Standing Together: Honoring Lives, Breaking Stigma – International Overdose Awareness Day 2023

On International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), our hearts echo with empathy and determination as we gather to remember, reflect, and recommit to supporting our community. IOAD stands as a poignant reminder of the lives lost to overdose, and a call to action to address this crisis with compassion.

In the tapestry of our ACB community in the Greater Toronto Area, the theme of this year’s IOAD, “Recognizing those people who go unseen,” resonates deeply. We understand that behind every statistic is a story, and behind every struggle is a person deserving of care, understanding, and hope.

At Black CAP, our commitment to Harm Reduction and support remains unwavering. We tirelessly strive to break down the barriers that often keep individuals from seeking help, and to create spaces where they can share their experiences without fear or judgment. We recognize that the impact of overdose reaches far beyond the individual; it touches families, friends, and communities. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing resources, education, and a supportive network to everyone affected.

As we commemorate this day, we stand in solidarity with all those who have been touched by overdose. We honour the memories of those who have left us too soon, and we offer our unwavering support to those who continue to fight their battles. Together, let’s amplify our voices against stigma, advocate for comprehensive support systems, and create a world where every individual’s journey towards healing and recovery is met with empathy and respect.

We invite you to join us in this ongoing journey, as we work to empower our community, lift the unseen voices, and strive for a future free from overdose and its devastating consequences. Your support, your stories, and your resilience inspire us every day. 

Eno Akan-Essien, Interim Executive Director

Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention

Join us at Trans Beach Day: A Day of Fun, Sun, and Solidarity!

Date: Friday, 1 September 2023
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Meeting Point: Toronto Island Ferries, 11 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Ferry Tickets: Provided upon boarding together.

Dive into a day of joy, connection, and celebration at Black CAP’s Trans Beach Day! This special event is dedicated to Transwomen, Transmen, and Non-binary individuals, offering a safe and inclusive space to come together, enjoy the beach, and create unforgettable memories.

• Engaging outdoor activities
• A warm and supportive community atmosphere
• Opportunities to connect and make new friends
• Good food, refreshing drinks, and beach vibes
  

Event Details:
Our meeting point is Toronto Island Ferries, 11 Queens Quay W, Toronto, at 4 pm. Ferry tickets will be provided upon boarding. Come ready for an evening of fun and relaxation by the water.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate our diverse community, build connections, and enjoy a day at the beach like no other. Register now to secure your spot! [Registration Link]

Let’s make Trans Beach Day a day to remember. We can’t wait to see you there!

JOB POSTING: Mental Health Peer Navigator

Position Type: Part-time
Supervised by: Mental Health Coordinator
Hourly rate: $23 per hour
Department: Support 
Days per week: 3 (22.5 hours per week)
Years of Experience: 1 year
Duration: 18 months

 The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) is a non-profit, community-based organization that serves Toronto’s diverse African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities. The mission of the agency is to reduce the transmission of HIV within Toronto’s Black communities while enhancing the quality of life of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Our approach to services recognizes that holistic approaches are required as we work with people who are living with, or at risk for, HIV. Black CAP is an inclusive space that provides services to a diverse ACB population that includes newcomers, LGBTQ communities, youth, and other at-risk populations. Operating in downtown Toronto, we are supported by a broad range of government and foundation funders. As an employer we also offer competitive compensation, a comprehensive health benefits plan, an Employee Assistance Program, annual RRSP contributions and access to a wellness program. To learn more visit us at www.blackcap.ca or on social media (Facebook and Twitter) at @BlackCAPTO.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Mental Health Peer Navigator responsible for supporting the mental health coordinator in service delivery and providing support to our HIV+ and/ or LGBTQ+ clients at Black CAP. This individual is interested and/ or has experience in mental health and community service. Additionally, they have some knowledge or experience of operating from a trauma informed lens and harm reduction approach. They are comfortable working with folks from varying backgrounds and experiences and are passionate about supporting the ACB community.

The Mental Health Peer Navigator will be responsible for supporting in the facilitation of Black CAP’s support groups for our ACB HIV+ and/ or LGBTQ+ clients, along with co-creating two (2) wellness retreats for clients, providing system navigation support and intake assessment. They will work collaborating with other members of Black CAP’s support team, specifically the Mental Health Coordinator, and other Black CAP staff and volunteers to achieve the objectives of the program/ mission of Black CAP.

