Job Description

Community Health Worker 

Classification: Non-Exempt
Status: Regular, Full-time
Salary Range: $22 - $25 /hour based on education and experience
Location: On-site and field-based, Chicago, IL
Reports To: Director of Outreach and Community Engagement

About TaskForce Prevention and Community Services

TaskForce Prevention and Community Services is a multi-service, grassroots organization committed to improving the sexual health and overall well-being of LGBTQ+ youth of Color in Chicago by providing a safe space for fellowship, HIV/STI screening and education, and on-site referrals to medical, housing, and other social services.

Position Overview

The Community Health Worker is a critical member of our sexual health and wellness team. This position supports HIV and STI prevention and treatment services by building strong relationships with community members, conducting HIV and STI testing, providing affirming counseling, supporting linkage to treatment and PrEP, and connecting participants to essential social supports.

The role requires frequent outreach in dynamic, non-traditional settings, including entertainment venues, social gatherings, and community events.

What You Will Do

HIV and STI Testing, Counseling, and Clinical Support (Approximately 40%)

• Conduct HIV and STI testing, education, and counseling in both onsite and offsite settings, including entertainment venues, community gatherings, social events, and other community-based locations.
• Perform phlebotomy and support clinical procedures, including proper patient identification and accurate sample labeling
• Maintain a sterile workspace and adhere to safety protocols
• Deliver affirming pre- and post-test counseling with informed consent, complete documentation, and privacy protections
• Notify participants of test results and assist with timely linkage to HIV treatment, PrEP, and additional care services

Community Outreach and Engagement (Approximately 15%)

• Attend and support outreach efforts at nightlife, Ballroom, and other community-based events serving LGBTQ+ youth, building relationships and connecting participants to TaskForce programs and resources.
• Establish trust and rapport through culturally responsive engagement
• Promote sexual health services and encourage community participation

Data, Compliance, and Quality Improvement (Approximately 30%)

• Accurately document all encounters in compliance with confidentiality laws and agency protocols
• Assist with quality assurance efforts, research participation, pre-screening participants, and audit support

Team Collaboration and Professional Development (Approximately 15%)

• Attend required staff meetings, supervision sessions, and trainings
• Maintain necessary certifications and participate in ongoing development
• Uphold and model TFPCS values of dignity, equity, collaboration, and community leadership

Please note: This role may be adjusted based on emerging community needs, shifts in outreach strategy, or operational requirements. Flexibility and teamwork are essential to success in this position.

Work Schedule and Environment

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position, generally scheduled Monday through Friday. 

• Flexibility in work hours is required based on program, outreach, and community needs, including some evening availability, which may include shifts such as 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
• Occasional weekend hours may also be required to support special events, outreach activities, and community-based programming.

Work is performed both onsite and in community-based settings, including entertainment venues, social gatherings, special events, and other non-traditional outreach environments.

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate, timely HIV and STI testing delivered with strong safety and quality protocols
• Affirming, confidential counseling that supports participants' informed decisions
• Successful linkage of participants to HIV treatment, PrEP, and supportive social services
• Trusting relationships built with LGBTQ+ and Ballroom community members through culturally responsive outreach
• Complete, accurate documentation that meets confidentiality laws and agency protocols
• Reliable presence at scheduled programs, outreach activities, and community events
• Strong collaboration with the sexual health and wellness team and program partners

Qualifications

We value demonstrated skills and lived experience. A portfolio is required

Required

• High school diploma or GED. Applicants without a GED may still apply if willing to complete one within an agreed timeframe.
• Phlebotomy training or experience.
• Vocational training, apprenticeships, or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Lived or professional experience supporting LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, particularly within Black and Brown communities.
• Familiarity with HIV and STI prevention, PrEP and PEP services, and social determinants of health.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, confidentiality, and cultural humility.
• Comfort discussing identity, sex, and sexual health topics respectfully.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Basic computer and mobile technology skills.

Preferred

• Medical assistant training, certification, or experience.
• HIV testing and counseling certification.
• Community outreach, harm reduction, and peer-based care experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish or another language.

Who You Are

• Passionate about health equity and affirming care for LGBTQ+ communities of color
• Organized, reliable, and motivated by community impact
• Adaptable and eager to learn new systems and approaches
• Skilled at building trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Believer in the power of peer-based and community-rooted care

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly rate: $22–$25 per hour, based on education and experience
• Non-exempt, eligible for overtime consistent with law
• Competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off

Why Join TaskForce

Our Community Health Workers are at the heart of how we improve the sexual health and overall well-being of LGBTQ+ youth of Color in Chicago. In this role, you will build trusting relationships, deliver affirming care, and connect community members to the resources they need to thrive.

This is meaningful, community-rooted work with opportunities for training, certification, and professional growth. If you value equity, authenticity, and community connection, we encourage you to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

TaskForce Prevention and Community Services (TaskForce) is an equal opportunity employer. TaskForce makes employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and job-related criteria.

TaskForce prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, parental status, family responsibilities, order of protection status, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, citizenship status, work authorization status, arrest record, conviction record, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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