HIRING: Policy and Education Specialist (2 Positions)

We are no longer accepting applications for this position. Thank you for your time and interest.

Hiring: Policy and Education Specialist (2 Positions)

About Us:

The Queer & Trans Health Collective (QTHC) is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, with programs and services that are made by and for community. This position would be part of a team working on a new project to reduce and remove barriers to healthcare experienced by trans and gender diverse communities in Alberta. The Policy and Education Specialist will work with healthcare providers and professional organizations to develop and implement best practice guidelines, a strategic plan, and tools to support gender affirming care across Alberta. 

Job Description 

The Policy and Education Specialist will work with QTHC and one of the following professional associations - Alberta Medical Association, College of Registered Nurses, or the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association - to:  

• Develop best practice guidelines for providing care to trans and gender diverse communities for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists in Alberta

• Develop training modules and toolkits to support affirming care in medical, nursing, and pharmacy practices 

• Develop a strategy with the designated professional association to improve trans and gender diverse care in rural communities 

• Conduct research to identify core determinants of discrimination towards trans and gender diverse communities in Alberta health care practices

• Facilitate focus groups, community advisory team meetings, and stakeholder advisory meetings

Additionally, the Policy and Education Specialist will be responsible for:

• Regularly reporting to the Project Manager

• Attending research team meetings; and,

• Additional duties as deemed necessary by the QTHC staff team.

The is a hybrid work position consisting of both remote and in-person work in Edmonton, AB. The position is open to anyone legally entitled to work in Canada. The position is for 40 hours/week, with some degree of flexibility around when those hours are worked. 

Required Experience and Competencies:

Experience:

• Partial or full completion of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in public health, education, social sciences, or a related field.

• Partial or full completion of a graduate degree or equivalent work experience in a relevant field is considered an asset

• Experience with policy and educational tool development

• Experience working with professional associations is considered an asset 

• Prior experience working with 2S/LGBTQ+ communities and harm reduction programs is highly desirable.

Competencies:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders and community members effectively.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a diverse team.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

• Knowledge of knowledge translation principles and experience in developing materials for professional education.

• Experience in data analysis and applications relevant to training tool development is considered an asset.

Compensation:

This position pays $60,000 annually, with benefits. The contract will be until March 31st, 2027.

Application Process:

The posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. The anticipated start date is October 21st, 2024.

Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your interest in working with QTHC and how your experience aligns with the role's responsibilities. Highlight any specific competencies or software you have experience with that relate to this job posting.

Submit resume and cover letter to hiring@ourhealthyeg.ca and include the position title and the subject field of the email. While we thank all applicants for their time, only applicants considered for an interview will be contacted. 

QTHC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse identities and experiences, especially those from the 2S/LGBTQ+ community. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process, please let us know.

Tip Sheet for Providing Care to Queer Bodies

Our 2023-2024 Pivot cohort recently produced this tip sheet to inform healthcare and service providers how they can provide better care to 2S/LGBTQIA+ patients and clients. The cohort identified that normative body conceptions - what queer bodies should look like, and what they should or should not do - are often the root cause of negative experiences in healthcare and service provision environments. If you would like a PDF of this resource, please contact qc.gu@ourhealthyeg.ca.

QTHC'S STATEMENT ON THE UCP'S PROPOSED GENDER POLICIES

In the last couple of days, the UCP government has unveiled a collection of transphobic and harmful political policies they plan to enshrine into law. While the government states that they wish to “depoliticize the issue,” any decision to restrict freedom, including freedom to access medical care, is inherently a political decision.

We believe that supportive families and their children should have the right to decide, for themselves, what forms of medical care are appropriate. We believe that supportive families are already in loving discussions with their trans, non-binary, and questioning youth about their gender identities. If a minor has not shared with their family their identity, pronouns or name preferences, this reveals that the family is an unsafe space for them. In this light, mandatory reporting by schools puts trans and non-binary youth at greater risk of harm. While Premier Smith cites child protection laws, we know that these laws currently fail to protect trans youth who are facing unsupportive home environments, as unsupported trans youth often experience increased mental health challenges and suicide rates, and are overrepresented among houseless youth.