* Please note that we strongly encourage candidates from Toronto’s African, Caribbean or Black communities who bring lived and/or employment experience in relation to mental health and harm reduction. We also strongly encourage applicants who are living with HIV to consider this role. 

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Assessing the needs of clients received from the community, advising and/ or referring to other services, agencies or programs and developing strategies for each.
• Providing system navigation supports and identifying appropriate referrals to complementary programming based on a determinants of health framework.
• Maintain knowledge of existing and emerging services for ACB PHAs and develop service relationships with relevant organizations.
• Providing mental health supportive counselling for clients where needed.
• Referring clients to Black CAP’s registered psychotherapist.
• Support the facilitation of support groups for both ACB LGBTQ+ folks and PHAs. 
• Co-creating two (2) wellness retreats for clients.
• Entering data into Black CAP’s data collection system.
• Conducting appropriate follow-up and complete monthly/ annual reports.
• Representing the agency on appropriate community networks and working in conjunction with other agencies and community groups to coordinate/facilitate the delivery of services.
• Participating as a team member on the delivery of other activities in the Support Department.
• Attend and participate in bi-weekly staff meetings and team meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

We are seeking an individual with the following qualifications:

• An understanding and/ or interest of mental health and harm reduction practices within ACB communities. 
• Some knowledge of HIV/AIDS, STIs and sexual health issues and the impact of HIV/AIDS in Toronto’s ACB communities with excellent skills and knowledge of community resources and supports.
• Comfort facilitating groups and presenting to crowds.
• Ability to enter accurate information into data collection sites in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to refer and supporting them to access required services.
• Experience researching effective strategies and models for peer-based programming for individuals and groups to inform program delivery.
• Experience providing system navigation supports and identifying appropriate referrals to complimentary programming based on a determinants of health framework. 
• Ability to work and operate in an environment using anti-racism and anti-oppression frameworks.
• Ability to accept feedback and take initiative as well as work independently and cooperatively with staff and volunteers in a culturally diverse environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a positive and friendly attitude as you deal with multiple personalities, projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of MS Office (Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point), internet and email are essential.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including weekdays, evenings and weekends.
• The ability to speak a language other than English is an asset. 

This is a bargaining unit position reporting to the Program Director. The position is subject to a 3-month probationary period. We thank all applicants; however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.   

Deadline for applications: 1 September 2023
Please forward resume and cover letter to:
Rosemary Okoth
20 Victoria St., 4th floor, Toronto ON

email: hiring@black-cap.com

Please use ‘Mental Health Navigator.’ as the subject of your email.

JOB POSTING: Program Coordinator

Job Title: Program Coordinator
Department: Health Promotion
Supervised by: Program Director
Position requirements: 37.5 hours per week
Term: Full-time, permanent  
Salary: $ 48,500

Organization Description: Black CAP is a leading organization in Canada serving the needs of Black, African and Caribbean communities impacted by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. We provide support, education, and advocacy to individuals and communities affected by HIV, including the provision of comprehensive and culturally appropriate sexual health services.

Position Overview: Black CAP is seeking an experienced and dedicated Program Coordinator to join our Programs and Services team. The Program Coordinator is responsible for developing HIV strategies, strengthening prevention efforts, and promoting HIV treatment adherence. This role will involve working on two Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) funded projects, focusing on addressing Anti-Black Racism (ABR) as a root cause and implementing an integrated national HIV prevention strategy for ACB (African, Caribbean, and Black) people in Canada.

Responsibilities:

Project 1: Anti-Black Racism as Root Cause: ACB Knowledge in the Fight Against HIV-AIDS

• Conduct desktop research on approaches to addressing ABR and community-led monitoring tools.
• Engage in in-person consultations with HIV Prevention Hubs.
• Facilitate online consultations and feedback processes with service providers and users.
• Develop an ABR index for HIV prevention.
• Create an ABR community scorecard for HIV services.
• Pilot the ABR index and community scorecard in Hubs, making necessary adjustments.
• Develop a training guide on the index and scorecard.
• Oversee peers in delivering 3-5 trainings to other providers and users.
• Conduct baseline data collection and analysis.

