Safer Spaces Coordinator

(1.00 fte – 35 hours per week)

 Safer Spaces provides organizational assessments, professional development workshops, and consultation services to create more inclusive programs and workplaces for 2S-LGBTQ+ communities with a focus on seniors (55+) within the Sudbury/Manitoulin Districts.  In partnership with similar programs in Barrie and the Nipissing Districts, the hope is to increase access to health and social services and increase number of community partnerships for 2S-LGBTQ+ seniors.

The position is responsible for the following:

• Develop and implement the Safer Spaces program within organizations to increase access to services and inclusive workplaces for 2S-LGBTQ+ communities.
• Work collaboratively with the Safer Spaces Manager (in Barrie) and the local project staff working with two-spirit seniors to enhance and adapt program to address community needs.
• Develop and maintain internet communications and social media platforms on issues related to the Safer Spaces Program.
• Collaborate with 2S-LGBTQ+ Sudbury team to plan and facilitate yearly 2S-LGBTQ+ workshops and events.

The successful candidates:

1. Formal education in a relevant field of study (social science, health promotion, social work, adult education)
2. Experience working with seniors, 2S-LGBTQ+ people or within health promotion field
3. Experience working with issues of sexuality, gender identity, and mental health
4. Understanding of health and social issues and factors relevant to 2S-LGBTQ+ seniors
5. Strong leadership and project management skills (organized and carry through to completion)
6. Demonstrated commitment to community development, engagement, and accountability practices
7. Superior communication skills, including written and verbal presentation skills, diplomatic and effective liaison and interpersonal skills.
8. Will be required to provide a current criminal record check

 Bilingual (French/English) candidates or those of Indigenous descent will be given priority consideration for this position if found qualified.

 The position is fulltime based on program funding ending on September 27^th, 2024 (with possibility of renewal).    

 Réseau ACCESS Network is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to build an inclusive workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the community in which we live.  To this end, we encourage applications from persons living with HIV/HCV, members of Two-Sprit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities, individuals from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, members of diverse ethno-cultural communities, and persons with dis/abilities.

 Competitive salary and benefits

 The full job description located below. Interested applicants are asked to submit a resume with a cover letter by the closing date of Sunday, October 24^th, 2021, to the Executive Director @ Richard [email protected].

 We regret that only those candidates selected for an interview may be contacted. No phone calls please.

Full Job Description

637.0               JOB TITLE                    SAFER SPACES COORDINATOR (Staff)       (1.00 fte)

REPORT AND ACCOUNTABLE TO:      Executive Director and/or Manager Programs & Services 

POSITION PURPOSE:

1. Works with designated local communities to build and maintain strong capacity to respond to needs of 2SLGBTQ seniors.
2. Increase access to health and social services and increase number of community partnerships for 2SLGBTQ seniors.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Development

1. Working with the Safer Spaces Program Manager (Gilbert Centre, Simcoe County), develop and implement the Safer Spaces program within organizations to increase access to services and inclusive workplaces for 2SLGBT communities.
2. Create a business plan for the Safer Spaces program with a focus on creating a self-sustaining program.
3. Work collaboratively with the Safer Spaces Program Manager and the local project staff working with Two-Spirit seniors to enhance and adapt the program to address community needs.
4. Liaise with community partners and build organizational relationships.
5. Deliver a train-the-trainer program to build skills of other facilitators to implement the Safer Spaces workshops as needed.
6. Provide leadership and coach a diverse team of staff and contractors.
7. Working collaboratively with the Coordinator of Volunteers and Resources, recruit, and supervise volunteers and independent contractors as required.
8. Participate in other organization activities and events to promote Safer Spaces.
9. Maintain records in accordance with the program tracking and evaluation measures.

 Media Responsibilities

1. In consultation with the Executive Director and when appropriate, act as spokesperson to media requests on issues of the Safer Spaces program.
2. Develops and maintains internet communications and Social media platforms (website, twitter, YouTube, Facebook, etc.,) on issues related to the Safer Spaces Program.
3. Represents Réseau ACCESS Network at public meetings and committees and directs partnership relationship strategies to advance the mission of the organization.

Support Personnel

1. Liaise with program coordinators in the training of volunteers and new staff.

Administration

1. Ensure that all necessary reports are completed and submitted to the appropriate sources.
2. Ensure that files are secure, confidential and have all necessary backups.
3. Work with the Executive Director to develop annual work plan.
4. Recommend program changes to the Executive Director.
5. Assist and implement with the evaluation of all program activities.
6. Meet regularly with the Executive Director to keep them fully informed on program developments, problems and activities.
7. Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures set out by the Board of Directors of Réseau ACCESS Network.
8. Assist with the regular upkeep of Réseau ACCESS Network offices.
9. Participate in staff meetings and other staff sharing opportunities.
10. Provide input to organizational reviews.
11. In consultation with the Executive Director and/or Manager of Programs and Services, arrange for knowledge transfer to staff and contribute to the overall day to day running of the agency.
12. Supervise program specific volunteers and placement students.

Responsibilities to:     Executive Director and/or Manager of Programs and Services

1. Compile and submit activity reports and pertinent statistics as requested by the Executive Director and/or funders.
2. Consult and update the Executive Director on all issues pertaining to the Safer Spaces Program. 

Other:

1. Assist in fundraising projects and/or other duties as deemed important and appropriate by the Executive Director and mutually agreed upon.

Qualifications

• Formal education in a relevant field of study (social science, health promotion, social work, adult education or any related fields) and/or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• At least one-year experience working with seniors, 2SLGBTQ people, or within the health promotion field.
• Sound knowledge and experience working with issues of sexuality, gender identity, mental health and sexual minorities.
• An understanding of health and social issues and factors relevant to 2SLGBTQ seniors.
• Demonstrated commitment to community development, engagement, and accountability practices.
• Strong leadership and project management skills (organize, identify needs and carry through to completion).
• Experience supervising volunteers.
• Ability to work independently and on a flexible schedule.
• Excellent computer skills
• Commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-oppression principles.
• Superior communication skills, including written and verbal presentation skills, diplomatic and effective liaison and interpersonal skills including proficient in English
• Valid driver’s license with regular access to a vehicle for work related duties is required.
• Bilingual (French/English) candidates will be given priority consideration for this position if found qualified.

Skills 

• Strong group facilitation skills.
• Strong interviewing and assessment skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Self-directed and able to take initiative.
• Good organizational and administrative skills.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Comfortable working with people of all backgrounds (ie., sexual orientation, substance use).
• Ability to speak openly and frankly about sexuality in a supportive, non-judgmental manner.

Accountability

• The Safer Spaces Coordinator is responsible to the Executive Director and/or the Manager of Programs and Services.

Working Conditions

• Physical requirements include the dexterity to reach, stand, squat, twist, lift light loads, and the ability to do sedentary work.
• Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to work in a variety of settings.
• 35 hour work week, overtime compensated by time off in lieu.
• Access to a vehicle and valid driver’s license.

Developed:      October 2019