The QT Community Worker, reporting to the Operations Manager, plays an important role in building 2S-LGBTQ+ youths capacity to thrive in all aspects of life. This position is responsible for providing social, educational, and supportive group programming for Simcoe-Muskokas 2S-LGBTQ+ youth, while simultaneously working with the Operations Manager to create educational opportunities that increase the capacity of relevant community organizations, peers, and parents and caregivers of 2S-LGBTQ+ youth to better support these youth. The ideal candidate will possess
strong communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrated competence in youth group facilitation, and a deep understanding of the lived experiences of 2S-LGBTQ+ youth in the Simcoe-Muskoka region. This position is primarily office-based with requirements to travel and work remotely on occasion.

The Gilbert Centre is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization incorporated in 1995 in response to the HIV epidemic in Simcoe County and Muskoka Region. The mandate of the Centre has since broadened to not only support people at risk of, living with, and affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs), but to also support and celebrate the lives of the 2S-LGBTQ+ communities in our regions.

The Gilbert Centre takes a broad, social determinants approach to our work that is based in social justice, health equity and human rights. We see
to engage individuals, families, organizations, institutions and communities as partners and collaborators in the work we undertake. We operate from a value system of harm reduction, sex positivity, queer and trans inclusion, and work towards greater anti-oppressive practices. We hope to see a future that does not criminalize sex work or narcotics use.

Key Role and Responsibilities

Youth Programming

• Plans and facilitates recreational, support, and education programs and groups for Simcoe-Muskokas 2S-LGBTQ+ youth ages 12-29 both in-person and online.

• Partners with other youth-serving organizations and facilities to provide new and unique recreational opportunities for 2S-LGBTQ+ youth.

• Collaborates with Queer & Trans Program teammates to develop and facilitate intergenerational programming for 2S-LGBTQ+ people of all ages.

• Provides both individual and group educational and employment supports for 2S-LGBTQ+ youth in partnership with other youth-serving community organizations.

• Provides one-on-one systems navigation to connect 2S-LGBTQ+ youth with gender, sex, sexuality, sexual health, and mental health resources as needed.

• Maintains, contributes to, and utilizes a referral list for individuals to access safe external resources such as mental health professionals in the area.

• In collaboration with the Operations Manager and the other QT Community Worker, builds and facilitates a monthly Youth Advisory Committee to ensure programming is directed by and meeting the needs of the youth served.

Community Capacity Building + Partnerships

• Partners with the Operations Manager and other team members to build, plan, and promote a network of 2S-LGBTQ+-serving organizations in the region.

• Collaborates with youth service providers, including Indigenous, newcomer, and grassroots organizations to aid in building a strong network of support for Simcoe-Muskokas 2S-LGBTQ+ youth.

• Develops and facilitates educational programming on 2S-LGBTQ+ identities and experiences through various delivery methods (including in-person, virtual, and self-guided recordings) to increase the capacity of youth allies, educators, and other community serving organizations to better support 2S-LGBTQ+ youth.

• Collaborates with the Operations Manager along with relevant community partners to develop, promote, andfacilitate the Families in Transition program and one-off workshops for parents, caregivers, and loved ones of trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse youth.

Outreach & In-reach

• Conducts outreach and in-reach through in-person and online platforms (including social media) to ensure that as many 2S-LGBTQ+ youth as possible are aware of and know how to access the Gilbert Centres QT Programming.

• Engages in tabling and speaking events at schools and other community organizations as required.

Tracking and Reporting

• Utilizes various reporting tools in accordance with program tracking and evaluation measures, and supports the Operations
  Manager
  to prepare relevant reports as needed.

• Monitors and evaluates program activities with the community and makes recommendations for appropriate changes as needed.

Teamwork and Professional Development

• Engages in professional development, collaboration, networking, and relationship building with relevant campaigns and networks, such as the Families in Transition Community of Practice, the Transitional Aged Youth Working Group, and others.

• Meets regularly with the Queer & Trans Programs team and maintains effective working relationships with all members of the QT team and the broader organization.

• Contributes 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, the Queer & Trans Programs team, and other GC staff on projects and activities that strengthen the Centres programs and services, including team meetings and organizational events.

• Other administrative and operational duties and responsibilities as required.

Skills, Ability and Qualifications

Required

• Formal education in a relevant field of study (social science, social work, youth work, gender studies, or any related field) and/or the equivalent combination of lived, education, and work experience.

• At least one year of experience developing and facilitating programming for 2S-LGBTQ+ communities and youth.

• An understanding of health and social issues and factors relevant to 2S-LGBTQ+ communities, PWUD, and youth, and a personal comfort discussing gender, 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.

• Demonstrated understanding of intersectionality and the impact of intersecting identities on the lived experiences of 2S-LGBTQ+ youth.

• Excellent communication, including written and verbal presentation skills, group facilitation, diplomacy, interpersonal skills, and proficiency in English.

• A valid drivers license with regular access to a vehicle or a clear three-year drivers abstract is required.

Preferred

• Lived experience as a 2S-LGBTQ+ person a strong asset.

• Proficiency in both written and verbal French a strong asset.

Additional information about the position:

As one of the primary referrals for 2S-LGBTQ+ youth in Barrie and the greater Simcoe-Muskoka region, the Gilbert Centres Queer & Trans Programs hold a great deal of responsibility for ensuring that 2S-LGBTQ+ youth in our community receive the social opportunities and supports they need to thrive. As such, the QT Community Worker is an invaluable part of our team and our greater mission.

This role falls within the bargaining unit, CUPE Local 1813.14.