We affirm that trans women are women and deserve access to women’s spaces including sport. The proposed policy of creating “biological women and girls” leagues runs counter to evidence that trans women and girls do not have measurable advantages in sport. We denounce Premier Smith’s portrayal of trans women as a threat to safety in women’s sports. We believe that the government has no place in legislating the actions of sporting leagues beyond ensuring their adherence to human rights laws and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  

The UCP government’s proposed policies draw upon hateful rhetoric that pathologize gender diversity. These policies are designed to create a moral panic and portray gender diversity as a threat to the province and our society. The real threat is the incalculable harm that their policies will enact upon gender diverse individuals in our society, especially gender diverse children and youth.

As members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community, we at QTHC stand in solidarity with the trans, non-binary and gender diverse youth and their families who are directly impacted by these harmful policies. We commit to advocating for and supporting our community with everything we have.

In Solidarity,

The Queer & Trans Health Collective

If you are in need of support, please reach out:

https://kidshelpphone.ca/urgent-help CALL 1-800-668-6868

https://www.briteline.ca/  CALL 1-844-702-7483

You can also email us, the Queer & Trans Health Collective, at connect@peernpeer.ca. Please note this email is not monitored 24/7 but we will get back to you as soon as we can. 

Bloom breaking the barriers to 2S/LGBTQ+ mental health support

If you think it’s difficult accessing 2S/LGBTQ+-affirming mental health support, you’re not alone

It’s even harder to find effective mental health support if you’re a sex worker, if you use substances, if you’re from a rural community, or if your unique brain doesn’t fit in well. Racialized, 2 Spirit and Indigiqueer, and visibly marginalized communities also face greater stigma and discrimination, and feel like no one understands or supports them.

On top of all this, trauma builds on our difficulties and creates daily challenges. Without adequate support, the mental well-being and overall quality of life for many queer and trans folks declines. No matter how you cut it, the 2S/LGBTQ+ community is underserviced, and that has devastating consequences. 

To tackle this mental health crisis, and target the gaps in mental health supports, we created Bloom; a community-based mental health support program helping members of our community and empowering others to do the same.

Here are three ways Bloom helps support the community’s mental health needs:

1. we use a trauma-informed approach led by peers in the 2S/LGBTQ+ community

Based on mutual-aid, Bloom focuses on a peer-driven response outside of established systems to issues faced by the community. The program emphasizes harm reduction, sexual health, and meeting the needs of those who have a high degree of intersectionality and history with trauma. We believe that folks from the queer and trans community are the most equipped to understand and face the complex mental health needs of their peers.

Additionally, Bloom’s mentorship approach creates a culture of safety, trust, and communication for both the service provider and the person accessing services. We ensure that Bloom partners are not left alone with clients until they are completely confident in their service delivery. Led by trans therapists with years of professional and lived experience working in mental health, Bloom is uniquely suited to assist 2S/LGBTQ+ folks.

2. We use evidence-based methods for both individual and group settings

Bloom techniques are proven highly effective at meeting 2S/LGBTQ+ mental health needs. First informed by experience and research with Dr. Hart and the HIV Prevention Lab at Ryerson University, and practiced in community through community-based organizations and private practices, our counselling techniques and well-experienced queer and trans therapists target the complex mental health needs of our community.

Some of the counselling techniques Bloom uses include:

Motivational Interviewing (MI): helps individuals identify their own goals and motivates them to make positive changes in their lives.

Trauma and Violence informed Care (TVIC): minimizes the potential for harm and re-traumatization, thereby enhancing the safety, control and resilience for everyone in.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): improves mental and sexual health by helping participants align their behaviour with their mental/sexual health goals.

In addition to being useful for individuals, the MI program has been researched and delivered in both group and individual contexts. CBT has also been successfully delivered to individual gay men and 2S folks and is adapted to focus on the broader 2S/LGBTQ+ community.

3. We train other queer and trans-led organizations to help their communities through this crisis

Bloom is not just a support program; it’s an all-encompassing mental health training program. We help other organizations build capacity to address the unique mental health challenges in their own communities. Our model of mutual aid means supporting communities outside of established systems; we do this by building a network of organizations with trained staff and volunteers.

Moreover, training is offered with a preference for service providers whose identity carries multiple intersecting and marginalized layers. By focusing on building capacity within community peers, we build a diverse network of queer and trans folks equipped to uplift their communities. This empowers 2S/LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations to help their most vulnerable at times when they need it the most.

On top of training service providers, program alumni and their participants receive structure and support throughout their journey. Community partners are supported with behind-the-scenes guidance adapting and implementing Bloom into their programs. Our research team, back-up support and debrief workers, and our program evaluation tools ensure the program meets your community’s unique needs.

