BLACK COALITION FOR AIDS PREVENTIONPosition 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.