Project 2: Integrated National HIV Prevention Strategy for ACB People in Canada

• Adapt the Community Health Ambassador Model for Alliance Peer Coordinators specific to ACB sub- populations.
• Develop a Peer Toolkit to support the implementation of activities.
• Deliver workshops annually from years 2-5 (2024-2027) to diverse communities of ACB people.
• Develop and disseminate a framework for delivery and national advocacy strategy based on a status- neutral approach, barrier reduction, Anti-Black Racism, Intersectionality, Anti-Oppression, GIPA/MIPA, SGBA+.
• Create outreach/media materials and strategy, identify pop-up sites, and procure prevention technologies and external resources.
• Conduct 1Love1Stop intervention pop-ups annually from year 2-5 (2024-2027).
• Conduct 1 community consultation in year 1 (2022-2023) to inform the design and development of Service Provider workshops.
• Deliver workshops annually from years 2-5 (2024-2027) to service providers.

General Responsibilities:

1. Assess the needs of HIV-infected and affected clients, provide counseling, advice, and referrals to other services, agencies, or programs, and develop strategies for each individual.
2. Conduct research on effective strategies and models for peer-based programming to inform program delivery.
3. Provide system navigation support and identify appropriate referrals to complementary programming based on the determinants of health framework.
4. Offer Prevention Case Management (PCM) and other case management support to Peers.
5. Coordinate the development of intake and assessment tools to assess risk and factors related to risk.
6. Provide ongoing system navigation support to Peers.
7. Recruit, train, and place Peers to engage in peer activities at all levels of program delivery.
8. Support the delivery of workshops on safer sex, disclosure, goal setting, and treatment adherence.
9. Provide referrals as required to HIV/STI testing sites, other ASOs (AIDS service organizations), and services such as housing, mental health, and employment.
10. Attend staff and team meetings, as well as relevant training sessions.
11. Participate in staff and team meetings, develop monthly reports, and perform other assigned duties.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (public health, social work, or similar)
• Experience in HIV/AIDS prevention and community engagement
• Knowledge of Anti-Black Racism and its impact on health outcomes
• Familiarity with peer-based programming and case management approaches
• Strong research and data analysis skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications

This is a bargaining unit position reporting to the Program Director. The position is subject to a 3-month probationary period. We thank all applicants; however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Deadline for applications: 1 September 2023
Please forward resume and cover letter to: 
Rosemary Okoth
20 Victoria St., 4th floor, Toronto, ON
or email: hiring@black-cap.com

Please use ‘Program Coordinator.’ as the subject of your email.

JOB POSTING: Sexual Reproductive Health Project Coordinator

Job Title: Sexual Reproductive Health Project Coordinator
Department: Health Promotion
Supervised by: Program Director
Position requirements: 37.5 hours per week.
Term: Full-time, 1-year contract (with potential for renewal)
Salary: $46, 098 annually

Organization Description: Black CAP is a leading organization in Canada serving the needs of Black, African and Caribbean communities impacted by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. We provide support, education, and advocacy to individuals and communities affected by HIV, including the provision of comprehensive and culturally appropriate sexual health services.

Position Purpose: The Sexual Reproductive Health Project Coordinator will play a critical role in developing, coordinating, and implementing Black CAP’s initiatives to promote access to sexual reproductive health services for Black, African and Caribbean communities in Ontario. The coordinator will work closely with Black CAP staff, community members, and other key stakeholders to increase awareness and understanding of sexual health issues affecting Black communities and to build the capacity of Black-serving agencies to address these issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate community-based sexual and reproductive health initiatives, including educational workshops, support groups, and outreach activities, to increase access to services and improve health outcomes for Black communities in Toronto.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and other key stakeholders to support the delivery of sexual and reproductive health programs and services.
• Conduct research and analysis on sexual and reproductive health issues affecting Black communities in Toronto to inform program development and evaluation.
• Provide individual support and referrals to Black community members seeking sexual and reproductive health services, including counseling and testing for sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
• Collaborate with the Health Promotion team and other departments within Black CAP to ensure the integration of sexual and reproductive health programming into the

organization’s broader health promotion initiatives.

• Participate in relevant community-based networks and committees to represent Black CAP’s interests and advocate for the needs of Black communities with regards to sexual and reproductive health
• Support the collection and analysis of program data and prepare reports for funders, partners, and
• other stakeholders as required.
• Provide mentorship and support to peer educators, volunteers, and students as required.