Bloom helps individuals, organizations, and communities reach their full potential

Our proven methods and community-based, peer-led programming empowers folks to be who they’re meant to be, and builds capacity for community-based organizations to do the same. By helping communities tackle their unique mental health challenges, we improve our resilience to the ongoing mental health crisis.

With ongoing support and guidance for the program, we help ensure community partners and their clients receive effective community-based mental health support. All of this is offered on a sliding scale to ensure organizations can pay what they can. We offer nonprofit pricing to community-based organizations, and may also offer a scholarship for training.

All costs go directly back to supporting our network and trainers. Apply now at the button below! Contact us for more information at connect@youcanbloom.ca

Hiring: Peer Outreach Worker - Peer N Peer Program

Hiring: Peer Outreach Worker (POW) with the Peer N Peer program

The Peer N Peer (PNP) harm reduction program through Queer & Trans Health Collective (QTHC) is looking for Peer Outreach Workers (POW) to support our program focused on empowerment-based 2S/LGBTQ+ sexual health, substance use, mental health and harm reduction peer based services. 

As a peer, the successful candidate will be a part of the 2S/LGBTQ+ community with lived experience of substance use. The POW is an integral part of the team that ensures that community members are able to access support and services from individuals who have firsthand knowledge and understanding of the issues they face.

*Preference will be given to those who have multiple intersections of identity and are peers in the queer and trans community. Trans, QTBIPOC, 2S, disabled and neurodivergent folks are encouraged to apply. Please contact us if you have any questions or need any accommodations/accessibility considerations during your application process.*

About Peer N Peer

PNP is a peer-led queer and trans substance use and sexual health program, offered by QTHC. Rooted in harm reduction principles, PNP meets folks where they're at on their substance use journey. Whether you're looking to use substances more safely, change how substance use impacts your sex life, or stop using substances altogether, the PNP team is here for you.

About QTHC

Queer & Trans Health Collective (QTHC) is a grassroots health organization run by and for queer and trans community members. Our vision is for all queer and trans community members to have equitable opportunity to experience positive health and well-being.

Key Responsibilities

The successful POW will work alongside and report to the Program Development and Harm Reduction Manager and the Peer Outreach Lead to support a range of activities within the PNP programs, including but not limited to: 

• Providing online screening, referral, and support through MyBuzz.ca and dating apps/sites. 

• Delivering motivational interviewing counselling (bloom mental health program) to community members seeking to change their substance use and sexual health practices.

• Provision/delivery of harm reduction supplies to participants and community partners.

• Testing substances with FTIR spectrometer testing (training will be provided). 

• Supporting the Program Coordinator in the development of community education and stakeholder capacity-building content.

• Providing safer substance use and sexual health education to participants.

• Supporting in-person outreach activities, facilitating community and stakeholder education sessions, and distributing harm reduction supplies.

• Supporting the Program Development and Harm Reduction Manager at meetings and in other capacities as required. 

• Collecting and recording evaluation data as needed.

Qualifications

Education

No education is required.

Diploma or training in social work, addictions counselling, or similar field is an asset.

Experience

Lived experience as a 2S/LGBTQ+ person who uses/has used substances is required.

Experience providing front line support/services (i.e. motivational interviewing/trauma and violence informed counselling, system navigation, and support) to peers is desired.

Experience developing and delivering education content/workshops is desired.

Paid or volunteer experience in the fields of queer and trans health, HIV/HCV/STBBIs, and/or substance use/harm reduction is desired.

Desired Competencies

Public Speaking: The successful candidate will support the delivery of education, training, and group-work sessions with community members and healthcare/service providers. Experience in public speaking is an asset.

Community Engagement: POWs will be required to meaningfully engage with a diverse range of community members in a variety of settings (at large community events, one-on-one by appointment, and online). Demonstrated experience in effectively engaging individuals in a variety of settings, with tangible results (linking to services/care/programming) is an asset.

Web and Social Media: The project will include the design and delivery of online content through websites and social media. A general understanding of different web and social media platforms and ideas for content is an asset.

Network & Relationship Building: The successful candidate will be required to establish and maintain relationships with key partners (academic, community-based organizations, etc.) Previous experience developing and maintaining relationships with a diverse network of stakeholders will be an asset.

Time Management: The successful candidate will enjoy a flexible work schedule. However, they must be able to manage their time so that they are able to meet an ambitious schedule of deliverables. Demonstrated ability to execute responsibilities on a tight timeline in flexible work environments with minimal supervision is an asset.

