Community Support Advocate

Job Posting: Community Support Advocate

    Position Summary

    The Community Support Advocate (CSA) provides support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) through frontline crisis support and case management, as well as to provide navigational and advocacy support for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals as they interact with various systems, familial, and relational contexts.

    This is a contract position and its extension will be dependent on the availability of grants or funds tied to the GBV project. During the 4 month contract, duties are prioritizing and completing the required tasks for the project. Additional duties will be added with the extension of contract to this position, dependent on the GBV project’s requirement. CSA can review future duties with their reporting officer.

    Representative Duties (Including but not limited to:

    Immediate duties:

    1. Continuation of the development and design of the GBV Survivor Guidebook.
    2. Continuation of the development and design of the Self-Advocacy Pamphlet: Gender Affirming Care.
    3. Manage the Q-list, a queer directory on our website. Review applications from businesses, organizations, professionals and healthcare providers if they are 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive.
    4. Provide front-line crisis support services, community-based support services, and outreach for GBV survivors.
    5. Provide case management and navigational support to clients, as well as advocacy work in relation to improving the access to care and gender-inclusive policies, particularly to GBV survivors.
    6. Offer phone or in person peer support, referrals, and information services.
    7. Complete monthly statistical record-keeping and reporting
    8. Participate in evaluation activities related to position and overall grant reporting requirements.

    Future Duties:

    1. Develop community awareness, knowledge, and skills in response to GBV through community-based training and workshops.
    2. Assist 2SLGBTQ+ individual’s tools for the prevention of and resilience in responding to GBV.
    3. Build expertise and capacity for victim support service providers around gender-based violence for gender and sexually diverse people.
    4. Facilitate and lead support groups onsite and with community partners.
    5. Supply phone-line and drop-in peer counseling, referrals, and information services
    6. Develop strong collaborative working relationships with community service providers.
    7. Field calls and messages on the multi-line phone system, including the 1-800 line, providing immediate assistance where appropriate and forwarding calls when necessary.
    8. Participate in key events put on OUTSaskatoon (Pride, Glitter, AIDS Walk, etc.)
    9. Special assignments as required e.g., help facilitate OUTSaskatoon’s support and social groups, support youth at Pride Home, speak about 2SLGBTQ+ communities at various community organizations.

    Accountabilities:

    Outcomes/Results

    • A safe and inclusive space for 2SLGBTQ+ people
    • Ongoing programming and case management for participants of the GBV program
    • Responsive and supportive counseling and support services in person and over the phone
    • Effective and innovative strategies around GBV in 2SLGBTQ+ communities

    Standards to Follow

    • Timely, organized, and professional
    • Welcoming and compassionate service delivery
    • Confidential treatment of all information and materials
    • Collaboration as required to complete assignments
    • Focus on productive working relations with all co-workers, organizations, and OUTSaskatoon patrons/clients.
    • Prompt communication of issues of importance or concern to the immediate supervisor.
    • Setting priorities for your own work and meeting deadlines
    • Compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures

    Education & Experience:

    A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or an equivalent combination of work experience and education. 2+ years of experience working in a human services field in counseling, support services, peer support capacity. Knowledge of queer issues and gender identities. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle. Proficiency in software applications such as MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint.

    Job Scope (Skills & Responsibility):

    Plans and prioritizes own workflow to complete a range of assignments. Undertakes a combination of routine and special duties, working within established policies, guidelines, and procedures. May apply some discretion in the application of established standards. Communicates with others to exchange sensitive information. Listens and receives information. Deals with problems specific to the job, applying or adapting established guidelines and procedures to solve them. Deals with confidential information confidentially.

    Effort:

    Responsibilities are complex and require extended effort. Problems are addressed by using sound judgment, thinking strategically, and relying on the advice and feedback from the supervisor. Experiences interruptions at peak periods and works with complex human emotions and experiences on a daily basis. Occasionally experiences high volumes of work and/or unanticipated deadlines.

    Working Conditions:

    The incumbent works in an office environment. Some evening and weekend work will be required. The incumbent operates the full range of standard office equipment: keyboard, telephone, AV equipment and video conferencing equipment. Travels locally and within the province.

    Deadline: The deadline to apply for this position is November 23rd, 2023 at 5:00PM.

    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:      Iris Akbar

                    Lead Counsellor

                    support@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.