Peer Engagement Coordinator

(1 fte – 35 hours per week)   – 15 month – 5 year contract with possibility of extension – hiring ASAP

The position is responsible for the following:

• Coordinates Peer Engagement Program which develops meaningful opportunities for persons living with HIV and/or HCV and/or past/present experience with sex work.
• Supervises and mentors Peer Leaders connected to the project.
• Facilitates educational presentations related to HIV/HCV/STBBI prevention / testing / access to treatment/stigma and discrimination for peers and service providers.
• Facilitates a “Speaker’s Bureau” program which encourages those with lived experience to share life stories as a teaching tool.
• Coordinates Peer component of low threshold street and community outreach to marginalized community members living with or at risk of HIV/HCV/STBBI.

The successful candidate:

• Demonstrated experience with issues of addiction, mental health, HIV/HCV, sex work.
• Post-Secondary education an asset.
• Work with diverse populations and backgrounds in a non-judgmental approach.
• Experience working with Peers and knowledge of Peer Engagement
• Understanding the effects of stigma and discrimination.
• Ability to speak/present in public forum.
• Awareness of and sensitivity when working with diverse cultures, and perspectives.
• Experience working with volunteers and/or peers.
• Applicants living with HIV and/or HCV and/or past/present experience with sex work will be given priority.
• Bilingualism is considered an asset

 Bilingual (French/English) candidates or those of Indigenous decent will be given priority consideration for this position if found qualified.

 Competitive salary and benefits

 Reseau ACCESS Network provides equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from all qualified persons. Reseau ACCESS Network is committed to the Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C and these are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

 We regret that only those candidates selected for an interview may be contacted. No phone calls please.

Interested applicants are asked to submit a resume with a cover letter by the closing date of April 17, 2022 to the attention of Heidi Eisenhauer, Executive Director  [email protected] . 

628.00                         JOB TITLE                    PEER ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR 

REPORT AND ACCOUNTABLE TO:      Manager Education and Community Development

POSITION PURPOSE:

1. Coordinate the Peer engagement program, which develops meaningful opportunities specific to the needs of peers (members of targeted priority populations) related to HIV/HCV/STBBI Prevention and Interventions. Peer engagement strengthens the connections and relationships between individuals with “lived experience” and the organization.
2. Assist in mentoring and supervision of Peer Leaders connected to the project.
3. Develop, promote and facilitate educational presentations for peers and service providers, specific to the needs of priority populations on topics related to HIV/HCV/STBBI prevention/testing/access to treatment/stigma and discrimination.
4. Develop, promote and facilitate a “Speaker’s Bureau” program which encourages active involvement by members of Priority populations to develop methods of “sharing life stories” as a teaching tool for presentation/workshop purposes.
5. Coordinate, in partnership with Agency’s Outreach programs, low threshold street outreach & provide community outreach to marginalized community members living with or at risk of acquiring HIV/HCV/STBBI (Peers).

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

RESPONSIBILITIES TO:            Manager of Programs and Services

Peer Engagement Program

1. Identify issues related to HIV/HCV/STBBI and those identified by Peers -lived experience.
2. Recruit program Advisory members to assist in development of program. Members help to identify issues to be addressed, including development of environmental scan.
3. Develop methods to promote and encourage Peers to participate to Peer Engagement Program. This includes development of materials distributed via print and/or media/web/social networking.
4. Recruit individuals who will further develop the program as Peer Leaders.

Community Education and Training

1. In collaboration with the Manager of Education and Community Development establish / maintain community partnerships and coordinate the development and / or provision of educational material (i.e., literature, audio visual and promotional), specific to the needs of Peers.

2. In accordance with the Educational Guidelines, develop and implement educational presentations / workshops on issues associated to HIV/HCV/STBBI prevention, Peers Health and importance of Peer Engagement within the community. These will be facilitated by the Peer Engagement Coordinator and Peer Leaders to other Peers, community organizations, work place environments, and other targeted groups as requested.
3. Work with community partners/agencies, and those accessing services within those services, to address barriers which prevent individuals from participating/accessing programs and services. Clients within those organizations will be encouraged to actively participate to programs and services within Réseau ACCESS Network.
4. Be a resource person in the areas of HIV/HCV/STBBI prevention to Peers.
5. Work with peers to engage them in agency activities that offer education and training.

