Health Education Coordinator Assoc/UKHC

Department Name: H5001: Pharmacy Services- KIRP

Job Summary:

The Kentucky Finding Cases (KyFC) Project is a KADAP Income Reinvestment Program (KIRP) Innovative Pilot Program. KyFC will increase HIV testing by going into rural areas considered “out of reach” to increase access to care to assure improvement in viral suppression rates among people living with HIV, addressing health inequities to end HIV transmission, and increase PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) awareness and education to providers and people who are most vulnerable for HIV. KyFC will support the uptake of HIV testing to identify early infection and facilitate linkages to care in the eastern, southeastern, and western regions and improve outcomes. Interventions will be utilized to improve testing and linkage and implemented in diverse venues such as community-based organizations (CBOs); correctional facilities; and clinical settings, including emergency departments, primary, and urgent care settings. The KyFC team will expand HIV testing to people who use drugs (PWID) by using a culturally responsive approach and will reach many PWID who are not participating fully in HRSEPs, and will conduct targeted outreach (traditional/face-to-face in the community and internet-based/virtual) to individuals living with HIV/AIDS and high-risk negative individuals, with a focus on PWID and their sexual partners regardless of race and ethnicity.

This position will serve as the Community Health Outreach Worker Associate (CHOW-A) for the Harm Reduction Initiative (HRI) for the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program (KADAP) Income Reinvestment Program (KIRP) Innovative Pilot, Kentucky Finding Cases Project (KyFC). The KyFC Project Manager and CHOW/CHOW-A will collaborate with the KIRP team, including the HRI Medical Director and HRI Strategist to integrate early intervention, outreach, and health education and risk reduction services for persons who are at high-risk for acquiring or transmitting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the Harm Reduction Programs (HRP)/Syringe Service Program (SSPs) throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This position is a frontline public health worker who is a dependable and trustworthy member of and/or has a uniquely close understanding of the community served, creates a trusting relationship that allows the CHOW-A to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. This position will build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as enhanced community outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. In addition, this position will provide services through the Harm Reduction Programs (HRPs) throughout the state and supports the public health program implemented by the Kentucky Department for Public Health.

The position is part of the Harm Reduction Initiative and will be funded by the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program (KADAP) Income Reinvestment Program (KIRP); it is currently funded through November 30, 2023 and will require travel across a defined service region within Prestonsburg, Kentucky and the related service area.

Skills /Knowledge/Abilities:

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of and experience using Microsoft Windows, including the Office applications Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.

Position Time Status: Full-Time

Required Education:

MS

Required Related Experience:

1 yr

Required License/Registration/Certification :

None

Preferred Education/Experience:

Degree in Health Education, Public Health, Public Administration, Social Work, Social Services, Criminal Justice, or Human Development.

University Community of Inclusion:

The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.