and post-test counseling.

• Pre-screens community members for research projects that are connected to a testing encounter as well as pre-screens for supportive service needs that community members may have. For example, housing, employment and mental health, and referring to Supportive Services when community members are in crisis.

• Supports youth-focused outreach projects, ballroom-focused outreach projects, and club-focused outreach projects.

• Prepares for or participate in quality assurance audits under supervision or following specific protocol procedures.

• Participates in study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Working with and/or providing care to LGBT populations, Black and Latino/a/x community members.

• Providing HIV/STI treatment and/or prevention.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Applications, including but not limited to Outlook, Excel, and Word.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated effective leadership and teaching skills.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Strong knowledge of Chicago social service resources.

• Strong knowledge of program subject matter.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Flexibility.

• Creativity.

• Manage stressful situations.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical skills.

• Perform phlebotomy or a willingness to be trained in phlebotomy.

• Work on multiple projects.

Working Conditions

• Provide HIV/STI treatment, education, and prevention in non-traditional settings (community venues).

• Travel to various community venues across the metropolitan area.

• Work non-traditional hours.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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