Classification: Non-exempt Status

Status: Regular, Full-time (40 hours/week)

Reports to: Outreach Director

Salary Level: Level 3 ($39,000 – $42,000 based on education and experience)

Date Revised: September 18, 2025

Organizational Overview

TaskForce Prevention and Community Services is a grassroots, multi-service organization dedicated to improving the sexual health and overall well-being of LGBTQ+ youth of color in Chicago. We achieve this by offering:

• A safe space for fellowship
• HIV/STI screening and education
• On-site referrals to medical, housing, and social services

We are committed to building community, providing compassionate care, and delivering practical solutions that contribute to the long-term health and dignity of our community members.

Position Summary

The Community Health Worker | Peer Navigator is a passionate and reliable frontline outreach worker who supports TaskForce’s mission by:

• Engaging individuals in the community through HIV/STI testing and counseling
• Linking individuals to relevant health, housing, and supportive services
• Supporting harm reduction and sexual health education efforts
• Promoting culturally competent and affirming service navigation

The Peer Navigator must possess strong interpersonal communication skills and be able to build rapport with diverse populations. Flexibility, dependability, and integrity are essential. The position requires evening availability (until 10 PM at least two evenings per week) and occasional weekends.

Core Responsibilities

• Outreach & Community Engagement
  • Conduct mobile and event-based HIV/STI testing in venues including clubs, bars, schools, and private residences
  • Educate community members about sexual health and harm reduction practices
  • Distribute condoms, health education materials, and promotional items
  • Assist with outreach to specific community groups including LGBTQ+ youth and participants in the ballroom scene
• Testing & Counseling
  • Administer HIV/STI testing following organizational and legal protocols
  • Deliver pre-test and post-test counseling and risk-reduction education
  • Notify individuals of results and facilitate referrals for confirmatory testing, care, or treatment, including PrEP services
• Client Navigation & Support Services
  • Conduct intake assessments and screenings for supportive service needs (e.g., housing, mental health, employment)
  • Refer and connect clients to internal and external resources and service providers
  • Collaborate with supportive services staff for crisis response and long-term case navigation
  • Support enrollment into research projects when applicable
• Documentation & Data Management
  • Maintain timely and accurate documentation of all services and encounters, including consent forms, case notes, and referrals
  • Participate in quality assurance reviews and audits as needed
  • Follow confidentiality and data security protocols under HIPAA and organizational policy
• Program Support & Team Collaboration
  • Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and supervision
  • Contribute to developing outreach strategies and feedback loops for program improvement
  • Support and occasionally co-facilitate group workshops on sexual health
  • Perform other program-related duties as assigned by the Program Director

Qualifications

• Required Education
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Note: Candidates without a diploma or GED may be considered with a commitment to obtain a GED within a set timeframe
• Required Experience & Skills
  • Demonstrated knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment services, and local community resources
  • Experience working with individuals affected by structural barriers such as poverty, incarceration, or substance use
  • Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • Comfort engaging in supportive, empathetic conversations on sensitive topics
  • Ability to manage confidential client information with accuracy and professionalism
  • Basic computer proficiency (email, documentation, data entry)
• Preferred Qualities
  • Deep commitment to health equity, racial and social justice, and LGBTQ+ liberation
  • Sociable and approachable demeanor with excellent relationship-building skills●
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
  • Maturity, adaptability, and a sense of humor
  • Works well both independently and as part of a team

Work Environment & Schedule

• Full-time (40 hours/week), with evening availability required until 10 PM at least two nights per week
• Some weekend hours may be needed for community events or outreach
• On-site and field-based position with occasional remote administrative work

How to Apply:

Please email a resume and cover letter to jobs@taskforcechicago.org. The application deadline is October 3, 2025.

Equal Opportunity Statement

TaskForce Prevention and Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace and celebrate the diverse identities of our staff and community members. We strongly encourage applicants from historically marginalized backgrounds—including Black and Brown communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people living with HIV , immigrants, and those with lived experiences of oppression or system involvement—to apply.