PrEP Navigation and Engagement Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The PrEP Navigation and Engagement Specialist is responsible for increasing PrEP uptake, retention, and continuity of HIV prevention services through intensive patient navigation and targeted community engagement. This role is primarily navigation-focused, supporting individuals through the PrEP continuum of care, including linkage to PrEP Express, follow-up, retention support, and conversion from PEP to PrEP. The remaining portion of this role focuses on outreach and community engagement, with the goal of identifying individuals at risk for HIV and engaging them in PrEP services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

PrEP Navigation & Engagement

• Serve as a PrEP Navigator, providing individualized support to clients from initial interest through PrEP initiation, follow-up, and ongoing retention.
• Actively link clients to PrEP services, including, same-day or rapid-start PrEP programs, and clinical providers as appropriate.
• Provide PEP-to-PrEP transition support, including follow-up with individuals initiated on PEP and navigation into PrEP services upon PEP completion.
• Conduct PrEP education and counseling using motivational interviewing and harm reduction approaches to support informed decision-making.
• Support clients with appointment scheduling, reminders, follow-up contacts, and re-engagement for missed visits.
• Assist clients in navigating insurance, benefits, medication access, and patient assistance programs related to PrEP.
• Track client progress along the PrEP continuum and ensure accurate, timely data entry and reporting.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Conduct targeted community outreach and engagement activities focused on identifying individuals at risk for HIV and linking them to PrEP and PEP services.
• Assist in the development and implementation of a community engagement plan aligned with PrEP uptake and retention goals.
• Participate in 2-4 outreach activities per month, prioritizing venues and strategies that directly support PrEP enrollment.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of social marketing and educational materials related to PrEP and HIV prevention.
• Attend community meetings, forums, and events as needed to represent prevention services and build partnerships.

OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED TO MEET BUSINESS NEEDS.

REQUIREMENTS:

REQUIREMENTS:

Associate's degree in a human services related field and 1-year experience working in HIV/health education OR High School/GED equivalent and three years' experience working in HIV/health education.

Knowledge of:

• PrEP and PEP
• HIV and STD prevention, health disparities, and the HIV prevention continuum
• Harm reduction theory and behavior change models
• Motivational interviewing techniques
• Human sexuality, substance use, and sexual health
• Outreach strategies and community engagement
• Data collection, reporting, and basic data management
• Health and social concerns of populations disproportionately impacted by HIV, including MSM and other priority populations
• Principles of social marketing and community-based prevention

Ability to:

• Work independently and manage a navigation-heavy caseload
• Effectively engage and support clients through ongoing follow-up and retention efforts
• Work collaboratively with diverse staff, providers, and community partners
• Engage individuals with sensitivity to social inequities and cultural differences
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Meet frequent and sometimes competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Build trust with community members and clients

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is primarily an office position that requires only occasional bending, reaching, stooping, lifting and moving of office materials weighing 25 pounds or less. The position requires daily use of a personal computer and requires entering, viewing, and revising text and graphics on the computer terminal and on paper.

WORK LOCATION FLEXIBILITY: APLA Health is a multi-site organization committed to meeting the needs of our patients, clients and communities. Although an employee may be hired specifically to work at one or more designated APLA Health sites, they may be required, on a temporary or emergency basis, to perform work at any APLA Health location based on operational, business, or patient care needs. Reasonable notice will be provided whenever practicable; however, an employee is expected to maintain the flexibility to report to alternate work locations as assigned.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid California driver's license; proof of auto liability insurance; and have the use of a personal vehicle for work related purposes. Must be flexible with schedule to accommodate working some evening and weekends for outreach purposes.

COVID vaccination is required and APLA Health will consider accommodations for disability- and religious-based reasons.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.