Job Posting: Health Navigator

MAX Ottawa has been working to improve the health and wellbeing of queer and trans men 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 team is evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities, rolling out new tools, and expanding our programming. You’ll be joining a dedicated group of peers who are committed to having a meaningful impact for our friends, family, lovers, and neighbours.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Health Navigator is responsible for helping community members access responsive, adapted, and culturally sensitive health and wellness services in the National Capital Region. The Navigator will work with the Health Services Coordinator to develop, update, and maintain lists of services available in the

region, while supporting MAX’s Harm Reduction program with system navigation and referrals. This role will also include working with the Events and Outreach Coordinator to support outreach initiatives as needed, including attending in-person events.
These activities are rooted in MAX’s mission, vision, and values and advance the goal of improved health outcomes among 2SGBTQ+ men and other men who have sex with men—regardless of how they identify (collectively, queer men), and trans and non-binary people in the National Capital Region.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to mental health and PrEP navigation service requests.
• Respond to Harm Reduction navigation service requests and referrals.
• Update the service provider database (Mental Health, Harm Reduction + PrEP service providers).
• Work with the Health Services Coordinator to launch and implement the PrEP navigation service.
• Oversee service provider database volunteers.
• Respond to service users’ requests (email, phone, apps, office cellphone,  etc.).
• Work with the Events and Outreach Coordinator to support outreach initiatives, including by attending in-person events to raise awareness about available health services.
• Collaborate with rest of MAX team to ensure coordination and integration of resources, programs, and services across the organization

The Navigator is also responsible for the following general and administrative areas:

• Collecting and reporting on relevant data;
• Ensuring all data collected are organized and archived appropriately;
• Maintaining privacy standards in accordance with MAX policies;
• Providing information to clients about programs and services, both internal and external, as required; and
• Building and maintaining solid working and supportive relationships with service users, volunteers, external agencies, and other staff.

In addition to compliance with all organizational policies and procedures, the Navigator is expected to behave ethically, demonstrate competence in effective communication and team building, demonstrate effectiveness in working in a collaborative environment, and demonstrate confidence in decision-making and in building relationships.

The Navigator will also be expected to perform other duties as assigned, provided they are within the Navigator’s capacity and skill set.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Relevant post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate (social work, mental health, community development, etc.) or equivalent experience in a related field;
• Strong written and oral English communication skills;
• Intake, group facilitation, or counselling experience;
• Experience working with 2SLGBTQIA+ people; and
• Experience in support work, the mental health sector, or customer service.

Rated Requirements (These requirements will be rated in an interview)

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the complexity of health issues that impact both 2SGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV or AIDS, and an understanding of the ways that other intersecting identities shape lived experience (e.g. race, gender identity, gender expression, disability/ability, immigration status, etc.);
• Ability to proactively identify and solve problems and respond well to changing circumstances;
• Strong interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills;
• Ability to initiate and foster partnerships;
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member;
• Clear understanding of and commitment to working through harm reduction, queer liberation, and sex positive frameworks;
• Proficiency in using digital communications and work tools, including Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Slack, Zoom, and Teamwork;
• Willingness and ability to work within anti-racist, anti-colonial, and anti-oppressive frameworks and actively engage in ongoing learning about these frameworks;
• English–French bilingualism or multilingualism is an asset.

Personal Suitability

• Active listener and empathetic;
• Persuasive and socially adept; 
• High levels of initiative and creativity;
• Organized and able to work with little supervision; and
• Good boundaries, self-awareness, and commitment to ethics.

Additional Details

• Hybrid work environment, split between in-office and remote (within the National Capital Region)
• Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) and part-time (15 to 22.5 hours per week) positions available.
• Term: to September 1, 2025, with possibility of extension
• Salary: $25/hour
• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package (coverage differs between full-time and part-time employees)
• Start date: Immediately
• Reports to: Health Services Coordinator

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.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to applications@maxottawa.ca. Please indicate in your application whether you are available for full-time or part-time work. 

The posting will remain open until it is filled, and the application review process will begin on Monday, February 17.