Conflict Resolution: We are all human, and where there are humans there will be conflict. Conflict will emerge at some point throughout the program. The successful candidate should identify opportunities for conflict and address them before they emerge. When conflict does emerge, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to resolve it effectively and sensitively so that all parties feel supported and are able to move forward in relationship with one another.

Non-judgmental/Sex-positive Attitude: We frequently operate in sexualized environments both online and in person (e.g. operating on grindr, attending sexual health events, and discussing sexual health topics with our participants.) In order for our participants to feel safe, the successful candidate will have a genuine sex-positive attitude and be comfortable discussing sexual health topics. 

Equity: Some sexual and gender minority individuals also experience additional intersecting identities which can result in increased experiences of stigma and discrimination. In turn, this can result in some individuals facing additional barriers to health and well-being, as well as barriers to participation in programs and services. The successful candidate should have a working knowledge of the concepts of social equity, intersectionality, and anti-oppression, and the ability to apply them in a way that benefits the experience of all program participants. Demonstrated experience applying these principles will be an asset.

Additional Qualifications

A valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle are required.

Applicants with a criminal record are welcome to apply and will not be excluded from the application process. However, a vulnerable sector check will be requested. 

Folks who are currently engaging in substance use are welcome to apply. 

Compensation

$25/hr

Term

Starting December 1st - 15th. Overall Term TBD.

Hours

Avg. of 15 hours/week, with possibility of additional hours. Hours and location of work (within Edmonton) are flexible; some evening and weekend work required. 

Contact connect@peernpeer.ca with a cover letter and resume in order to apply. In the title of the email, please reference this job posting. Only selected candidates will be contacted.

Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on December 8th!

Join us at our first virtual AGM as QTHC on Monday, June 20th at 6 p.m.

This year, we announced ourselves as the Queer & Trans Health Collective (QTHC), a step forward from our old identity as the Edmonton Men’s Health Collective. This move towards inclusion of our broader community is the result of months of internal and external work, including consultation with our community members about how to move forward.

Now on Monday, June 20th at 6 p.m., we’ll be holding our first virtual AGM under our new identity. This meeting will help align our purpose with the needs of our community, and feature a few key votes for our members to decide. You can view the agenda items here.

This year, we will be voting on two special motions:

1. A special amendment to change the name of the Society to Queer & Trans Health Collective

2. Two amendments of our bylaws. One to include a minimum attendance expectation for members of the Board of Directors, and one to shift our membership window from "January to December" to "April to March".

Interested in helping make a difference in how we operate? Sign up to be a member! You can sign up here! The meeting is open to all, so join us through the link down below:

Topic: QTHC 2022 Annual General Meeting

Time: Jun 20, 2022 06:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83830654525

Meeting ID: 838 3065 4525

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/keqwPo6kz5

Sammy shows more about his time with Investigaytors

Investigaytors, the data-driven journey into 2SLGBTQ+ community-based research, may sound intimidating. The program teaches 2SLGBTQ+ community members the basics of community-based research, aiming to answer burning questions, and learn about queer and trans health.

The program has previously led participants to present their research back to the community locally and at the CBRC’s national summit. One former Investigaytor wants you to know there’s nothing to fear. Sammy (he/him) reflects on his time with the program, and how it can help connect you with community members!

Q: One of the major priorities of the Investigaytors program is to create a safe, inclusive and non-sexualized space for queer and trans folks to connect. In what ways has the program helped you connect with your community?

The aptly named InvestiGAYtors program provides an extremely welcoming, engaging, and comfortable space for folks of all identities and backgrounds to come together in the name of community-based research. As queer folks, it allowed us to fully take the lead in identifying and exploring research questions that were meaningful and pressing for us and our own communities. This program truly promotes research conducted by, with, and for 2SLGBTQ+ folks.   

Q: In the Investigaytors program, people can expect to build their community-based research skills, which can be applied through the planning and execution of an original project. What was your biggest take-away from your experience?

Research does not have to be confined to the world of academia and institutional education, nor should it be. By tapping into our own lived experiences as queer people and prioritizing open collaboration and dialogue with our diverse communities, we are able to conduct meaningful and rigorous research that has lead to tangible impacts and positive feedback. 

Q: Anyone who is considering joining this program has a ton to offer, regardless of what sort of experience they already have. What are some of the things other folks with you in Investigaytors brought to the program? 

