Queer and Trans (QT) Community Worker

Position Title: Queer and Trans (QT) Community Worker

Community Programs

The Opportunity

The Queer and Trans (QT) Community Worker plays an important role in providing programming for queer transgender and questioning youth aged 12-20 within Simcoe-Muskoka. By partnering with various existing groups throughout Simcoe-Muskoka the QT Community Worker supports youth through supportive spaces and activities to build resilience reduce social isolation and related mental health impacts. The QT Community Worker will also provide limited support to parents and families through supportive conversations and referrals to appropriate partners to address one of the root causes of LGBTQ youth homelessness.

The ideal candidate willpossessstrong communicationand interpersonal skillsdemonstratedcompetence in youth group facilitation/public speaking and a deep understanding of the lived experiences of 2S-LGBTQ youth in position is primarily office-based withrequirements to travel and work remotely on occasion.

Why the Gilbert Centre

We are a justice-informed harm reduction organization that does things differently and we are proud of that. We walk alongside people rather than leading them. We believe in the dignity and autonomy of everyone who comes through our doors. And we are building something meaningful.

• Comprehensive benefits through Canada Life including health dental vision and drug coverage.

• Generous paid time off: 3 weeks vacation 3 weeks sick leave and 1 week of float time to start.

• The security and protections of a unionized workplace (CUPE Local 1813.14).

• A workplace culture rooted in autonomy hope courage and compassion not just for clients but for staff.

• Opportunities for professional developmentwithin a collaborative multidisciplinary team.

About Us

The Gilbert Centre is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization incorporated in 1995 in response to the HIV epidemic in Simcoe County and Muskoka Region. The mandate of the Centre has since broadened to not only support people at risk of living with and affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs) but to also support and celebrate the lives of the 2S-LGBTQ communities in our regions.

The Gilbert Centre takes a broadsocialdeterminants approach to our work that is basedinsocial justice health equity and human rights. Weseekto engageindividuals families organizations institutions and communities as partners and collaborators in the work we undertake. Weoperatefrom a value system of harm reduction sex positivity queer and trans inclusion and work towards greater anti-oppressive practices.

Key Role and Responsibilities

Youth Programming

• Plans andfacilitatessocial support and education programs and groups for Simcoe-Muskokas 2S-LGBTQ youth ages 12-29 in partnership with other community groups.

• Provides systems navigation to connect 2S-LGBTQ youth with gender sex sexuality sexual health and mental health resources as needed.

• Maintains contributes to andutilizesa referral list for individuals to access safe external resources such as mental health professionals in the area.

Community Capacity Building Partnerships

• Partners with theCommunity Programs Managerand other team members to build plan and promote a network of 2S-LGBTQ-serving organizations in the region.
• Partner with other youth-serving organizations and facilities to provide new and unique recreational opportunities for 2S-LGBTQ youth.

• Collaborate with youth service providers including Indigenous newcomer and grassroots organizations to aid in building a strong network of support for Simcoe-Muskokas 2S-LGBTQ youth.

• Develops andfacilitateseducational programming on 2S-LGBTQ identities and experiences through various delivery methods to increase thecapacityof youth allies educators and other community serving organizations to better support 2S-LGBTQ youth.

• Conducts outreach and in-reach through in-person and online social media platforms to ensure that as many 2S-LGBTQ youth as possible are aware of and know how to access planned events

• Engages in tabling and speaking events at schools and other community organizations asrequired.

Tracking and Reporting

• Utilizes various reporting toolsin accordance withprogram tracking and evaluationmeasures and supports the Community Programs Manager
  toprepare relevant reports as needed.

• Monitors and evaluates program activities with the community and makes recommendations forappropriate changesas needed.
• Maintains a QT Youth Program monthly calendar

Teamwork and Professional Development

• Engages in professional development collaboration networking and relationship building with relevant campaigns and networks.

• Meets regularly with the greater Gilbert Centre team andmaintainseffective working relationships with all members of the broader organization.

• Contributes to the home-like atmosphere of the Gilbert Centre through interacting with participants Ambassadors volunteers andparticipatesin community programming activities when available.

• Collaborates with Gilbert Centre management and other GC staff on projects and activities that strengthen the Centres programs and services including team meetings and organizational events.
• Contribute to a collaborative compassionate and equity-focused work culture.

• Other administrative and operational duties and responsibilities asrequired.

Skills Ability and Qualifications

Required

• Formal education in a relevant field of study (social science social work youth work gender studies or any related field) and/or the equivalent combination oflived education and work experience.

• At least one year of experience developing andfacilitatingprogramming for 2S-LGBTQ communities and youth.

• An understanding of health and social issues and factors relevant to 2S-LGBTQ communitiesPWUD and youth and a personal comfort discussing gendersexand sexual health related topics.

• Demonstrated commitment to community development engagement and accountability practices.

• Ability to work independently and on a flexible schedule.

• Excellent computer skills with the ability to use a variety of software (Microsoft 365 products SharePoint MS Teams Zoom social media platforms etc.)

• Commitment to social justice diversity equity and anti-oppression principles.

• Demonstrated understanding of intersectionality and the impact of intersecting identities on the lived experiences of 2S-LGBTQ youth.

• Excellent communication including written and verbal presentation skills group facilitation diplomacy interpersonal skills andproficiencyin English.

• A valid drivers license with regular access to a vehicle or a clear three-year drivers abstract isrequired.
• Successful candidates willbe requiredto complete a Vulnerable Sector Check as a condition of employment.

Preferred

• Lived experience as a 2S-LGBTQ person a strong asset.

Additionalinformation about the position:

As one of the primary referrals for 2S-LGBTQ youth in Barrie and the greater Simcoe-Muskoka region the Gilbert Centres Queer & Trans Programs hold a great deal of responsibility for ensuring that 2S-LGBTQ youth in our community receive the social opportunities and supports they need to thrive. As such the QT Community Worker is an invaluable part of our team and our greater mission.

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly Rate:$25.03/hour

Hours:35 Hours Per Week

Benefits:Canada Life Health Dental Vision and Drug coverage

Paid Time Off:3 weeks vacation 3 weeks sick leave and 1 week float (starting entitlements)

Schedule:Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance

Bargaining Unit:CUPE Local 1813.14

Working Conditions

• May involve walking or standing for periods of time during community-based activities events partner-agency visits or collaborative outreach activities.

• Lift up to 20 lbs.

• May involve standing for extended periods during events clinics or community-based activities.

• May occasionally require carrying program materials harm reduction supplies or educational resources with appropriate support and equipment.

• Frequent computer use.
• Some evening and weekend work may berequiredin accordance withthe Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• The position may involve travel across Simcoe Muskoka and work in community-based and partner-agency settings including shelters drop-ins community events and outreach sites as appropriate and in collaboration with existing outreach programs and partners.

How to Apply

Apply through Bamboo HR and include your resume and cover letter.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we encourage early submissions.

As an equal opportunity employer we value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people with all lived or living experiences. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We recognize that the perfect candidatedoesntexist. If this role excites you and you meet most of the qualifications we encourage you to apply. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.

Required Experience:

Manager