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Volunteer Opportunity

About Us

Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) has worked to respond to the threat of HIV and AIDS in Toronto’s African, Caribbean and Black communities. Our work is guided by our motto, ‘Because All Black People’s Lives Are Important’, which serves as a reminder of our commitment to the human rights and dignity of all Black people who are vulnerable to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

We deliver support services that meet the health and wellness needs of our clients who are living with or affected by HIV or AIDS. To do this, we provide much needed counselling, settlement, practical and peer support, employment, housing and social support services that help people achieve their goals.

We also work with men, women, youth and LGBTQ communities to increase their knowledge and reduce their vulnerability to HIV, AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. This is accomplished through prevention, outreach and harm reduction programming that is delivered in communities across Toronto.

Core Responsibilities:

• Prepare tax returns with clients, reviewing tax documents and financial records, and processing simple to complex income tax returns using our professional software system.
• Answer any client questions clearly, accurately, and with confidence.
• Assist with eFile batch preparation and submission.
• Ensure client confidentiality and privacy is secured.

The volunteer position requires an efficient, motivated, experienced candidate and working with LGBTQ members

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of prior tax preparation experience with professional tax preparation software
• Completed course of study CVITP-Toronto-Centre
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate in person and Black Demographic
• Previous experience in a customer service environment or a service provider
• Knowledge and experience with a Windows based computer system

• If you are filing returns electronically through EFILE, or electronically through EFILE and by paper, you must:

1. register for the CVITP
2. have an EFILE number or renew your EFILE account

Schedule:

Just be available to volunteer with the organization tax Clinic hours (Hours may be negotiable, based on appointment availability):

10:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday

10:00 am to 2:00 pm or 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Tuesday and Friday (4-hour shift)

Virtual Appointments(negotiable) Managers approval.

To apply, please forward your resume and cover letter to: volunteer@black-cap.com

Job Types:  Seasonal- March -May
Volunteer Contract length: 3 months

Schedule:

• Flexible start shifts.
• Appointments ONLY
• Day/Evening shift
• 2 Days out of the Week

COVID-19 considerations:
We take all public health requirements and recommendations very seriously and follow all current public health guidelines.

Experience:

• Canadian professional income tax preparation: 1+ year (required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (required) TBA
• Evening Shift (required)TBA

Application deadline: 2023-02-30

Trans Beauty Boutique

Intake and Mental Health Coordinator

Position Type: Outreach
Supervised by: Mental Health and Direct Services Manager
Salary Range: $49,000 -$52,000                               
Days per week: 5 (37.5 hours per week)
Department: Outreach/Prevention
Years of Experience: 1 year

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 an intake and mental health coordinator responsible for managing our intake processes at Black CAP and supporting our mental health services and referral processes. This individual has a background and/ or education in mental health and support services along with experience operating from a trauma informed lens and harm reduction ap They are comfortable working with folks from varying backgrounds and experiences and are passionate about supporting the ACB community.

The Coordinator will be responsible for client intakes and assessments, coordinating workshops and groups, and providing system navigation support. They will work collaborating with other members of Black CAP’s support 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 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, counselling, 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 develops service relationships with relevant organizations.
• Providing mental health supportive counselling for clients where needed.
• Referring clients to Black CAP’s registered psychotherapist.
• 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:

• Firm understanding of mental health and harm reduction practices within 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 facilitating groups and presenting to crowds.
  • Ability to enter accurate information into data collection websites in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability delivering intensive, short-term counselling and support services to Black HIV positive and/or LGBTQ folks in crisis, helping them to address their specific challenges, and referring 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 Mental Health and Direct Services Manager.

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: 20 January 2023

Please forward your resume and cover letter to the following:

Daniella Leacock
20 Victoria St., 4th Floor, Toronto
email: hiring@black-cap.com

Youth Outreach Worker (Parental Leave Position)

Position Type: Support                            
Supervised by: Mental Health and Direct Services Manager
Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000                                 
Days per week: 5 (37.5 hours per week)
Department: Support                                                   
Years of Experience: 1 year

The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) is a volunteer driven, non-profit, community-based organization. The mission of the agency is to reduce the spread of HIV infection within Toronto’s Black communities while enhancing the quality of life of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. We work in partnership with organizations and individuals who support in principle and practice our mission, philosophy and activities.

