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!