Peer Navigator (Surrey)

Reporting to:          Manager of Peer Navigation Services (Glyn Townson, he, him, his)

Employment type: Casual contract, part-time (5-10 hrs/week)

Location:                 Surrey, primarily the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre

Compensation:         $24.08/hr with annual increases

Start Date:                 April 2023

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Depending on the successful candidate’s personal experience, this Peer Navigator (Surrey) position may be paired with other Peer Navigator positions at the Vancouver site of the Rapid Access Addiction Clinic and/or AIDS Vancouver programs to increase hours.

Position Summary:

AIDS Vancouver is looking for a Peer Navigator to support group programs, one on one peer navigation, and fill in occasional shifts at the HIV clinic in Surrey. AIDS Vancouver will provide initial and ongoing training and supports for the successful candidate.

The Peer Navigator is responsible for various duties with the goal of assisting people living with HIV to access services, increase adherence to HIV treatment, and improve overall health and wellness.

The Peer Navigator provides system navigation, support, education, and other services that are relevant to people newly diagnosed with HIV, and other people living with HIV seeking self-management skills. The Peer Navigator works with clients in one to one and group settings, as well as working with health care providers at the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre.

The Peer Navigator provides system navigation, support, education, and other services that are relevant to newly diagnosed individuals and other HIV+ individuals seeking self-management skills. The Peer Navigator works with clients one on one and in group settings, and also works closely with health care providers at the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre.

The ideal Peer Navigator is an HIV+ individual who is willing and able to share their experience and knowledge to newly diagnosed individuals or those wishing to engage in treatment and are seeking help in understanding their options and what is available to them for support. The Peer Navigator must be comfortable with having their HIV status disclosed in professional settings.  

Duties:

With direction and support from the Manager of Peer Navigation Services:

  1. Develop and implement plans for client care to assist HIV+ people to achieve stabilized and sustained health, and to improve their quality of life
    • Assess client needs related to health care, social support, practical needs, and harm reduction
    • Attend case conferences
    • Accompany clients to appointments and programs as required
    • Make appropriate referrals to programs at AIDS Vancouver, other community organizations, and clinical services
    • Advocate on behalf of clients to service providers as needed
    • Liaise with other care providers, including timely phone calls and emails
    • Support a coordinated approach to client care, including bridging communication gaps between client and providers
    • Regular communication with clients

 

2. Maintain appropriate client documentation, and appropriately share information with other care providers

3. Facilitate workshops and groups for people living with HIV, frontline workers, and other Peer Navigators

4. Maintain current knowledge of HIV resources and services and on harm reduction issues including addiction care

5. As needed, participate in the ongoing development and evaluation of current and new programs

6. Participate in professional development opportunities as required

7. Attends supervision meetings, and all staff meetings called by the Executive Director and/or Manager of Peer Navigation Services when scheduled during regular working hours

8. Complies with agency policies and procedures

9. Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Personal experience living with HIV
  • Experience working with a wide range of people with a non-judgemental, affirming, and accepting approach
  • Familiarity with community resources and/or government systems
  • Able to use a smart phone, and use a computer for email communication
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to use a paper or digital calendar
  • Must be able to clear a Criminal Record Check (cost covered by AIDS Vancouver)

Skills and Abilities:

  • Active listening
  • Plain language verbal communication in English, additional languages an asset (up to an additional $0.25/hr for additional languages)
  • Analyzing and resolving problems
  • Relationship building with diverse clients living with HIV and their social supports and health care teams
  • Working one on one with clients, and knowing when to seek support
  • Collaboration with health care providers to support clients
  • Cultural responsiveness to the unique and individual needs of people living with HIV, including refugee and newcomer experiences, addictions, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities
  • Ability to operate a smart phone

Please submit a cover letter and resume by email to [email protected].

  • Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
  • The Manager of Peer Navigation Services (Glyn Townson) will be leading the hiring process.

AIDS Vancouver actively encourages applications from people in the communities we serve, including people living with HIV. We strive to uphold the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity.

We will offer all candidates the opportunity to review interview questions in advance. Please let us know about any access needs we can support in our hiring process.