Peer Facilitator - Field Trip

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ABOUT MAX

MAX Ottawa has been working to improve the health and wellbeing of queer and trans people in the National Capital Region for over 20 years. As a community-based organization with a history in the HIV response, MAX is on the ground, meeting community members where they’re at, and offering social and support services, information, and referrals that meet their needs. MAX also works with healthcare and other service providers to improve the quality of care available in the region.

Our work is guided by our mission and values. In practice, that means our work is:

  • Community first: We make decisions by asking what will best support the community, not just what’s easiest internally.
  • Human-centred: We know staff are real people with full lives, and we aim to offer flexibility, trust, and care wherever we can.
  • Purpose-driven: The work you do here connects directly to real, tangible change for people in our communities.
  • Impact over ego: We’re here to make a difference, not to centre ourselves. We value collaboration, humility, and getting the work done well, together.
  • No busywork: We’re intentional about how we use our time. If we’re doing something, it’s because it matters.
  • Resourceful: We’re thoughtful with time, energy, and funding, and we look for creative ways to make the most of what we have.

These principles reflect how our values are lived day to day—by our staff, with our partners, and in community.

ABOUT YOU

You’re someone who likes going places, trying new things, and bringing people along for the adventure. You’re the kind of person who can easily turn “I’ve been meaning to check that out” into “Want to come with me?” Whether someone is new to the city or simply looking to build a new circle in a place they already call home, you are the kind of person who is happy to take them under your wing and help make new connections. 

You’re organized and dependable, and you’re comfortable handling the logistics that make an outing run smoothly, from planning to communicating details to following through. You work well with a team and can balance your own ideas with organizational goals and community needs. You're also able to commit to leading one to two outings per month, along with occasional check-ins with MAX staff. 

As a Peer Facilitator, you’ll play an important role in helping us understand what queer and trans people are looking for when it comes to friendship, connection, and belonging.

ABOUT THE PROGAM

Field Trip is a casual meetup group for queer and trans people to come together, explore the city, and build connections. The goal is simple: create more opportunities for people to get out, try something new, meet new people, and get to know their city a little better. Activities can include market strolls, park hangs, queer film nights, or attending local events — all in sober-safe, low-pressure environments.

Each month, Field Trip has one or two excursions that help community members get out of their comfort zone in a safe and supported way. At its core, the program is designed to help address loneliness and isolation by supporting new connections and friendships among participants—without feeling forced or awkward.

ABOUT THE JOB

This is a paid role for someone who wants to play an active part in building community. It’s an opportunity to help create welcoming experiences for others while developing your own skills in event planning, facilitation, communication, teamwork, and community leadership.

By helping to come up with ideas, listening to what people in the community are interested in, and choosing activities that are accessible and welcoming, this role involves taking care of the details that make an outing run smoothly.  Facilitators work closely with the staff team on planning, promotion, delivery, and ongoing evaluation of the program. They also work with program volunteers, managing their task assignments and supporting their development and engagement. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead small-group outings that reflect community interests and take advantage of seasonal opportunities.
  • Help create a warm, accessible atmosphere for all attendees — newcomers and regulars alike.
  • Provide information to clients and participants about programs and services, both internal and external, as required.
  • Coordinate with other MAX team members to promote the program. 
  • Chat with participants, gather feedback, and help shape outings based on what people want to see and experience.
  • Prioritize accessibility in all aspects of planning and delivering the program.
  • Provide quick follow-up on event attendance and any community insights to the rest of the MAX team.
  • Build and maintain solid working and supportive relationships with service users, external agencies, staff, and other volunteers.

Facilitators are also responsible for the following general areas:

  • Collaborating with the rest of the MAX team to ensure coordination and integration of resources, programs, and services across the organization. 
  • Ensuring all data collected is organized and archived appropriately; and
  • Maintaining privacy standards in accordance with MAX policies.

In addition to compliance with all organizational policies and procedures, Facilitators are expected to behave ethically, demonstrate competence in effective communication and team building, demonstrate effectiveness in working in a collaborative environment, and demonstrate confidence in building relationships.

Facilitators will also be expected to perform other duties as assigned, provided they are within the Facilitator’s capacity and skillset.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Requirements (These requirements must be met before the candidate will be considered for an interview)

  • Experience planning events or group outings;
  • Strong conversational skills and the ability to connect meaningfully with a wide range of people;
  • Ability to communicate with community members fluently in both English and French (reading, comprehension, and speaking);
  • A minimum of one year’s experience providing peer support, participating in outreach activities, or related support work with community members;
  • Relevant formal education in health sciences, social services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and lived experience related to peer support, community services, or harm reduction; and
  • Experience working with 2SLGBTQIA+ people or participating actively within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Additional Qualifications

  • Familiarity with local health and social services is an asset;
  • Comfort navigating sensitive topics related to health, identity, and lived experience;
  • Strong written and oral communication skills;
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain and safeguard confidential or sensitive information;
  • Ability to proactively identify and solve problems and respond well to changing circumstances;
  • Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and organizational skills;
  • Ability to work both independently and as a team member;
  • Ability to learn and use digital communications and work tools, including Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Slack, Zoom, and Teamwork;
  • Clear understanding of—and commitment to working through—harm reduction, queer liberation, and sex positive frameworks;
  •  Willingness and ability to work within anti-racist, anti-colonial, and anti-oppressive frameworks and actively engage in ongoing learning about these frameworks;
  • Prior experience in a community health or social services agency would be an asset;
  • Experience managing volunteers is an asset.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

  • Number of positions: 2
  • Hours: Part-time (5-10 hours per week)
  • Term: One year, with possibility of extension
  • Wage: $25.00/hour
  • Start date: Immediately
  • Reports to: Community Programs Coordinator
  • Location: National Capital Region

MAX is an equal opportunity employer, and people who have experienced marginalization are highly encouraged to apply. This includes people living with HIV, racialized people, gay, bisexual, or queer people, trans or gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the hiring process.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to applications@maxottawa.ca. We will begin reviewing applications on Monday, October 26. This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

We do not use AI in assessing applications or responding to candidates. If you have questions about the position or the application process, please email applications@maxottawa.ca and someone from our team will get back to you.