General and Administrative Responsibilities:

• Adhere to Black CAP’s mission, values, and principles.
• Adhere to the organization’s policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of program activities and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Participate in regular supervision and performance review meetings with the Manager of Health Promotion
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager of Health Promotion

Working Conditions:

• Working hours: Regular hours, with some flexibility required to accommodate evening and weekend programming and events.
• Occasional travel may be required within the Greater Toronto Area.

Qualifications:

• Degree or master’s degree in public health, health promotion, community development, social work, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3 years of experience in program planning, implementation, and evaluation in the context of sexual and reproductive health
• Experience working with Black communities, including a strong understanding of the social determinants of health that impact sexual and reproductive health outcomes for Black communities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write reports and deliver presentations to diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

• Experience working collaboratively with community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Familiarity with issues related to HIV prevention and care, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience working with databases and online communication platforms.
• Knowledge of and commitment to ant1-oppressive principles and practices

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for applications: 1 September 2023

Please forward resume and cover letter to:

Rosemary Okoth
20 Victoria St., 4th floor, Toronto, ON
or email: hiring@black-cap.com

Please use ‘Sexual and Reproductive Health project Coordinator.’ as the subject of your email.

JOB POSTING: ACB PHA Wellness and Mental Health Support Worker

The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) is a non-profit, community-based organization that serves Toronto’s diverse African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities. The mission of the agency is to reduce the transmission of HIV within Toronto’s Black communities while enhancing the quality of life of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Our approach to services recognizes that holistic approaches are required as we work with people who are living with, or at risk for, HIV. Black CAP is an inclusive space which provides services to a diverse ACB population that includes newcomers, LGBTQ communities, youth, and other at-risk populations. Operating in downtown Toronto, we are supported by a broad range of government and foundation funders. As an employer we also offer competitive compensation, a comprehensive health benefits plan, an Employee Assistance Program, annual RRSP contributions and access to a wellness program. To learn more visit us at www.blackcap.ca or on social media (Facebook and Twitter) at @BlackCAPTO.

Position Summary:

Black CAP’s Wellness and Mental Health Support Program will provide counselling, mental health and addiction services to African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) people living with HIV in Toronto. The Mental Health Worker will support clients’ recovery through the provision of client-centered assessments and case management services to support capacity building and empowerment, this includes supports to individuals using a screening tool, solution focused counseling and referrals to mental health and addiction services to support individuals to address short term mental health and addiction issues and access longer-term mental health and addiction services. The program will also provide group programming based on the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and/or other models to address mental health and addiction issues and provide peer-based support.

We are seeking an individual with the following qualifications:

• Social Work degree or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of case management experience and/or front-line experience with vulnerable populations.
• Demonstrated ability delivering intensive, short-term counselling and support services to

Black HIV positive and/or LGBTQ youth in crisis, helping them to address their specific challenges, and referring and supporting them to access required services.

• Sound clinical skills, including assessment, intervention, advocacy, psycho-education, supportive counseling, and life skills coaching.
• Sound group work and community work skills.
• Knowledge of mental illness, medications and ability to assist clients with symptom management.
• Knowledge of community resources and systems.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, STIs and sexual health issues and the impact of HIV/AIDS in Toronto’s Black, African or Caribbean communities with excellent skills and knowledge of community resources and support available.
• Experience providing system navigation supports and identifying appropriate referrals to complimentary programming based on a determinants of health framework.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop goals and service delivery plans with participants
• Experience developing partnerships to achieve program innovation
• Anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and inclusive professional practice.
• Knowledge of MS Office (Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point), internet and email are essential.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including weekdays, evenings and weekends.
• The ability to speak a language other than English is an asset.

Black CAP is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages applications from members of Toronto’s African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities and ACB persons living with HIV.

