Sexual Health Coordinator

1.0 FTE (35 hours per week)

The position is responsible for the following:

• Provides education and supportive counselling to those who identify as men, in an effort to address: healthy relations with sexual partners; health issues related to Gay/Two-Spirited/MSM; PEP & PrEP; and works towards minimizing HIV/HCV/STBBI transmission.
• Develops or works with existing campaigns to increase awareness on issues of HIV transmission, benefits of treatment; HIV stigma and discrimination and other health factors specific to Gay/Two-Spirited and/or MSM.

• Work with the Agency’s Gay/MSM Sexual Health Clinic’s multidisciplinary team to provide support, education and referrals as needed, including access to PrEP. 
• Coordinate the Online Outreach Program (ie, Grinder, Scruff, etc)

The successful candidate:

• Degree/Diploma with a specialization in Social Work/ Social Services (Indigenous or mainstream).
• Sound knowledge and experience working with issues of sexuality, gender identity, mental health and sexual minorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts.
• Creative, self-directed, results focused and team player.
• Able to work evenings and weekends when required in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of harm reduction principles and practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous communities, cultures, perspectives and organizations as well as an understanding of the effects of intergenerational trauma on Indigenous persons.
• Fluency in French and English, both oral and written is an asset.

Bilingual (French/English), or those who identify as Indigenous will be given priority consideration for this position if found qualified.

Competitive salary and benefits, including staff development budget

The full job description is located on the Réseau ACCESS Network Website at www.reseauaccessnetwork.com. Interested applicants are asked to submit a resume with a cover letter by the closing date of Sunday, September 12, 2021 to the attention of the Executive Director @ [email protected]  

Réseau ACCESS Network provides equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from all qualified persons.  Réseau 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.

618.00             JOB TITLE                    SEXUAL HEALTH COORDINATOR (1.0 fte Staff)

REPORT AND ACCOUNTABLE TO:      Executive Director

 POSITION PURPOSE:

1. Works with designated local communities to build and maintain strong capacity to respond to the HIV/Hepatitis B/C prevention needs of gay and/or Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) (18+) communities and those at risk.
2. Provides education and supportive counselling to gay and/or MSM, those living with or those at risk of HIV/HCV, to advance HIV/HCV prevention initiatives and facilitate access to health and social services.
3. Develops or works with existing campaigns targeting gay and/or MSM, and those at risk to increase awareness on issues of HIV/HCV transmission and benefits of treatment, HIV/HCV stigma and discrimination and other health factors specific to gay and/or MSM.
4. Aims to support and empower those who identify as men, promote healthy relations with sexual partners, address specific health issues related to gay and/or MSM and reduce the possibilities of new HIV/HCV infections and other sexually transmitted infections.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Development

1. Acts as a liaison between Réseau ACCESS Network and local community organizations, committees and other gay/MSM population programs in advancing prevention initiatives for gay/MSM population and building supportive environments.
2. Establishes, facilitates, and maintains collaborative partnership opportunities with local community organizations and groups that provide service to gay/MSM population.
3. Participates in local community planning initiatives related to gay/MSM population and promotes integration of HIV/HCV into programs, services and policies-procedures.
4. Represents Réseau ACCESS Network at public meetings and committees and directs partnership relationship strategies to advance the mission of the organization.

Community Education and Training

1. Works with Réseau ACCESS Network’s multidisciplinary team to develop, promote and execute HIV/HCV testing campaigns geared to gay/MSM population.
2. Coordinate the development and / or provision of educational material (i.e., literature, audio visual, posters and promotional materials), specific to gay/MSM population to decrease HIV rates and increase testing. Is responsible for assuring educational materials specific to gay/MSM is ordered through CATIE, GMSH or other service provider as needed.
3. Develop and implement educational presentations / workshops on issues associated to gay/MSM population, including safer sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism, internalized homophobia, aging, HIV stigma and discrimination, POZ prevention. etc., specific to needs of gay/MSM individuals/groups, or those who provide services to them.
4. Work with Advisory Committee members and appropriate staff to take the lead and develop / coordinate annual Classroom Closet Conference; annual Pride events; annual Frosh Week and other workshops as appropriate.
5. Be a resource person in the areas of safer sex, sexual orientation, homophobia, heterosexism, HIV/HCV, stigma and discrimination, to personnel, volunteers, clients and those who provide services to them.
6. Develops and maintains Internet communication and Social media platforms (website, twitter, YouTube, Facebook, etc.,) on issues of gay/MSM population. Upon approval of the immediate supervisor, will respond to all forms of media inquiries related to gay/MSM issues.
7. Will nurture and enhance community relations with Francophone and/or Indigenous specific services.

Support and Outreach

1. Provide one on one and/or group supportive counseling on issues of gay/MSM population, including sexual orientation, assist in increasing self-esteem and decreasing internalized homophobia.
2. Work with the Agency’s Gay/MSM Sexual Health Clinic’s multidisciplinary team to provide support, education and referrals as needed.
3. Coordinate the Online Outreach Program (ie, Grinder, Scruff, etc)
4. Coordinate Outreach initiatives at local gay establishment and Pride events.

Support Personnel

1. Liaise with agency’s multi-disciplinary team in the training of volunteers and new staff.

Administration 

1. Ensure that all necessary reports (i.e. OCASE, OCHART, Program Plans, etc.) are completed and submitted to the appropriate sources by the requested due date.
2. Ensure that files are secure, confidential and have all necessary backups.
3. Assist and implement the evaluation of all program activities.
4. Work with the Manager of Programs and Services to develop annual program work plans
5. Meet regularly with the Manager of Programs and Services to keep them fully informed on program developments, problems and activities.
6. Assist with the regular upkeep of Réseau ACCESS Network offices.
7. Participate in networking opportunities with peer GMSH coordinators / workers through the Ontario AIDS Network and/or other peer opportunities.
8. Participate in staff meetings and other staff sharing opportunities.
9. Provide input to organizational reviews.

Other:

1. Assist in fundraising projects and/or other duties as deemed important and appropriate by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma with a specialization in Social Work/Social Services (Indigenous or mainstream).
• Sound knowledge and experience working with issues of sexuality, gender identity, mental health and sexual minorities.
• Experience in developing and implementing educational programs and materials for internal and external distribution.
• Demonstrated excellence in written, presentation, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts.
• Strong leadership and project management skills (organize, identify needs and carry through to completion).
• Sensitive to issues of diversity and a commitment to support the mission and philosophy of Réseau ACCESS Network.
• Creative, self directed, results focused and team player
• Ability to develop promotional materials using various formats (i.e. posters, pamphlets, etc).
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends when required in a variety of social and physical settings.
• Experience working with volunteers and/or peers.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous communities, cultures, perspectives and organizations an asset.
• Understanding the effects of intergenerational trauma on Indigenous persons an asset.
• Work with diverse populations and backgrounds in a non-judgmental approach.
• Experience working in a non-profit community based organization.
• Ability to function well under pressure.
• Applicants from Indigenous communities or those with lived experience are considered an asset.
• Applicants from Francophone communities or those with lived experience are considered an asset.
• Fluency in French and English both oral and written would be an asset.

Working Conditions

• Physical requirements include the dexterity to reach, stand, squat, twist, lift light loads, and the ability to do sedentary work.
• Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to work in a variety of settings.
• 35 hour work week, overtime compensated by time off in lieu.
• Access to a vehicle and valid driver’s license.