Testing and Outreach Navigator, PT

JOB SUMMARY: The Part-Time Testing and Outreach Navigator is a key member of the Prevention and Education Department, responsible for expanding access to HIV, sexually transmitted infection (STI), Hepatitis C, PrEP/PEP, mental health, and substance use services for underserved communities throughout Brooklyn. The Testing and Outreach Navigator position advances health equity by conducting community-based outreach, health education, and screening initiatives using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and harm-reduction approaches to engage individuals at risk for or living with HIV, STIs, and other communicable diseases.

The Testing and Outreach Navigator will perform rapid HIV and STI testing, venipuncture, specimen collection and transportation, provide post-test counseling, and facilitate timely linkage to medical care, prevention services, behavioral health treatment, and other community-based resources. This role collaborates closely with healthcare providers, community-based organizations, shelters, and other stakeholders to coordinate outreach efforts, participate in health fairs and educational events, and support quality improvement initiatives that increase access to comprehensive healthcare services.

This position requires regular participation in community events and outreach activities and offers a schedule with primary evening and weekend hours, preferably Thursday through Saturday., Outreach & Client Engagement

• Conduct field-based outreach in high-need areas to identify and engage individuals at risk for STIs and Hepatitis C.
• Build trust and rapport with hard-to-reach populations to encourage participation in testing and care.
• Attend community events, health fairs, and collaborate with local CBOs, shelters, and healthcare providers to increase program visibility.
• Collaborate with outreach teams and partners to expand client reach and program impact.

Testing & Specimen Collection

• Provide phlebotomy services, including blood draws for Hepatitis C and STI testing, ensuring safety and infection control protocols are followed.
• Facilitate rapid Hepatitis C testing and other point-of-care STI tests as appropriate.
• Prepare and transport specimens according to clinical standards, ensuring proper labeling and documentation.
• Maintain accurate client records and ensure all required consents and forms are completed.

Health Education & Counseling

• Deliver evidence-based sexual health education, prevention counseling, and individualized risk-reduction planning.
• Utilize trauma-informed practices to ensure client safety, autonomy, and trust in all interactions.
• Provide pre- and post-test counseling, particularly for individuals testing positive for communicable diseases.
• Offer emotional support and clear guidance on follow-up steps and care.

Referrals & Care Navigation

• Provide referrals and warm handoffs to appropriate medical and support services, including PrEP/PEP, HIV care, Hepatitis C treatment, STI treatment, mental health, and substance use services.
• Follow up with clients as needed to support care engagement and continuity.

Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in electronic health records or reporting systems.
• Ensure strict confidentiality of client information and adherence to privacy laws.
• Participate in regular team meetings, training sessions, and quality improvement activities.

Additional Requirements

• 75% or more travel within the community
• Perform other related duties as assigned based on programmatic needs., * What steps did you take to provide support and ensure proper follow-up care?
• Can you describe your recent experience conducting STI testing, particularly in a community-based setting? Please include in what setting the testing took place, and the time of year when the testing occurred.
• Can you describe your experience communicating testing results to clients? Please include any experience where the test results were positive.
• This role will require community outreach and include some evenings and weekends. Are you willing to work these hours with or without reasonable accommodation?

• MINIMUM: High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in public health, social work, or a related field preferred.
• MINIMUM: Experience in Venipuncture in clinical or outreach settings required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or another language spoken in Brooklyn communities is a plus.
• Experience handling biological specimens and adherence to infection control standards
• Must be willing to travel 75% or more within the community

Languages of preference: Must be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend Spanish and English; or another language spoken in Brooklyn communities is a plus.

Driving Preference: MINIMUM: NYS Driver’s License with at least a two (2) year clean driving record, preferred. A clean driving history is defined as a motor vehicle record that reflects a history of following driving and safety regulations. Including but not limited to minimal moving violations or/and License suspensions. At the sole discretion of BAC(Preferred), * Uses empathy, active listening, and nonjudgmental language to create safe and empowering interactions for all clients.

• Demonstrates respect for clients’ lived experiences, identities, and cultural practices.
• Skilled in conducting field-based outreach and engaging clients in non-traditional settings (e.g., shelters, streets, events)
• Familiarity with community resources and health systems
• Knowledge of safety and infection control protocols
• Experience handling and transporting biological samples
• Accurate and timely documentation in electronic health records or reporting systems
• Comfortable working with individuals affected by HIV, Hepatitis C, substance use, mental health conditions, and housing insecurity
• Applies trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches
• Flexible in responding to changing outreach locations, client needs, and scheduling
• Ability to assess barriers and connect clients to appropriate services

SOFT SKILLS AND CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Trauma-Informed Communication: Uses empathy, active listening, and nonjudgmental language to create safe and empowering interactions for all clients.
• Cultural Humility & Responsiveness: Demonstrates respect for clients’ lived experiences, identities, and cultural practices.
• Workplace Conduct: Approaches all interactions with respect, empathy, and cultural humility; maintains clear boundaries, follows through on commitments, accepts accountability, is consistent and punctual, and upholds ethical standards to support a safe and trustworthy environment for clients and colleagues.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Able to respond to evolving community needs, shift priorities, and work evenings/weekends when necessary.
• Team Player: Works with colleagues, supervisors, and external partners to achieve common goals.
• Problem-Solving: Thinks critically and resourcefully in field-based or unpredictable environments.
• Resilience & Emotional Intelligence: Navigates high-stress situations with composure and a commitment to self-care and client care.
• Strong Communication Skills: Capable of clear, compassionate verbal and written communication, with an ability to engage a wide range of individuals., * High school or equivalent (Required), * STD and STI Prevention Education facilitation: 2 years (Required)
• STI results consultations: 1 year (Required)
• Syringe Exchange Programs: 1 year (Required)
• EHR systems: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• read, write, and comprehend Spanish and English (Preferred)
• read, write, and comprehend Haitian Creole and English (Preferred)

Bridging Access to Care, Inc. offers a competitive salary package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development. Employees working in our Health Services divisions are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless approved for a legal accommodation. If you need accommodation for any reason, including related to this job requirement, please get in touch with Human Resources., Pay: $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 21.0 - 28.0 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid jury duty
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Who is Bridging Access to Care, Inc.: Bridging Access to Care, Inc. (BAC) is a nonprofit, multi-service, community-based behavioral health care organization committed to building healthy communities, one person at a time.

In 2012, Brooklyn AIDS Task Force changed its name to BAC and successfully transitioned from an AIDS-centered organization to a multi-service, community-based healthcare organization. Brooklyn Aids Task Force was the very first HIV/AIDS organization in Brooklyn prioritizing serving persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) since 1986. Today, BAC provides mental health and substance use-related social services, comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, and coordinated health care and supportive services to underserved racial and ethnic minority communities in Brooklyn and other parts of New York City.