This is a Bargaining Unit position reporting to the Program Director. The position is subject to a 3-month probationary period. We thank all applicants; however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Deadline for applications: 1 September 2023

Please forward resume and cover letter to:

Rosemary Okoth
20 Victoria St., 4th floor, Toronto ON

email: hiring@black-cap.com

Please subject your email as ‘ACB PHA Mental Health Worker‘

JOB POSTING: Harm Reduction Coordinator

Job Title: Harm Reduction Coordinator
Department: Health Promotion
Supervised by: Program Director
Position requirements: 37.5 hours per week.
Term: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: $50-54K annually

Organization Description: Black CAP is a leading organization in Canada serving the needs of Black, African and Caribbean communities impacted by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. We provide support, education, and advocacy to individuals and communities affected by HIV, including the provision of comprehensive and culturally appropriate sexual health services.

Position Purpose: We are seeking a Harm Reduction Outreach Coordinator responsible for managing Black CAP’s Harm Reduction (HR) Program. The individual must have experience working in, and preferably managing, a harm reduction program and effectively overseeing a team in a harm reduction setting. Black CAP’s HR Program conducts prevention and education outreach to a range of clients including youth, adults, clients living with HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ people in areas of Toronto where there are geographic and social concentrations of African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) people.

The Coordinator will play a role in strengthening Black CAP’s response to substance using communities and increasing levels of awareness of drug prevention and harm reduction for our clients, staff and community partners. The HR Coordinator will support the part-time Peer Educator who will assist in HR outreach activities and will help to supervise placement students completing their practical experience in the agency. The Coordinator also works collaboratively with other members of Black CAP’s prevention/outreach team and other Black CAP staff and volunteers to achieve the objectives of the program/mission of Black CAP.

* Please note that we strongly encourage candidates from Toronto’s African, Caribbean or Black communities who bring lived and/or employment experience in relation to substance use/harm reduction to apply. Candidates unable to demonstrate this experience will not be considered. We also strongly encourage applicants who are living with HIV to consider this role.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Coordinate weekly harm reduction outreach sessions in northern Etobicoke, Malvern and southern Scarborough.
• Manage and coordinate the delivery of workshops to adult and youth participants in areas related to harm reduction, substance use, drug prevention and the links between substance use and risk of HIV.
• Conduct outreach and facilitate partnerships with organizations serving Toronto’s African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) substance using communities and relevant organizations such as Toronto Public Health, the Harm Reduction Task Force, etc.
• Supervise a Peer Educator responsible for harm reduction outreach in ACB Trans communities.
• Train, recruit and support three Peer Volunteers to conduct outreach.
• Co-coordinate a monthly after-hours drop-in session for the ACB substance using population.
• Develop HR outreach materials.
• Conduct appropriate follow-up and compete monthly/annual reports.
• Attending monthly staff meetings and trainings.
• Evaluate program related activities and complete regular reports.
• Collaborate with members of Black CAP’s prevention/outreach team.
• Other duties as assigned.

We are seeking an individual with the following qualifications:

• Firm understanding of Harm Reduction models/frameworks and knowledge of substance use in diverse ACB communities.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS, STIs and sexual health issues and the impact of HIV/AIDS in Toronto’s ACB communities with excellent skills and knowledge of community resources and supports.
• Comfort conducting outreach, education and the exchange of harm reduction supplies in a range of neighbourhoods across the city. Ability to lead and motivate teams of volunteers and students in conducting outreach and education.
• Experience in building awareness of harm reduction, HIV and STIs in Toronto’s ACB communities.
• Experience delivering harm reduction programming for women and sexual minority communities.
• Knowledge of, and relationships within, Toronto’s harm reduction service delivery system.

• The ability to design, deliver and evaluate workshops and familiarity with adult education models.
• Ability to work and operate in an environment using anti-racism and anti-oppression frameworks.
• Ability to accept feedback and take initiative as well as work independently and cooperatively with staff and volunteers in a culturally diverse environment.
• Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Social Sciences and/or a combination of education and experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize.
• Demonstrated ability to meet targets, deadlines and manage multiple activities.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a positive and friendly attitude as you deal with multiple personalities, projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of MS Office (Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point), internet and email are essential.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
• The ability to speak a language other than English is an asset.

This is a bargaining unit position reporting to the Program Director. The position is subject to a 3-month probationary period. We thank all applicants; however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Deadline for applications: 1 September 2023

Please forward resume and cover letter to:

Rosemary Okoth
20 Victoria St., 4th floor, Toronto ON

email: hiring@black-cap.com

Please use ‘Harm Reduction Coordinator.’ as the subject of your email.