Position Summary:

Black CAP’s Youth Outreach Program is a multi-agency outreach initiative for at-risk Black HIV positive, queer, questioning and Trans youth aged 12-25. The Program will provide individualized and group supports to youth and their families/caregivers to address the impact of violence, HIV stigma, transphobia, homophobia, anti-Black racism and other determinants of health such as homelessness, substance use, mental health, etc. The Program will include counselling and support services approaches that incorporate Afro-centric, rites of passage, resiliency and stages of change frameworks. The Program will also actively engage HIV positive and LGBTQ Black youth using a collaborative, person-centered approach grounded in trauma-informed practice.

The Program is funded through the Ontario Black Youth Action Plan’s Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker (EYOW) program. EYOW services build resiliency from a culturally specific model and achieve outcomes related to reducing the impact of homophobia/transphobia and HIV stigma among Black youth.

EYOWs work with Black youth to develop and enhance their identity, culture and sense of belongingness to their community as a protective factor in their movement through the Stages of Change. EYOWs act as mentors, promote broader opportunities and supports for youth within communities, and advocate for the improvement of access to youth services. More specifically, EYOWs:

• Help youth and their families to identify and articulate their needs.
• Support youth through an evidenced-based process to make positive changes in their lives.
• Raise awareness about, and access to, local prevention and intervention resources through information-sharing and referrals that respond to individual needs and risk factors and reinforce strengths.
• Foster communication and linkages among community agencies/organizations to improve access and reduce barriers to services and supports.

Please note that this paternity leave position requires a Master’s of Social Work or Counselling Psychology or equivalent and certification/membership in a registered professional association for practitioners in clinical therapy. In addition, we strongly encourage applicants who are members to Toronto’s African, Caribbean or Black communities to apply. We also strongly encourage applicants who are living with HIV to consider this role.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Provide short-term, counselling and support services to Black youth in accordance with the Stages of Change intervention model adapted for the YOW Program.
• Develop and oversee a short-term case management plan for Black youth clients.
• Collaborate with the YOW network to identify Black youth who may require additional, more intensive services, and work with the YOW to align support services for individual Black youth.
• Support parents and family members to help youth address their needs by providing short-term counselling, if needed, and referring parents and family members to other supports and services available in the community.
• Maintain collaborative working relationships with other professionals within and outside of the organization.
• Enter and maintain accurate and complete service data in the Outreach Record database in a timely manner.
• Participate in training opportunities through the Outreach Record Learning Portal.
• Maintain professional and evidence-based standards of practice in accordance with the Stages of Change intervention model, a positive youth development framework and relevant legislation (e.g., Child and Family Services Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act).
• Carry out other duties as assigned as part of the Youth Outreach Worker Program.
• Conduct appropriate follow-up and compete monthly/annual reports.
• Attending twice monthly staff meetings and trainings.
• Evaluate program related activities and complete monitoring and quality reports in order to ensure high quality programming.
• Collaborate with members of Black CAP’s support services team.
• Other duties as assigned.

We are seeking an individual with the following qualifications:

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: 15 January 2023

Please forward your resume and cover letter to the following:

Daniella Leacock
20 Victoria St., 4th Floor, Toronto
email: hiring@black-cap.com

‘A March To Equalize’ calling attention to the HIV and AIDS epidemic

World AIDS Day 2022 – Inter-agency Activities

Join the activities to EQUALIZE this World AIDS Day 2022.  

In keeping with this, AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) across Toronto have combined our efforts to observe this important day by doing a series of joint activities as follows:

The Laying of the Black Rose (Thursday, 1 December 2022 at 11:30 AM) at the AIDS Memorial. Each member agency will have the opportunity to lay a rose in memory of somebody who has transitioned due to HIV AIDS complications. This will take place at the AIDS Memorial in Barbara Hall Park, behind the 519 Community Centre. That will be immediately followed by The Interagency March. 