It was absolutely inspiring and humbling to discover the unique experiences, talents, and perspectives that every single participant brought to the program. Some came with finely-honed data analysis skills and research methodologies, and others came with first hand experience in the social services and healthcare sectors. Some folks wanted the chance to explore their own pressing questions or expand their skill sets, while others had never been involved with research before but absolutely LOVED creating spreadsheets in Excel.  

Q: Any last words to those who are thinking about signing up?

I think that the term “research” can sometimes be quite daunting. In fact, I was nervous to sign up for the program because I was worried that I didn’t have the right skills and wouldn’t have anything of value to contribute. I quickly learned, however, that as a human being with years of experience living as “me”, I was equipped with all that I needed to engage with the program and contribute to a truly unique and beautiful process. There is room for absolutely everyone in this program. Confident in your research skills and want to contribute to queer-based research? Awesome! Never even thought about research or nervous to try something new? Perfect! Investigaytors is for you.

Investigaytors begins this Septemeber, engaging participants for up to two hours each week for seven months. The data-driven project can teach you about community-based research, including topics like like qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection and analysis, research design, and more

No experience is necessary, and participants will have the chance to conduct their own 2SLGBTQ+ community research project! Investigaytors program kicks off soon; click here to learn more! Check out the work from last year’s project here!

Russell reflects on his experience with Pivot

Pivot aims to disrupt the status quo, shake up the establishment, and be a catalyst for change in your community. While being empowered with skills, connections, and resources, participants will also get the chance to advocate for real-world change in health systems.

It sounds like a big challenge to accomplish over a period of seven months, but there’s nothing to be afraid of. Russell (he/him) reviews his experience below, and discusses how the program was an opportunity for him to grow and lead change for his community.

Q: One of the major priorities of the Pivot program is to create a safe, inclusive and non-sexualized space for queer and trans folks to connect. In what ways has the program helped you connect with your community?

The program provided a space for queer people to come together to address problems that impact our community. Creating space for people from all over the rainbow to come together gave us agency over circumstances that often felt beyond our control.

Q: In the Pivot program, people can expect to build their advocacy skills, which can be applied through the planning and execution of a community project. What was your biggest take-away from your experience?

We all have big ideas for how to change the system to reflect our needs as queer people - but we can't boil the ocean. We all know that there is a lot that needs to be updated. The challenge is setting ourselves up for sustainable success.

Q: Anyone who is considering joining this program has a ton to offer, regardless of what sort of experience they already have. What are some of the things other folks with you in Pivot brought to the program? 

Don't underestimate the power of just showing up. All of the experiences and thoughts you have for improving queer health are valuable - even if you are just silently visible for someone else in the room so that they know that they aren't alone.

Q: Any last words to those who are thinking about signing up?

I was nervous when I signed up for Pivot last year, given that it was run by the Edmonton Men's Health Collective. As a gender diverse person, I wasn't sure if this would be a space where I would be wanted or heard. It turns out, the name of the collective did not do justice in representing the vast diversity of queer people committed to improving the health of our community.

Pivot starts its latest program this September, running for seven months. Participants will gain practical skills in the areas of media relations, digital advocacy, and policy advocacy, and will also learn from and build connections with local activists and community organizations doing work in this area. At the end of the program, they’ll get the chance to work with community partners and receiving funding opportunities for their own advocacy project!

Pivot kicks off with online capacity-building sessions and activities that will take place over the course of two weekends (October 16 and 17, 23 and 24). To learn more or sign up for the program, click here!

HEAL programs returning for 2021/22

Three programs are back to empower 2SLGBTQIA+ health leaders!

The EMHC considers community health leadership to be the foundation of everything we do. We want to ensure community members have access to the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to contribute to their health, the health of those they love, and the health of the community-at-large. To help build capacity for this, the EMHC has adapted a series of community health leadership programs initially developed by the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC).

These three programs look to run for seven months, from September to March, to help local 2SLGBTQIA+ youth gain awareness of health concerns faced by our community, build connections, and develop their leadership skills.

Investigaytors will conduct community-based research on some of your interests, Do You Mind? will promote 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health through community care, and Pivot will advocate for health systems change. At the end of the program, participants will have the chance to put their skills to practice to produce real world mental health programming, and advocacy for the benefit of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks.

Registration for each program opens July 26. Investigaytors and Do You Mind? registration closes August 27, and Pivot registration closes September 17. Check the HEAL page for the sign up link, and to see work from previous years!

