Become an Ontario ACB Peer Equity Navigator for CADWO-HIV Project
The Black Health Equity Lab (BHEL), University of Toronto Scarborough and its partners at the CO-CREATH Lab, University of Ottawa and University of Windsor, are recruiting 5 dynamic individuals to work as Peer Equity Navigators (PENs) to increase awareness about African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) community health issues
POSITION TITLE: ACB Health Peer Equity Navigator (PEN)
ORGANIZATION: BHEL and University of Toronto Scarborough, in collaboration with CO-CREATH Lab, University of Ottawa, and University of Windsor
PENS PER SITE: University of Ottawa = 7 PENs | University of Toronto Scarborough = 5 PENS | University of Windsor = 3 PENs
PROJECT: Strengthening community capacity for HIV prevention and care among African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) women in Ontario (CADWO-HIV)
JOB REPORTS TO: Dr. Notisha Massaquoi, Assistant Professor Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough
POSITION TYPE: Part-time casual January – June 2025 (6 months, approximately 1-3 events per week (varying each week)
START DATE: Mid-January 2025
REMUNERATION: Paid per community event
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The ACB HIV Peer Equity Navigators (PENs) will act as Black Health ambassadors with a particular focus on HIV among Black women. The position is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) under the leadership of Dr. Josephine Etowa (Nominated PI) in partnership with Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Notisha Massaquoi (University of Toronto Scarborough) and Dr. Francisca Omorodion (University of Windsor). This Ontario-wide project involves a team of researchers, service providers, and community members in the three study sites: Ottawa area, Toronto GTA, and Windsor area. The project will create, implement, and evaluate an African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) community-based peer-led intervention (Peer Equity Navigators, or PENs) to improve access to HIV prevention and care for ACB women in Ontario.
The Peer Equity Navigators will work under the supervision of Dr. Notisha Massaquoi, Assistant Professor at the Department of Health and Society at the University of Toronto Scarborough, to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of data collection and community engagement activities in ACB communities and the agencies serving them. The PENs will be a vital community resource to ensure the successful implementation of our Critical Health and Racial Literacy Program (CHRLP) and the development of a data management framework for the ACB population.
WHY BECOME A PEER EQUITY NAVIGATOR (PEN)?
You’ll join the CADWHO-HIV Project team to help to improve health within ACB communities by increasing vaccination awareness and promoting action. As a PEN, you’ll receive training in topics such as critical health and racial literacy peer education methods.
Position Responsibilities
• Complete a 4-week paid training program, including classroom learning and hands-on experience with a local service organization.
• Familiarize yourself with training materials and participate in self-directed learning activities.
• Educate members of African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities about HIV and related health topics.
• Plan, organize, and deliver educational events focused on HIV health for ACB community members, with approximately one event per week over six months.
• Promote and support community events through social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp), word-of-mouth, and outreach at community organizations and activities.
• Review and understand research materials, including consent forms, surveys, and protocols, before beginning data collection.
• Help recruit participants for research studies by sharing project information through community organizations and peer networks.
• Attend bi-weekly meetings with the Community Coordinator and project team to share updates, discuss challenges, and collaborate with other team members.
Qualifications
• Identify as African, Caribbean, or Black (ACB).
• Hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Passionate about improving research and health programs for ACB communities.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently and clearly share health information in an engaging and approachable way.
• Comfortable leading group discussions, actively listening and responding empathetically and without judgment.
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities.
• Proficient in basic computer skills, including using Microsoft Word, email, and the internet.
• Flexible schedule, including availability for evenings and weekends to host community events.
• Open-minded and accepting of diverse perspectives and lifestyles.
• Fluent in English (reading, writing, and speaking); fluency in French is a plus.
Additional Assets
• Knowledge of the social factors affecting health in ACB communities in Canada, including the impact of systemic anti-Black racism.
• Relevant experience in community engagement, education, or research.
• Fluency in other languages – please specify which ones.
TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY:
Please submit a short resume (1-2 pages) with a brief cover letter outlining why you would like to work as an ACB HIV PENs. Send via email to: info@bhel.ca
Deadline for applications: December 15, 2024
We thank all who are interested in applying for the position. Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted. No phone inquiries please.
