Prevention Specialist

Are you looking for an opportunity to do amazing work helping others? You've come to the right place. Let's make a difference!

Primary Health Care (PHC) was founded in 1981 by Dr. Bery Engebretsen in Des Moines, IA. Our mission has remained unchanged since that time, to provide healthcare and supportive services to all, regardless of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay.

Based on the needs of the communities we serve, PHC offers a spectrum of medical and dental services including family practice, behavioral health, HIV care and services, and pharmacy.

PHC’s Homeless Support Services is the entry point for serving people experiencing homelessness in Polk County. Enabling services are available to help patients with benefits enrollment, case management, transportation, translation, and patient education.

We currently have locations in Ames, Des Moines, & Marshalltown.

The Prevention Specialist conducts HIV, STI, and Hepatitis C education, testing, and risk reduction counseling of priority populations including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, and disproportionately affected communities of color.

Assists in the expansion of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) education and PrEP services for these populations. Builds relationships and collaborations with community partners.

Works in Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics and mobile health unit as well as community venues where priority populations can be reached, including bars, nightclubs, and community events.

Demonstrates iCare values in daily work.

What You Will Do

Recruits, screens, and conducts HIV, STI, and Hepatitis C testing with individuals at increased risk for contraction of these viruses and bacterial infections following PHC policy and procedures.

Conducts outreach in person to provide HIV, STI, Hepatitis, and PrEP information and education in the community. Facilitates increased awareness and utilization of agency’s HIV PrEP programs, primarily among persons most at risk for HIV.

Organizes and facilitates events including educational workshops and social events. Establishes and maintains relationships with other agencies, businesses, and community members.

Identifies new opportunities for collaboration and outreach. Educates PHC staff about program focus, client issues and needs, and related services.

Utilize counseling skills to identify underlying risk factors and create risk-reduction goals. Provide referrals and support as appropriate.

Provides HIV / STI / Hepatitis test results to clients in a sensitive, caring, and confidential manner. Guides clients who test positive to help ensure they receive proper support.

Advocates for clients with community agencies, schools, significant others, and other appropriate agencies.

Ensures proper collection and laboratory processing of a variety of STI / HIV / Hepatitis tests involving specimen collection (urine, whole blood / venipuncture, and or pharyngeal / rectal swabs) and appropriate specimen handling, storage, and transport.

Records, documents and reports on data as required by PHC policy and procedures and grantors. Ensures accurate completion and appropriate transport of all form documents as directed by funders, grantors, laboratories, Polk County Health Department, and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Uses professional discretion with client information in all situations, ensuring appropriate releases of information are completed, and that respect for the client is always conveyed.

• Assists in facilitation of agency’s condom distribution program. Ensures timely and efficient re-supply of all condom distribution sites including but not limited to, bars, clinics, education campuses, and partnering agencies.
• Conducts online health education interventions through the use of sex-seeking websites and geolocation applications. Assists with and make recommendations on tailoring services, literature, and materials to better serve the community.

Conducts periodic community assessments including interviews and focus groups to ensure community needs are met.

Develops and maintains knowledge of services available to clients such as case management, homeless outreach support, behavioral health services, and groups.

Reviews and updates referral and resource materials for all PHC testing areas. Maintains current knowledge of HIV / STI / Hepatitis transmission, prevention information, current treatments and treatment recommendations.

Assists with the recruitment, training, and supervision of outreach volunteers and interns.

Qualifications You Need to Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, mental health, human services, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in social work, public health, or related field.
• Willingness and ability to learn computer software; proficient with Microsoft Outlook applications and ability to use program management and database systems.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Organization, prioritization and time management skills with ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Team oriented with ability to collaborate and build / maintain professional relationships at all levels.
• Exhibits professionalism interacting with others while maintaining composure and demonstrating empathy.
• Trustworthy with ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Licenses & Certifications : Approved phlebotomy certification; current Mandatory Reporter Training- Child and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the State of Iowa;

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers recognized by the American Heart Association.

Must be obtained during introductory period if not current.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a community health center or other medical clinic setting.
• Previous experience in HIV prevention and care, case management, counseling and / or implementing health behavior interventions, or other community health programs.
• Previous experience working with prioritized populations including gay, bi, and other men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and disproportionately affected communities of color.
• Previous experience coordinating group efforts or similar activities.
• CADC Certification
• Bilingual, verbal, and written language proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Clinical skills : finger prick, swab collection, urine processing, phlebotomy.
• Working knowledge of operations and maintenance of a commercial vehicle.
• Working knowledge of local community resources.

Qualifications You Need to Bring

Your experience and skills determine your base pay. The hiring range for this position is typically $17.00-$21.25, though highly experienced candidates may earn up to $25.

50 per hour. PHC also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including :

Generous PTO accrual (equal to 4 weeks at end of 1st year) plus paid holidays

License / certification fee reimbursement

Paid time off for continuing education & continuing education reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement program

401k with company match

Medical insurance - PHC Pays, on average, 80% of medical premiums for all plan types (employee, employee + family, etc.)

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life & disability insurance

Flexible spending & health savings accounts

Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance

Discounts on pet insurance

Visit for a summary of PHC’s benefits.

Join the PHC Community