Peer Facilitator - K1/K1 en français

Lisez la version française.

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 a Black, queer or trans person who understands the value of having spaces where you can connect with people who share parts of your experience. You’re interested in the different ways identity, culture, relationships, sex, family, work, and community can shape our lives, and you’re comfortable having honest conversations about them.

A naturally good listener, open to different perspectives, and able to bring your own experiences into a conversation without making it about yourself, you know how to create a vibe where people can relax, be themselves, and feel comfortable joining in. You bring self-awareness, empathy, and a willingness to learn. Most importantly, you are excited to help create the kind of community space you would want to be part of: a place where people can laugh, talk about real things, meet new people, and leave feeling a little more connected.

Organized and dependable, you’re comfortable handling the logistics and work well with a team. You know what it means to balance your own ideas with organizational goals and community needs, and you understand the critical role you play in helping MAX continue to serve the African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities in meaningful ways.

ABOUT THE PROGAM

Keeping it 100 (K1) and K1 en français are psychosocial programs that create a safe, affirming space for Black, queer and trans individuals to connect, build community, and have meaningful conversations about the intersections of their identities and experiences. The English program was created by Robert Alsberry, a MAX team member, and developed in collaboration with Black queer men in Ottawa to ensure it responds directly to the needs and interests of the community. In 2025, K1 en français was created to support the growing number of Black francophones who were participating in K1. 

Each month, K1 explores a different theme, with topics ranging from sex and relationships to health, friends, family, work, life skills, and education. Through conversation, connection, music, and food, participants are invited to bring their whole selves, meet new people, share experiences, and explore new approaches to self-care and relationship building.

ABOUT THE JOB

This is a paid role for one or two people who want to use their lived experience, community knowledge, and facilitation skills to help create meaningful spaces for Black queer people in Ottawa. The English and French programs may have the same or different facilitators, depending on their capacity to speak both languages.

Peer Facilitators are there to provide support—especially when difficult topics come up—and to connect people to relevant resources, as needed. The role is less about having all the answers and more about creating the conditions for honest, meaningful, and community-led conversation. Facilitators also help create the overall experience of K1 by welcoming participants, supporting group activities, and contributing to a warm and engaging environment. 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 discussions that reflect community interests and promote safer practices related to sexual health, using substances, and caring for mental health. 
  • 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 program activities 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.
  • Support program evaluation and data collection and reporting. 
  • Build and maintain solid working and supportive relationships with service users, external agencies, staff, and 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)

  • Ability to communicate with community members fluently in either English or French (reading, comprehension, and speaking);
  • A minimum of one years’ 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 and Director of Community Programs
  • 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.