Recruiting - Board Members

The EMHC is actively seeking out new members to join our Board of Directors! This volunteer role is open to any and all members regardless of past experience. Members are invited to submit an expression of interest and a panel of the current board will contact all eligible applicants to invite them to an informational group interview and then later, to our AGM to be elected to the Board by our members. Please see below for more information:

About EMHC:

EMHC is a grassroots health organization run by and for 2SLGBTQ+ people in the Edmonton area. EMHC aims to create health equity for 2SLGBTQ+ communities through education, community-based research, and community health advocacy. 

Note: Historically, the EMHC’s programs and services have focused specifically on queer and trans guys. Recently, however, the organization has begun to explore opportunities to expand its programs and services to better serve other members of Edmonton’s queer and trans community. These efforts include an organizational rebranding, which is ongoing. We strongly encourage all folks from within the broader 2SLGBTQ+ community, including trans, non-binary, and women/fem folks to apply. 

About the Role: 

Description: The Director at Large plays an important volunteer role in overseeing the strategic direction of the organization and participates in ongoing board governance through monthly board meetings, regular working groups and various projects. The Director has a strong spirit of collaboration and teamwork,  is able to see things from many perspectives, and is a self starter. The Director also has a passion for 2SLGBTQ+ issues/topics and wants to strengthen the community. Does that sound like you? Consider applying to be on the board today!

Term: July 2021- June 2023 (2 years)

Time Commitment: 4-6 hours a month (usually including a monthly board meeting, at least one working group meeting, additional work between meetings). Meeting schedules for the Board will be determined by the Board, but meetings generally take place in the evenings online or in-person (or both) depending on health directives. 

Key responsibilities:

The Board of Directors is collectively responsible for providing advice, strategic direction and operational decisions for the organization.  Director responsibilities include:

• Participating and actively contributing at board meetings and supporting working groups

• Setting the overall strategic direction for the organization

• Reviewing and deciding on board policies, operational procedures, fiscal plans, and other guiding documents for the organization

• Monitoring operational performance/success of the organizations programs

• Promoting and supporting the organization and its vision, mission and goals.

Our Commitment to Equity:

EMHC is committed to developing a board whose members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage individuals from often underrepresented communities to apply, including but not limited to individuals who identify as: QTBIPOC, indigenous or Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary, persons with disabilities, and people living with HIV.

Basic Eligibility:

• You are a registered member of the organization (anyone can register here)

• You are at least 18 years of age

• You support the Mission and Vision of the organization

• You’re currently living in Canada (preference will be given to those in the Edmonton region)

• You have at least one of the following:

  • LGBTQ2S+ lived experience

  • awareness of LGBTQ2S+ experience(s)

  • awareness of LGBTQ2S+ community issues and needs

  • awareness of LGBTQ2s+ health issues and needs

  • awareness of politics that directly impact LGBTQ2S+ communities

  • similar general/foundational knowledge to understand our community and needs for ongoing Board discussions and decisions

Desired Skills: 

We are looking for a diverse range of board members with different combinations of personal and professional skills, knowledge, and experience. Therefore, we strongly encourage all people who are interested to apply. 

There is a particular need for new members with experience in board leadership, and communications or social media/brand management. If you have interest in taking on a leadership role specifically, please contact us at board@ourhealthyeg.ca.

Selection Process:

If you’re interested in applying then you’ve already taken the first step - learning about what the role actually is! The process for joining the board is a 3-step process:

1. Submitting an Expression of Interest (deadline June 6)

This is for us to know you’re interested and to make sure you register as a member. This will also give us (the board) a better idea of who you are and why you’re interested in joining the board, and to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. There are no wrong answers here so we encourage you to be your authentic self. You can register and submit the Expression of Interest here: https://forms.gle/dxvuU2wdJHBFeNjR6 

1. Attending the All Candidates meeting (tentatively scheduled for June 15, 6:30-8:00pm)

This will be a meeting for folks who are interested in joining the board. It will be part info-session and part group-interview. This will largely be informal and centered on seeing how you work in a group scenario. Invites will be sent out ahead of the meeting but be sure to save-the-date!

1. Getting Elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM tentatively scheduled for June 22, 6:00-8:00pm)

If the panel of the board thinks you have the right stuff to join the board, you will be invited to attend the AGM and you will be nominated to the board. Depending on the number of candidates and the number of positions, nominations might be competitive and members of the organization will vote on who they would like representing them on the board via ranked ballot. 

