Gay Men’s Sexual Health Coordinator

Gay Men’s Sexual Health Coordinator

Position: Gay Men’s Sexual Health Coordinator

Status: Permanent Full-Time, Bargaining Unit Position

Classification/Wage: As per Schedule A of the Collective Agreement

Department: Community Programs

Reports to: Community Programs Manager

Location: Office-based with outreach across Simcoe County and Muskoka

Hours: Full-time, with scheduling in accordance with the Collective Agreement

SUMMARY

This role is essential for engaging and supporting systemically marginalized communities, including the 2S-LGBTQ+, People Who Use Drugs (PWUD), sex workers, and individuals experiencing homelessness. The Gay Men’s Sexual Health Coordinator will work to ensure that these populations receive the necessary support and resources, bridging the gap between harm reduction services and sexual health supports in Simcoe Muskoka.

Primary responsibilities will include disseminating vital information, conducting workshops, and offering subject matter expertise to ensure the sexual health needs of men who have sex with men (MSM) are addressed comprehensively. The GMSH Coordinator will spearhead the implementation of provincial Gay Men's Sexual Health (GMSH) campaigns, amplifying their reach and impact within our community. This position is front-facing and office based.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage in and promote the provincial GMSH campaigns and other relevant initiatives.
• Attend meetings, events, and training opportunities facilitated by the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance and the Ontario AIDS Network.
• Provide STBBI workshops to priority populations (PWUD, underhoused folx, BIPOC communities, People engaging in Sex Work, service providers of these demographics, etc.) through various mediums (live workshops, virtual workshops, self-guided recordings, etc.) in collaboration with organizations and communities across Simcoe County and Muskoka.
• Develop and implement social and support groups for individuals and couples living with and affected by HIV, with a specific focus for queer, gay, bi, trans masculine, and all forms of men who have sex with men (including sex work, party and play, and other lived experiences).
• Promote and support access to HIV/STBBI testing, including referrals, navigation, pre/post-test education where appropriate, and point-of-care testing only where trained, authorized, and in accordance with Gilbert Centre procedures and applicable guidance.
• Engage various agencies for professional development, collaboration, networking, and relationship building with relevant campaigns and networks, such as the Positive Leadership Development Institute, the Women HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Ontario AIDS Network, Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance, etc.
• Provide in-person and online outreach through platforms such as Grindr, Squirt, Scruff, and traditional social media platforms that promote the health of diverse communities of men who have sex with men who are living with and affected by HIV and other STBBI’s.
• Distribute safer sex supplies, information, and resources across Simcoe County and Muskoka.
• Maintain, contribute to, and utilize referral resources that support access to affirming, low-barrier, culturally responsive, and clinically appropriate external services, including mental health, primary care, HIV/STBBI care, PrEP/PEP access, and community supports.
• Assist with planning World AIDS Day event(s), the Red Scarf Campaign, and other HIV related community events.
• Embodies, supports, and engages with GIPA/MEPA principles and activities.
• Utilize funder and organizational reporting tools, including OCHART, OCASE, and other relevant data entry/reporting systems, in accordance with program tracking, evaluation, privacy, and reporting requirements, and prepare relevant reports as needed.
• Monitor and evaluate program activities with the community and make recommendations for appropriate changes as needed.
• Meet regularly with program staff to facilitate and maintain effective working relationships.
• Contribute to the home-like atmosphere of the Gilbert Centre through interacting with participants, Ambassadors, volunteers, and participates in community programming activities when available.
• Collaborates with Gilbert Centre management and staff on projects and activities that strengthen the Centre’s programs and services, including team meetings and organizational events.
• Support affected persons in incidents of accidental overdoses in accordance with the Gilbert Centre procedures.
• Use PPE in accordance with the Gilbert Centre policies and associated job responsibilities
• Other administrative and operational duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Formal education in a relevant field of study (social science, health promotion, social work, adult education, or any related field) and/or the equivalent combination of lived, education, and work experience.
• At least one year experience working in the HIV/STBBI, 2S-LGBTQ+ communities, non-profit, or health promotion fields. 
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the health issues of a diverse community and experience working with disenfranchised populations (including but not limited to PWUD, those employed in sex work, the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and for people living with HIV and/or HCV) and a personal comfort discussing sex and 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.
• Excellent communication, including written and verbal presentation skills, group facilitation, diplomacy, and act as an effective liaison. 
• Possess a valid ‘G’ driver’s license, a clean driver’s abstract and meet approval requirements of our corporate vehicle insurance policy OR use of your own reliable personal vehicle (mileage to be reimbursed).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• May walk up 3-5 km per shift in a variety of weather conditions.
• May carry outreach supplies, including a backpack weighing up to 20 lbs, during outreach activities.
• May stand for extended periods during outreach, events, and community programming.
• Frequent use of computers
• Occasional use of cleaning supplies in accordance with Gilbert Centre procedures and health and safety requirements.

How to Apply:

Apply through BambooHR and attach your cover letter and resume. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Sarah Parham, Community Programs Manager, at Sarahp@GilbertCentre.ca. Internal applications will be reviewed in accordance with our collective agreement. The position will remain active until filled. If there are no internal applicants, we will review external applications. Please also let us know which pronouns you would like us to use when corresponding with you, directly and within the Gilbert Centre.

As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. The successful candidate will be selected in accordance with the terms outlined in the collective agreement.