AVI Health & Community Services (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community-based organisation providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of 5 locations across Vancouver Island. AVI provides services to more than 500 people living with HIV and hepatitis C and more than 3000 harm reduction clients. We take evidence-based action to prevent infection, provide support, and reduce stigma. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework to ensure equity and access to services for all. At the core of what we do is our ability, and commitment to, creating meaningful connections. Every day, we strive to create meaningful connections between clients and staff, between peers, between staff members, between organizations, between communities, and between funders and impactful programs. For more info see www.avi.org
Our South Island Education Team provides education and support relating to: HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, STBBIs, substance use, harm reduction, overdose prevention and response, sexual and gender diversity, sexual decision-making, testing, treatment, and prevention strategies as a means of increasing community awareness and wellness and reducing the further incidence of STBBIs. We provide support to, and work in solidarity with, people who have lived/living experience of HIV or hepatitis C, membership in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and using criminalized substances. The South Island Education Team is located on the territories of the Ləkʷəŋən peoples (Esquimalt and Songhees Nations), and we acknowledge the ways in which colonization is inextricably linked to the topics we discuss. The disproportionate impact of criminalization, the war on people who use drugs, the overdose crisis, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS on Indigenous communities is a direct and intentional result of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization.
JOB SUMMARY:
AVI’s Gender Variant Group Facilitator offers support, education, referrals and opportunities for peer connection to people who identify outside of cis norms in the Victoria area, including trans, nonbinary, two-spirit, and gender variant individuals, and facilitates a monthly peer-support group on the last Thursday of each month. This position is responsible for facilitating and supporting members of the Gender Variant Support Group. The group will alternate with two in-person meet-ups, then two virtual, etc. In addition to organizing and facilitating groups, the facilitator will need to answer emails and provide support as needed/within capacity to group members. This may include referrals, one-on-one sessions, and connecting members with other group participants. This work is also supported by volunteers within the group. The ideal candidate will be part of the gender variant community (a must), and has experience working from a trauma-informed, person-centred perspective.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- In consultation with the Education Team Coordinator, and in alignment with our funding agreement, the Gender Variant Group Facilitator designs, implements, and delivers the monthly Gender Variant drop-in Group, including, when necessary, recruiting guest speakers.
- Where appropriate, provides training, mentorship, and supervision for peer assistants and volunteers.
- Provides education, information, support, and referrals via the group, Discord and Facebook group.
- Maintains up-to-date and accurate knowledge of HIV, HCV and STBBIs including prevention, transmission, treatment, and emerging trends, with particular focus on how they impact the gender variant community.
- Assists with the design, production, and distribution of promotional materials outlining and advocating AVI Health and Community Services’ Gender Variant Group to the community.
- Liaises with other community organizations to maximize educational opportunities and services.
- Participates in the evaluation of Gender Variant Group activities and participant surveys/focus groups as needed.
- Organizes in-person meet ups when relevant.
- Maintains files, stats and records related to all areas of the program, electronic and paper, and reports on program work.
- Promotes and maintains safety for participants as possible.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- University degree in health, counselling or social services, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge of gender diversity
- Experience working with structurally vulnerable groups (trauma-informed practice)
- Demonstrated experience planning and facilitating support groups and workshops
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings
- Employment subject to criminal record check for working with vulnerable populations
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License, an asset
- Lived/living experience as a member of the gender variant community (a must)
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Holistic understanding of HIV/AIDS, HCV, and STBBIs (transmission, prevention, treatment, related psycho-social issues, etc.), substance use, harm reduction, sexual health, homophobia/heterosexism/transphobia, anti-oppression work and intersectionality, Indigenous approaches to health and wellness, population health and health promotion strategies.
- Strong public speaking and group facilitation skills
- Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal
- Good computer skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends when needed
POSITION DETAILS:
- Pay: $29.32/hour to start with stepped increases based on your seniority with AVI. (Pay for this role is based on the BCGEU paygrid 31)
- Hours and Schedule: 5 hours on last Thursday of every month (evening) and some varied work depending on program needs.
- Afternoon Shift Premium for Some Shifts: Afternoon Shift Premium of an additional $0.25/hour applies to any shifts that have at least 50% of their time scheduled between 4 pm and midnight. As such, the shifts of this ad may qualify for an additional $0.25/hour premium.
- Position: This is a casual position ending on March 31, 2025 (dependant on funding)
- Location: Largely Virtual with some in person meetings at Victoria office and may have to work in the community as needed
- Union: AVI is a union environment under the Collective Agreement: HEABC & Health Services & Support Community Subsector Association 2022-2025 and this role is a BCGEU union position.
- Pension:If you are already a member of the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP), you can continue with them at AVI immediately. At this time, AVI contributes an additional 9.31% towards your pension account. If you are not already a member of the Municipal Pension Plan, part time staff may become eligible after 2 years with AVI.
- Other Perks: This position gets paid an extra 5% in lieu of vacation 5% in lieu of stats, meaning your hourly rate is actually 10% higher than listed.
- Proof of Vaccination Required: AVI is under BC's Health Services Order and continues to require proof of vaccination.
- Hours of Work, Days Off and Work Area may be subject to change.
TO APPLY:
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@avi.org by 5 pm on February 19, 2024.
AVI is committed to equity and diversity and we strongly encourage applications from, but not limited to, folks who identify as Indigenous Persons, persons of colour, racialized, persons living with a disability, persons who use/d drugs, persons with experience of sex work, persons who live with HIV and/or hepatitis C, and persons representing diverse genders and sexualities.
It is beneficial to identify in the cover letter if you are Indigenous and/or have lived/living expertise relevant to the position.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
As AVI is a union environment, internal staff will be prioritized in the hiring process.
We would like to thank all those that apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.