We take transparency and fairness seriously, so if at any point you’ve been filtered out of the process and would like to know why, contact us and one of the panel members can provide feedback. 

The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is Monday, June 6th. 

To apply, please register as a member and complete the Expression of Interest here: https://forms.gle/dxvuU2wdJHBFeNjR6 

Hiring - Peer Outreach Worker

The EMHC is hiring up to 2 new part-time Peer Outreach Worker to support its Peer N Peer Harm Reduction Program. As individuals with lived experience of substance use and being a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Peer Outreach Workers are an integral part of the team and ensure that community members are able to access sexual health and substance use supports and services from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the issues they face.

We strongly encourage people belonging to the following communities to apply:

• Two-Spirit/indigenous

• QTBIPOC

• Trans and non-binary

• People with disabilities and/or those with lived experience of mental or physical health concerns

• People living with HIV

If any assistance is needed in order to complete your application package, please contact connect@peernpeer.ca as soon as possible.

Key Responsibilities

The successful Peer Outreach Worker will work alongside the Program Coordinator to support a range of activities within the Peer N Peer program, including but not limited to:

• Providing online screening, referral, and support through MyBuzz.ca and dating apps/sites.

• Distributing harm reduction supplies and education to 2SLGBTQ+ community members, active peer support and crisis support as needed.

• Attending a range of professional development seminars around better supporting 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and those who use substances.

• Delivering motivational interviewing counselling to community members seeking to change their substance use and sexual health practices.

• Supporting the Program Coordinator in the development of community education and stakeholder capacity-building content.

• Supporting in-person and online outreach activities, facilitating community and stakeholder education session.

• Supporting the Program Coordinator at meetings as required (facilitation, note-taking, etc.).

• Collecting and recording evaluation data as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• No education is required.

• Diploma or training in Social Work, Addictions Counselling, or similar field is an asset.

Experience

• Lived experience as a queer, 2S, or trans person who uses/has used substances is an asset.

• Experience providing frontline support/services (i.e. counselling, system navigation) to peers is desired.

• Experience developing and delivering education content/workshops is desired.

• Paid or volunteer experience in the fields of queer and trans health, HIV/HCV/STBBIs, and/or substance use/harm reduction is desired.

Desired Competencies

• Public Speaking: The successful candidate will support the delivery of education, training, and group-work sessions with community members and healthcare/service providers. Experience in public speaking is an asset.

• Community Engagement: Peer Support Workers will be required to engage meaningfully with a diverse range of community members in a variety of settings (at large community events, one-on-one by appointment, and online). Demonstrated experience effectively engaging individuals in a variety of settings, with tangible results (linking to services/care/programming) is an asset.

• Web and Social Media: The project will include the design and delivery of online content through websites and social media. An understanding of producing and delivering content through different web and social media platforms is an asset.

• Network & Relationship Building: The successful candidate will be required to establish and maintain relationships with key partners (academic, community-based organizations, etc.).

• Previous experience developing and maintaining relationships with a diverse network of stakeholders will be an asset.

• Time Management: The successful candidate will enjoy a flexible work schedule. However, they must be able to manage their time so that they are able to meet an ambitious schedule of deliverables. Demonstrated ability to execute responsibilities on a tight timeline in flexible work environments with minimal supervision is an asset.

• Conflict Resolution: We are all human. And where there are humans, there will be conflict. At some point throughout the program, conflict will emerge. The successful candidate should identify opportunities for conflict and address them before they emerge. When conflict does emerge, the successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to address it in an effective and sensitive manner so that all parties feel supported and are able to move forward, in relationship, with one another.

• Equity: Some sexual and gender minority individuals also experience additional intersecting identities which can result in increased experiences of stigma and discrimination. In turn, this can result in some individuals facing additional barriers to health and wellbeing, as well as barriers to participation in programs and services. The successful candidate should have a working knowledge of the concepts of equity, intersectionality, and anti-oppression and be able to apply them in a way that benefits the experience of all program participants. Demonstrated experience applying these principles will be an asset.

Other

• Reliable access to a vehicle is an asset.

• CPR level C and AED is an asset.

• Non-violent crisis intervention, ASIST, and other suicide intervention, mental health & deescalation training is an asset.

Compensation

$25/hr

Term

May 2021 - April 2022 with possibility of extension.

