At SafeLink Alberta, we have a clear vision: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, stay and do their best work. SafeLink Alberta’s dedication to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion is clearly reflected in all that we do. Diversity is more than a commitment at SafeLink Alberta - it is the foundation of what we do. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and any other difference that makes us all unique.

Working collaboratively with other community partners and resources, the Peer Navigator will provide system navigation, advocacy, education, emotional support, and linkage to health and wellness resources relevant to living with HIV. Delivered within a philosophy rooted in human rights, health promotion and reducing risks, interventions will include one on one supports, as well as the facilitation and cofacilitation of peer support groups, and activities for Persons Living with HIV (PLWH) in the community. Peer Navigators will also help develop engaging and informative sessions to best serve the needs of participants and facilitate the success of these sessions.

This is a casual hourly position based out of SafeLink Alberta operational site in Calgary, Alberta. Hours of work may vary based on the time of the year and the organization’s needs. Hours of work will primarily be weekday, daytime, and/or evening hours, with flexibility required to work the occasional weekend. Daily hours of work will be negotiated with your direct supervisor.

Key Responsibilities:

Individualized Support Services
• Conduct intake and assessment of new program participants.
• Provide education and emotional support relating to living with HIV, sexual health, STBBI prevention, mental health, trauma, and substance use.
• Provide health care system navigation, referrals, and accompaniment to appointments to ensure linkage to medical care related to HIV.
• Provide education on and referrals to other SafeLink Alberta services and/or other relevant health and wellness services.
• Engage in prevention discussions and activities, including the distribution of safe supplies (safer sex and safer drug use equipment), based on client needs.
• With the support of the Manager, Calgary Support Services, Lead, Outreach and Peer Services and in collaboration with team members, facilitate case discussions to support knowledge development and client-centered care.

Outreach, Education and Evaluation
• Facilitate a monthly in-person peer group.
• Foster positive peer group discussions with a group of diverse participants, mediate group discussions and resolve conflicts as necessary.
• Monitor progress of groups and provide insight into their activities to the Lead, Outreach and Peer Services on a regular basis.
• Maintain and enhance knowledge of emerging information, laws, and trends regarding HIV and other STBBIs through ongoing, self-directed learning.
• Maintain program statistics, documentation, and participate in ongoing program evaluation and reporting.
• Participate in agency events and activities.
• Comply with agency policies and procedures, including but not limited to maintaining confidentiality of participants and business operations in accordance with SafeLink procedures and policies.

Qualifications/Key Competencies:
• Living with HIV+ diagnosis and willingness and ability to:
- Draw upon personal experience with HIV to support others.
- Work within the community with transparency about HIV+ status.
- Work in partnership with health and social service professionals.
- Provide individualized emotional support and service navigation in both one on one and group settings.
• Strong emotional self-management skills and ability to work independently.
• Thorough knowledge of local and regional social service programs, and community resources.
• High ethical standards and professionalism with a demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries.
• Strong active listening skills and ability to work with a non-judgmental approach.
• Strong group facilitation and engagement skills an asset.
• Foundational knowledge of and orientation to: intersectionality, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive practice frameworks an asset.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and responsiveness in working across diverse populations an asset.
• Knowledge of hepatitis C and other STBBIs, gender and sexual diversities, sex work, and related issues an asset.
• Knowledge of immigration, refugees, and citizenship is an asset.
• Provision of a criminal security check with vulnerable sector search every three years. A positive criminal record check will not necessarily prevent a candidate from being hired. Decisions will be made on an individual basis and all information will be kept confidential.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $21.00 - $26.00 per hour.

Application Details:

We especially encourage applications from communities that are under-represented among our staff, such as people living with HIV, visible minorities, those with lived/living experience, and persons with culturally diverse backgrounds. We value your lived experience, and we encourage you to self-identify in your application should you feel comfortable doing so.

This position will remain open until suitable candidates are found. Please send your cover letter, resume, and any other relevant material to support your application via email quoting job reference SLA – 194.

You must be available for in-person/online interviews. No phone calls please. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.