Community Support Advocate

Job Posting: COMMUNITY SUPPORT ADVOCATE

We love incorporating new team members on staff at OUTSaskatoon. If you agree with the following statements, we want you to apply:

You love working with 2SLGBTQ+ folks and assisting with navigating systemic barriers
You approach every individual as a unique and valued
You enjoy working with a wide range of individuals on varied complex issues and topics
You have an awareness of the ways that social service and health systems can negatively impact the 2SLGBTQ+ community
You can provide direct services to survivors in the form of intervention and systems navigation, as well as therapeutic, trauma-informed services for individuals and groups

You enjoy working in a harm reduction environment
You have a solid understanding of harm reduction and are able to put the model into practice
You can meet individuals where they are at

You work best when working as a team, alongside a staff that is diverse in identities, personalities, and work styles
You thrive in a team environment and genuinely enjoy being a team member
You enjoy collaborating and the idea of group work doesn’t repulse you
You can work alongside services that directly support individual gender based violence survivors, will work with various points of contact within the service continuum including legal, healthcare, and other CBOs in order to work towards systems change

Tasks:

Provide case management and navigational supports to clients, as well as advocacy work in relation to improving the access to care and gender-inclusive policies
Develop community awareness, knowledge, and skills in response to gender based violence through community based trainings and workshops
Provision of workshops and trainings to 2SLGBTQ+ survivors of GBV
Build expertise and capacity for victim support service providers around gender based violence for gender and sexually diverse people
Provide front-line crisis support services, community based support services and outreach
Facilitate and lead group processes
Supply phone-line and drop-in peer counselling, referrals and information services
Develop strong collaborative working relationships with community service providers
Field calls and messages on multi-line phone system, including the 1-800 line, providing immediate assistance where appropriate and forwarding calls when necessary
Participate in key events put on OUTSaskatoon (Pride, GLITTER, AIDS walk, etc.)
Complete monthly statistical record-keeping and reporting Participate in evaluation activities related to position and overall grant reporting requirements
Undertake special assignments as required e.g. helping to facilitate OUTSaskatoon’s support and social groups, supporting youth at Pride Home, speaking about 2SLGBTQ+ communities at various
community organizations

Qualifications:

Required
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Bachelor of Indian Social Work (BISW) or an equivalent certificate (CISW or CSW); a Bachelor of Sociology (BA); or a Child & Youth Care degree or recognized diploma and/or recognized human service diploma and demonstrated related working experience;
Two years + of experience working in a human services field in a counselling/support services/peer support capacity
Knowledge of queer issues and gender identities
Demonstrated knowledge of health care systems, social services and legal systems
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of community partners
A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
Proficiency in software applications such as MS Word, Excel, Desktop Publishing, Access and PowerPoint are essential
Solid communication and interpersonal skills
Independent decision making regarding day-to-day operations and strong problem-solving skills
Ability and self-reflexivity to work in a team environment
Organization and time management skills (able to multitask and reassess priorities)

Assets
Knowledge of queer and Indigenous communities, harm reduction, anti-oppression, and anti-racism approaches to community service delivery
Facilitation and public speaking experience
Experience working for community-based organizations and/or working in the queer community
Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture (Indigenous ways of knowing & being) and the impact of colonization on Indigenous families and communities
Demonstrated experience in conflict resolution and mediation

About the Position

Hours: 37.5 Hours per week, full-time
Salary: $40,000 - $43,000 per year, commensurate with experience
Benefits: Full benefits package after 3 months

We are looking for a community-minded, compassionate, and eager individual to fill our position of Community Support Advocate. The Community Support Advocate provides support to survivors of gender based violence (GBV) through frontline crisis support and case-management, as well as navigational and advocacy support for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals as they interact with various systems, familial, and relational contexts.

OUTSaskatoon is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of all we serve. This includes prioritizing applicants that are diverse in gender identity, sexuality, culture, and race. We value life and job experience as much as formal education. We encourage all interested in the position to apply. Please use your cover letter to tell us about yourself and your interest in working with OUTSaskatoon. Preferential consideration will be given to First Nations, Metis, and Two Spirit applicants. We rely on section 48 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code for this measure.

Working Conditions: The incumbent works in an office environment. Some evening and weekend work will be required. Works at a computer terminal for extended periods of time. Lifts and carries heavy items such as boxes of materials, groceries, and supplies. Mostly drives locally, occasionally travels within the province.

Job Term: This is a one-year term position, subject to renewal
Deadline: May 20, 2022 at 5pm. We will be interviewing on an on-going basis. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to apply early.
To Apply: Please submit a detailed cover letter (applicants that do not include a cover letter will not be considered), a resume highlighting relevant education and work experience, and three references by email to:

ATTN: Mandolyn Gales
Support Services Manager
services@outsaskatoon.ca

Additional Details:
OUTSaskatoon is a non-profit, charitable organization that believes in the equity of transgender, two spirit, intersex, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people. We provide peer support and counselling, queer-specific education and resources, outreach, social gatherings and events, community referrals, and sexual health services. We support body, mind and spirit within a growing and changing community.