The Interagency March (Thursday, 1 December 2022 at 12:00 PM) will begin at the AIDS Memorial and make its way down Church Street to culminate at the YMCA. Each agency will bring sign boards and messages reflecting their interpretation of “Equalize”. That will be immediately followed by An Indigenous Feast. 

An Indigenous Feast (Thursday, 1 December 2022 at 1:30 PM) will follow at the YMCA Central at 20 Grosvenor St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2V5 which will pay tribute to persons living with HIV across all generations. 

Film Screening Following the feast, we will be screening “Walking in These Shoes”, a short film on the tragic death of Derek Yee who was a racialized man living HIV and a long-time advocate for the rights of persons living with HIV. He gave his all for the community and supporting PHAs.

International World AIDS Day 2022 Message

As we celebrate the progress we have made in HIV prevention and treatment among gay and bisexual men, we must also acknowledge the challenges we still face. Racism, poverty, stigma, and homophobia serve as barriers to care and prevention, and continue to drive inequities that cause gay and bisexual men—particularly African Caribbean Black (ACB) men—to be overrepresented in the HIV epidemic.

We continue to work together during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and recent MPX (formerly known as monkeypox) outbreak, we strengthen our commitment to ending the HIV epidemic by expanding HIV testing, prevention, and treatment, and reducing HIV stigma. To succeed, we will need to increase efforts supporting ACB gay and bisexual men, who bear the greatest burden of new HIV infections. The disruption of traditional HIV testing services over the last 2 years has made self-testing a great option for some people to take an HIV test, learn their status, and get the benefits of today’s prevention and treatment tools. In March 2021, GetaKit by Black CAP was launched in to deliver HIV self-tests to ACB men seeking HIV testing, with marketing focused on gay and bisexual men. These men who know their HIV status, positive or negative, can take steps to keep themselves healthy. If their test is negative, they can be linked to prevention services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). If their test is positive, they can be linked to care and start treatment to keep themselves healthy and prevent transmission to their sexual partners. This “status neutral” approach facilitates the integration of prevention and treatment services so that both become part of the fabric of comprehensive primary care and address the needs of the whole person while mitigating HIV-related stigma.

Antiretroviral therapy, especially early initiation of treatment, significantly reduces the transmission of HIV to sexual partners. When men living with HIV are not diagnosed, do not start on HIV treatment or fail to remain on treatment, it jeopardizes not only their own health, but also the well-being and prospects of their partners, households, extended families and communities. The failure to reach greater numbers of men with HIV testing and early treatment, combined with the limited impact that other prevention interventions have on the risk of men acquiring or transmitting HIV, is driving ongoing cycles of HIV transmission in high-prevalence settings. One of the most effective tools we have to address ongoing challenges in HIV prevention is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Unfortunately, not everyone who can benefit from PrEP has access to it. Current PrEP data reflect racial and regional disparities driven by structural challenges such as stigma, racism, and mistrust in the healthcare system. Improving the utilization of HIV prevention, testing and treatment services by ACB men and adolescent boys is a complex but feasible challenge.

As partners in HIV prevention, we each play an essential role in ending HIV in this country. Our commitment and ongoing work can reduce stigma, ensure health equity, and raise awareness about HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. Its success also depends on a holistic approach to the various parts of the syndemic, including STIs, viral hepatitis, substance use and mental health disorders, stigma and discrimination, and social and structural determinants of health. Each community and stakeholder brings a unique perspective and plays a critical role in preventing and responding to HIV.

Together we can make a difference.

Garfield Durrant (He/Him/His)
Men’s Prevention Specialist (Lead)

ACB Trans/Non Binary Employment Network

Are you an ACB Trans or Nonbinary Youth?  Are you in need of Employment? Join Black CAP’s Trans and Non-Binary Youth Networking Employment Event. Seek opportunities, make connections and network with friendly employers!

2 pm – 5 pm | Friday | 02 Dec. 2022

Trans Day of Remembrance

2:30 PM – 5:30 PM Thur, 17 Nov 2022, 20 Victoria Street, Downtown Toronto

A Day to remember and a moment to reflect. Black trans brothers and sisters, join Black Cap in a ceremony of commemorating the countless trans lives that have been lost. We will remember, we will come together, and we will honour them.

See you there..