Speaker’s Bureau

1. Work with the agency’s multidisciplinary team to provide input into the development of the speaker’s bureau project. This project provides training to persons with lived experience to speak on their experiences and enhance educational presentations.
2. Recruit individuals with lived experience who meet the requirements of the Speaker’s Bureau program.
3. Assure participants are recognized for their contributions and time by securing honorariums, either through the requesting organization or Réseau ACCESS Network.

Street based and Community Outreach Services

1. In collaboration with Peer Leaders the Peer Engagement Coordinator will provide community based outreach targeting those living with or at risk of HIV/HCV transmission.
2. Facilitate distribution of peer led HIV/Hep C education materials and supports to increase access to preventative tools.
3. Provide active outreach in the region/communities frequented by at risk community members living with / at risk of acquiring HIV/HCV, in order to establish contact with peers to bridge individuals to the peer programs and treatment teams.
4. Provide ongoing risk/harm reduction information/education/materials to those living with HIV/HCV.
5. Work with community trained volunteers/students/peers in the provision of Street Outreach services.
6. Establish contact with peers.
7. In collaboration with other Réseau ACCESS Network Outreach Coordinators (i.e. HCV, GMSH, as appropriate) coordinate scheduling to best meet needs of community partners and those we serve.

Administration

1. Ensure that files are secure, confidential and have all necessary backups.
2. Ensure that all necessary reports are completed and submitted to the appropriate sources meeting set deadlines.
3. Recommend program changes to the Manager of Education and Community Development as appropriate.
4. Assist and implement with the evaluation of all program activities.
5. Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures set out by the Board of Directors of Réseau ACCESS Network.
6. Assist with the regular upkeep of Réseau ACCESS Network offices.
7. Participate as a team member in all team functions – program planning, team meetings, inter-team meetings, and case conferences.
8. Provide input to organizational reviews.
9. In consultation with the Manager of Education and Community Development, arrange for knowledge transfer to staff and contribute to the overall day to day running of the agency.

Responsibilities to:     Manager of Education and Community Development and/or Executive Director

1. Compile and submit activity reports and pertinent statistics as requested by the Executive Director and/or funders.
2. Meet regularly with the Manager of Education and Community Development to keep them fully informed on program developments, problems, successes and activities.

Other:

1. Maintain and develop professional competence and learning.
2. Perform other related duties as assigned by the, Manager of Programs and Services and/or the Executive Director.

Position Responsibilities are based on a thirty hour week.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with issues of addiction, mental health, HIV/HCV, sex work.
• Post-Secondary Education an asset.
• Work with diverse populations and backgrounds in a non-judgmental approach.
• Experience working with Peers and knowledge of Peer Engagement.
• Understanding the effects of stigma and discrimination.
• Ability to speak/present in a public forum
• Awareness of and sensitivity when working with diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of knowing.
• Experience working with volunteers and/or peers.
• Ability to function well under pressure.
• Applicants living with HIV and/or HCV and/or past/present experience with sex work will be given priority.
• Ability to work evenings.

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Self-directed and able to take initiative.
• Good organizational and administrative skills.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to speak openly and frankly about sexuality in a supportive, non-judgmental manner.

Accountability

• The Peer Engagement Coordinator is responsible to the Manager of Programs and Services and/or the Executive Director.

Working Conditions

• Physical requirements include the dexterity to reach, stand, squat, twist, lift light loads, and the ability to do sedentary work.
• Outreach component includes working with inclement weather and carrying moderately heavy supplies in a back pack.
• Must be flexible to work evenings.
• Must be able to work in a variety of settings.
• 30 hour work week, overtime compensated by time off in lieu.