Peer Mentor

Job Summary

We are the Digital & Sexual Health Initiative at the BC Centre for Disease Control and University of British Columbia. We are looking for a Peer Mentor to support peer research assistants in two of our ongoing studies, the Digital Determinants of Health (DDoH) study and the ASTERR study (Adapting Self-collection Kits for STBBI Testing for Rural and Remote Communities in BC). The Peer Mentor position is hourly, with 4 hours per week on average and up to 8 hours a week. The position will be hybrid, primarily working remotely. Travel may be required for training sessions. This position is grant funded, with possibility of extension.

• : This study aims to understand how digital factors like internet access, digital literacy and trust in technology (so-called digital determinants of health, or in short DDoH) impact access to health and social services, especially for populations facing barriers in accessing services related to sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs). These populations include: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities; African, Caribbean, and Black communities; Other racialized people; 2SLGBTQ+ communities; People who use drugs; People who experience incarceration; Sex workers and their clients; People living with HIV and those with lived and living experience of viral hepatitis; Newcomers, migrants, and immigrants to Canada, particularly from regions with high HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C prevalence; Women and youth within these groups.

• : This study aims to develop a blueprint for self-collection STBBI testing intervention that can be adapted to rural and remote communities in BC. Self-collection kits allow people to collect their own samples and return them to a lab. Self-collection STBBI testing can improve access by addressing barriers such as long travel distance, stigma and privacy concerns.

Organizational Status
As an integral member of the Digital & Sexual Health Initiative research team, this position reports to the Research Manager and works closely with postdoctoral fellows and research assistants to support Peer Researchers and liaise with partnering community organizations of these studies.

Work Performed
The Peer Mentor will:

• Provide recommendations to academic team members on best practices of engaging Peer Research Assistants to foster an inclusive, culturally safe, and trauma informed learning and work environment, including identifying and addressing power imbalances, barriers to participation, and potential harms

• Act as a liaison between academic team members, Peer Research Assistants and partnering community organizations to build trust and maintain partnerships

• Co-develop and deliver training for Peer Research Assistants with the academic team members on trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches to engaging participants

• Plan and organize mentorship sessions with Peer Research Assistants to support development and performance in qualitative health research and ensure wellbeing by providing guidance in navigating sensitive or challenging situations and escalating concerns appropriately

• Participate in study team meetings and review documents and procedures to provide guidance on community-engaged research design, implementation and dissemination

• Contribute to maximizing the research impacts through study promotion in communities facing barriers in accessing STBBI-related services

• Perform other duties as needed

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position exercises judgement in work methods for assignments and is responsible for the completion of the task.

Supervision Received
This position works under general direction within institutional policies, established research procedures, and standards set out by the Manager. Work is reviewed against task objectives and conformity to standards.

Supervision Given
This position will support and mentor Peer Research Assistants and may assign and review their work.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Those identifying as a member of populations facing barriers in accessing STBBI related services are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Passion to address health inequities

• Proven ability to work respectfully with community agencies as well as diverse community members

• Experience supporting and mentoring other peers

• Understanding and commitment to community-engaged research

• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment

• Ability to think critically and analytically

• Ability to exercise tact, discretion and safeguard confidentiality

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Strong organizational skills

• Proficient with MS Office software (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive) and videoconference application (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom)

• Access to reliable Internet is preferred