AVI HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES (AVI) is a multi-disciplinary community based organization, providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of 5 locations across Vancouver Island. AVI provides services to people living with HIV and hepatitis C and harm reduction clients. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework – ensuring equity and access to services for all – and from a harm reduction perspective, understanding that clients are the best sources of knowledge regarding the services and supports they need.
At the core of what we do is our ability, and commitment to, creating meaningful connections. between clients and staff, between peers, between staff members, between organizations, between communities, and between funders and impactful programs. AVI provides comprehensive, accessible and effective education, prevention, care, treatment and support services to residents of Vancouver Island with offices in Victoria, the Westshore, Nanaimo, the Comox Valley and Campbell River. For more info see www.avi.org
Join our supportive, dedicated and client-centred team in promoting the health, dignity and well-being of all people affected by HIV, HCV and substance use by delivering sex-positive and harm reduction-based education, prevention and/or support services.
Our North Island services are delivered on the traditional territory of the K’omoks First Nation and on the lands of the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum people.
JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Program Coordinator, the Health Promotion Educator coordinates programming and provides education relating to: HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, STIs, substance use, sexuality/sexual decision-making, testing, treatment, and prevention strategies as a means of increasing community awareness and wellness, and reducing the further incidence of HIV, HCV, STIs, and other related blood-borne illnesses.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Works collaboratively with Program Coordinator, other education team members, peer educators, and program participants to facilitate the design, implementation, and delivery of educational workshops, projects, and events related to HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, STIs, substance use, harm reduction, overdose response, sexual and gender diversity, and sexual decision-making.
- Facilitates presentations and workshops to diverse communities (in-person and online)
- Provides education, information and referrals via phone, email, online and/or on a drop-in basis
- Plans, develops, and collaborates with Education team, Program Coordinator, and Positive Wellness Support Workers for educational events and curriculum.
- Provides overdose prevention and response training within the communities when requested
- Maintains up-to-date and accurate knowledge of HIV, HCV and STI’s including prevention, transmission, treatment, and emerging trends, in relation to risk groups such as GBMSM, people who use drugs, youth at risk, women, Indigenous people, and people who have been incarcerated
- Orders and creates educational resources for use in the office, and during workshops and community events
- Liaises with other community organizations to maximize educational opportunities and services while minimizing unnecessary duplication
- Provides supervision, support, training, and mentorship to project peer educators
- Assists with the design, production and distribution of promotional materials outlining and advocating for AVI Health and Community Services' educational services to the community
- Where appropriate, provides training, mentorship, and supervision for volunteers and/or practicum students to assist in the delivery of educational outreach activities in the community
- Participates in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational activities as needed
- Maintains files, stats and records related to all areas of the program, electronic and paper, and adheres to agency reporting requirements
- Performs other related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training, and Experience:
- University degree in health or social sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience working with HIV/AIDS, HCV and/or STI prevention and awareness and/or community development and harm reduction-based supports/services
- Experience working with and training peer educators and volunteers
- Demonstrated experience facilitating workshops and leading education initiatives
- Demonstrated experience planning, promoting, and launching public education and development activities and events, such as conferences, forums, and workshops
- Commitment to developing culturally safe and trauma informed programming and services
- Experience working with and providing education to diverse and structurally vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness, Indigenous people, LGBTQ2S+ communities, people who use criminalized substances, and people from diverse backgrounds
- Employment subject to criminal record check for working with vulnerable populations
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and access to vehicle required
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Holistic understanding of HIV/AIDS, HCV, and STIs (transmission, prevention, treatment, related psycho-social issues, etc.), substance use, harm reduction, sexual health, homophobia/heterosexism/transphobia, anti-oppressive practices and intersectionality, Indigenous health, population health and health promotion strategies
- Strong public speaking and group facilitation skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with co-workers, clients, community, and other service providers.
- Strong project coordination skills, including time management, workload and budget management
- Strong community development and program management skills
- Knowledge of community-based education strategies, in particular those designed for people living with HIV, youth, GBMSM, Indigenous people, women, and people who use drugs
- Good computer skills, including databases, word-processing, graphics, and social media (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, Adobe Programs, Twitter, Facebook, Zoom etc.)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Conflict resolution skills
- Ability to analyze and resolve problems
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends when needed
POSITION DETAILS:
- Pay: $25.27/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: 22.5 hours a week, shifts falling between Monday to Friday, specific shifts to be determined with successful candidate
- Term: Position runs to July 28, 2023 or Return of Incumbent.
- Location: AVI Courtenay Office and in the community as needed.
- Union: AVI is a union environment under the Collective Agreement: HEABC & Health Services & Support Community Subsector Association 2019-2022 and this role is a BCGEU union position.
- Position Type: Temporary, Part Time
- Benefits: This position will be eligible for extended health, life and AD&D coverage after 488 hours with AVI. AVI pays for the entire cost of the plan on behalf of its staff.
- 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 6% vacation (equivalent to 3 weeks), receives Stat In Lieu payments of 4.6% on each paycheque and has a Sick Bank of 6.9%. Sick and Vacation are both accessible after your first 488 hours at AVI.
- Proof of Vaccination Required: AVI is under BC's Health Services Order and continues to require proof of vaccination and masking.
- 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 This posting is open until filled
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.