Queer and Trans (QT) Community Worker

Position Title: Queer and Trans (QT) Community Worker

Community Programs

The Opportunity

The Queer and Trans (QT) Community Worker plays an important role in providing programming for queer, transgender, and questioning youth aged 12-20 within Simcoe-Muskoka. By partnering with various existing groups throughout Simcoe-Muskoka, the QT Community Worker supports youth through supportive spaces and activities to build resilience, reduce social isolation and related mental health impacts. The QT Community Worker will also provide limited support to parents and families through supportive conversations and referrals to appropriate partners to address one of the root causes of LGBTQ youth homelessness.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrated competence in youth group facilitation/public speaking, and a deep understanding of the lived experiences of 2S-LGBTQ+ youth in Simcoe-Muskoka. This position is primarily office-based with requirements to travel and work remotely on occasion.

Why the Gilbert Centre

We are a justice-informed, harm reduction organization that does things differently – and we are proud of that. We walk alongside people rather than leading them. We believe in the dignity and autonomy of everyone who comes through our doors. And we are building something meaningful.

• Comprehensive benefits through Canada Life, including health, dental, vision, and drug coverage.
• Generous paid time off: 3 weeks’ vacation, 3 weeks’ sick leave, and 1 week of float time to start.
• The security and protections of a unionized workplace (CUPE Local 1813.14).
• A workplace culture rooted in autonomy, hope, courage, and compassion – not just for clients, but for staff.
• Opportunities for professional development within a collaborative multidisciplinary team.

About Us

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 seek 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.

Key Role and Responsibilities

Youth Programming

• Plans and facilitates social, support, and education programs and groups for Simcoe-Muskoka’s 2S-LGBTQ+ youth ages 12-29 in partnership with other community groups.
• Provides 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.

Community Capacity Building + Partnerships

• Partners with the Community Programs Manager and other team members to build, plan, and promote a network of 2S-LGBTQ+-serving organizations in the region.
• Partner with other youth-serving organizations and facilities to provide new and unique recreational opportunities for 2S-LGBTQ+ youth.
• Collaborate with youth service providers, including Indigenous, newcomer, and grassroots organizations, to aid in building a strong network of support for Simcoe-Muskoka’s 2S-LGBTQ+ youth.
• Develops and facilitates educational programming on 2S-LGBTQ+ identities and experiences through various delivery methods to increase the capacity of youth allies, educators, and other community serving organizations to better support 2S-LGBTQ+ youth.
• Conducts outreach and in-reach through in-person and online social media platforms to ensure that as many 2S-LGBTQ+ youth as possible are aware of and know how to access planned events
• 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 Community Programs Manager

to prepare relevant reports as needed.

• Monitors and evaluates program activities with the community and makes recommendations for appropriate changes as needed.
• Maintains a QT Youth Program monthly calendar

Teamwork and Professional Development

• Engages in professional development, collaboration, networking, and relationship building with relevant campaigns and networks.
• Meets regularly with the greater Gilbert Centre team and maintains effective working relationships with all members of 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 and other GC staff on projects and activities that strengthen the Centre’s programs and services, including team meetings and organizational events.
• Contribute to a collaborative, compassionate and equity-focused work culture.
• 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 driver’s license with regular access to a vehicle or a clear three-year driver’s abstract is required.
• Successful candidates will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check as a condition of employment.

Preferred

• Lived experience as a 2S-LGBTQ+ person 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 Centre’s 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.

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly Rate: $25.03/hour

Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

• Benefits: Canada Life – Health, Dental, Vision, and Drug coverage
• Paid Time Off: 3 weeks’ vacation, 3 weeks’ sick leave, and 1 week float (starting entitlements)
• Schedule: Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
• Bargaining Unit: CUPE Local 1813.14

Working Conditions

• May involve walking or standing for periods of time during community-based activities, events, partner-agency visits, or collaborative outreach activities.
• Lift up to 20 lbs.
• May involve standing for extended periods during events, clinics, or community-based activities.
• May occasionally require carrying program materials, harm reduction supplies, or educational resources, with appropriate support and equipment.
• Frequent computer use.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• The position may involve travel across Simcoe Muskoka and work in community-based, and partner-agency settings, including shelters, drop-ins, community events and outreach sites, as appropriate and in collaboration with existing outreach programs and partners.

How to Apply

Apply through Bamboo HR and include your resume and cover letter.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.

As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people with all lived or living experiences. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We recognize that the “perfect candidate” doesn’t exist. If this role excites you and you meet most of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.