Job posting: HIV Community Consultants

As HIV treatments available in Canada are highly effective, the conversations have shifted from “How can I live with HIV?” to “How can I live well with HIV?” HIV community advocate, Muluba Habanyama and pediatric infectious disease specialist, Dr. Jason Brophy were awarded a Canadian Institutes of Health Research grant entitled: CAN LhIVE WELL: The Canadian HIV Wellness Research Initiative. The team’s goal is to define what living well means to people living with HIV by engaging key populations of people living with HIV across Canada. As a key part of this work, the team is collaborating with Realize, the leading national, charitable, organization working to improve the health and well-being of people living with HIV and other episodic disabilities, across their lifespans, through integrated research, education, policy and practice.

To lead this conversation around living well, we are seeking dynamic HIV community consultants. For the purpose of this role, ‘HIV community consultants’ refer to persons living with HIV. These are casual temporary positions (duration approximately five months), with possible extension for subsequent project development, related activities, and ad hoc consultation.

Please note, people living with HIV from traditionally marginalized and/or silenced communities are strongly encouraged to apply, including: men who have sex with men; African, Caribbean and Black communities; Indigenous peoples; youth (18-29 years old); those aging with HIV (50 years old and over); women; trans persons; people who use drugs; and people with experiences of incarceration, sex work or homelessness.

 

Ideal candidates will be people living with HIV in Canada who are:

  • Interested in leading consultations (i.e., discussions about HIV and wellness) with other people living with HIV.
  • Engaging and also good listeners; empathetic and make others feel at ease to join discussions.
  • Interested in learning about the wellness priorities of other people living with HIV in Canada.
  • Interested in, and able to work remotely (i.e., where they live), as there are no in-person meeting requirements.
  • Able to commit to a five-month position that starts in October 2020.

This position plays a critical role in acting as an advocate for safety and will demonstrate principles, practices and processes that will foster a safe environment for all.

 

Summary of time commitment and duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Approximately 60 hours over the five-month time frame.
  • All tasks will be given a set pay (including training) in line with other peer research assistant positions ($25/hour).
  • Training will take place virtually over two sessions.
  • Participate in small team teleconferences with the core team which includes people living with HIV, clinicians, and other researchers.
  • Assist in planning community consultations with people living with HIV from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  • Recruit, prepare for, and facilitate community consultation(s) with 5-10 participants (disclosure of HIV may be involuntary in this setting).
  • Complete administrative work associated with the consultations.
  • Record, summarize, and present notes from the community consultations by teleconference or video conference to the core team.

 

Qualifications/skills:

  • Fluency in English is required. Bilingualism is an asset.
  • Experience leading or participating in community consultations.
  • Experience with HIV advocacy work (paid or volunteer) or work related to HIV research projects (clinical or community-based projects) is considered an asset.
  • Experience in presentation, communication and time management skills.
  • Ability to follow protocol and procedures, including a commitment to confidentiality.
  • Sensitivity towards issues of homophobia, racism, sexism and other forms of stigma and discrimination.
  • Being familiar with Zoom or other video conferencing platforms.
  • Flexibility with regards to timing of teleconferences and virtual meetings for discussion group.

 

Applicant requirements:

  • Applicants must be a person living with HIV who is 18 years or older.
  • Applicant must currently live in Canada and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
  • Successful applicants will need to provide their address and SIN in order to receive their payments.
  • The applicant must feel comfortable disclosing their HIV status. During the training or group discussions, disclosure may be involuntary in settings with other people living with HIV.
  • Applicants require access to internet/wifi and either a smartphone, tablet or computer.

 

CLOSING DATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

Please forward resume and cover letter via email to
Joanne McBane [email protected] with your name and HIV Community Consultant Position in the subject line.

We thank you for your interest, however, only qualified applicants who are selected to be interviewed will be contacted.