Peer Facilitator - Now What?

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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 with lived experience as a gay, bisexual, or queer man over 50. You value the wisdom, resilience, and perspectives that come with age and experience, and you’re excited to create spaces where guys can connect and feel supported. 

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 want 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 community in meaningful ways.

ABOUT THE PROGAM

Been There. Done That. Now What? is a casual, peer-led discussion and social group for gay, bisexual, queer, and trans (GBTQ+) men over the age of 50. This program intends to provide a space for attendees to connect, share experiences, and build community. 

Each month, Now What? explores a different theme, with topics ranging from sex and relationships to health, friends, family, work, retirement, and grief. Through conversation and connection, 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 older GBTQ+ men in Ottawa. 

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 the program 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, and are expected to help maintain current relationships with community partners, such as the Ottawa Senior Pride Network.

Familiarity with local health and social services, especially those serving older queer and trans individuals, is an asset for this role.

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 English (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.
  • Experience working with 2SLGBTQIA+ people, or participating actively within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Additional Qualifications

  • Ability to communicate with community members fluently in French (reading, comprehension, and speaking) is an asset;
  • 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.