Hours

Avg. of 7 - 14 hours of work per week; Hours and location of work (within Edmonton) are flexible; some evening and weekend work required

How To Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to connect@peernpeer.ca by 11:59pm on Friday, May 7th, addressed to the EMHC Hiring Committee.

In the email, applicants should also provide times that they are available for an interview from Tuesday, May 11th-Friday, May 14th. Successful candidates will be provided interview times by Monday, May 10th at 6pm.

Hiring - Community Programs Coordinator

Community Health Leadership Program Coordinator

About EMHC:

EMHC is a grassroots health organization run by and for 2SLGBTQ+ people in the Edmonton area. EMHC aims to create health equity for 2SLGBTQ+ communities through community and stakeholder education, community-based research, and community health advocacy. 

Note: Historically, the EMHC’s programs and services have focused specifically on queer and trans guys. Recently, however, the organization has begun to explore opportunities to expand its programs and services to better serve other members of Edmonton’s queer and trans community. These efforts include an organizational rebranding, which is ongoing. We strongly encourage all folks from within the broader 2SLGBTQ+ community, including trans, non-binary, and women/fem folks to apply. 

About the Role: 

Description: The Community Health Leadership Program Coordinator has excellent project coordination skills, is highly organized, works well with others (especially when under pressure), and finds creative solutions to program delivery challenges. The Program Coordinator has a passion for building the capacity of 2SLGBTQ community members to gain health knowledge and become leaders in their communities. Does that sound like you? Consider applying today!

Term: May 2021-March 2022, with possibility of extension. 

Salary: $50,000 annually, pro-rated + benefits. 

Vacation: Three weeks’ paid vacation, pro-rated.

Type: Full-time (35 hours per week; flexible work schedule).

Location: Mix of home (especially during COVID) and in-office (downtown Edmonton).

Key responsibilities:

•  Lead the planning and delivery of two community health leadership programs (one focused on community-based advocacy and one focused on community-based health promotion); provide peripheral support to third program, focused on community-based research, which is led by the Research and Evaluation Coordinator. 

•  Optimize/adapt existing program curriculum/workshops.

•  Supervise Community Trainees, who are previous program graduates contracted to support program planning and delivery; coordinate other EMHC volunteers where relevant.

• Oversee the development and delivery of community capstone projects developed by the participants of each program at the end of curriculum delivery.

• Recruit and liaise with external partners/facilitators contributing to the program.

• Support project planning, budgeting, and evaluation.

Our Commitment to Equity:

EMHC is committed to a workplace where the staff, board, and volunteers, reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage individuals from often underrepresented communities to apply, including but not limited to individuals who identify as: QTBIPOC, indigenous or Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary, persons with disabilities, and people living with HIV.

Desired Skills, Experience, and Competencies:

Education: 

Diploma or Undergraduate Degree in any area.

Training in project management is an asset.

Experience:

1-3 years of experience coordinating community programming, preferably with 2SLGBTQ+ communities and/or other vulnerable or marginalized populations.

Experience teaching or delivering community-capacity building training.

Experience with and/or knowledge of 2SLGBTQ+ health is desired.

Experience working with 2SLGBTQ+ communities and/or other vulnerable or marginalized populations.

Lived experience as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community is an asset.

Desired Skills: 

Please note that candidates should be able to demonstrate a well-rounded mix of the following skills but are not expected to meet all criteria. 

• Project Management/Coordination

• Staff/Contractor/Volunteer Supervision

• Group programming/meeting facilitation skills

• Workshop Development & Delivery

• Writing and Knowledge Translation Skills

• Community Engagement

• Partnership Development/Management

Desired Competencies:

• Teamwork & Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

• Conflict Resolution

• Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression

• Time Management

• Well-organized 

• Personable

• Ability to Work with Limited Supervision

How to Apply:

Submit a Cover Letter & CV to connect@ourhealthyeg.ca outlining why you are the best candidate for the position. 

You may also choose to provide a sample(s) of relevant work you’ve led, such as a workshop slide deck or facilitator guide or a link to a program you developed/delivered. This is not a requirement but could increase the likelihood of your application being considered.

The deadline for submissions is Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 5pm MDT.

We are also hiring for the role of Knowledge Development & Exchange Coordinator (link) and Research & Evaluation Coordinator (link). If you wish to be considered for multiple roles, please list each role in your email and cover letter.

Only those invited for an interview will be contacted. Successful applicants will be notified by email by April 23, 2021.