Originally founded in 1987, as Cork AIDS Alliance, to provide support to people living with HIV, the Sexual Health Centre Ltd. is now a leading organisation supporting and promoting sexual health in Ireland. We recognise that furnishing people with the skills to navigate their sexual health, sexuality and identity is crucial to accessing healthy relationships as well as overall wellbeing. The Sexual Health Centre is now seeking an exceptional individual to join our team as a LGBTI+ Sexual Health Support Worker. In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the overall strategy of the Sexual Health Centre.
The Sexual Health Centre has an ambitious programme for a future where sexual health is recognised as an integral part of life, barriers to access sexual health services are removed, social stigma and discrimination are challenged, each individual feels safe to express their sexuality, and people make informed decisions regarding their sexual wellbeing and treat each other’s life choices with the utmost respect. Our services provide free and confidential information, counselling and support to help people make positive, healthy lifestyle choices to improve their wellbeing.
The purpose of this role is to support the sexual health of individuals in relation to their sexuality and identity. Research highlights the lack of focus in supporting romantic relationships of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people “despite evidence of relationship-oriented risks, including STI/HIV infection, unplanned pregnancy, and interpersonal violence” (Greene et al, 2014). Isolation, anxiety, disconnect and uncertainty remain interconnected with growing up in Ireland as an LGBTI+ person. Thus, LGBTI+ individuals lack education, insight and supports for good healthy relationships, sexual health practices and protections. The LGBTI+ Sexual Health Support Worker will be responsible for supporting individuals and groups in relation to navigating their sexual health, sexuality and wellbeing.
This is a part time, fixed-term contract until July 2021.
Responsibilities of your role will include:
Key responsibilities
· Create an empowering, non-judgemental, positive and welcoming atmosphere within the Sexual Health Centre, emphasising self-determination and assisting people to make plans and decisions and to accept responsibility,
· Deliver Sexual Health Advice and Support to LGBTI+ people focusing on healthy relationships, sexual issues, sexual function and dysfunction and sexual orientation,
· Provide individuals, particularly those from the LGBTI+ community with sexual risk information and brief interventions focused on protective behaviours,
· Deliver advice, education and skills to individuals and groups, particularly from the LGBTI+ community, on communication within sexual relationships,
· Support people (in conjunction with family where appropriate) in “coming out”,
· Provide information and support on coping with family and relationships,
· Create a safe space and environment for individuals where they can ask questions and receive non-biased, professional, accurate information and referral guidance,
· Outline a pathway for role models and sources of support to LGBTI+ people,
· Provide information and support in relation to gender identity and sexual identity support and LGBTI+ sexual health advice and training for youth workers, healthcare and other professionals,
· Research and develop evidence-based programmes and infrastructure that support the sexual health needs of the LGBTI+ community,
· Deliver tailored capacity building programmes for professionals, universal groups or individuals with a view to enhancing their self-esteem and reducing risk-taking behaviours,
· Empower and encourage all people to access Sexual Health Centre programmes with particular emphasis on ‘at risk’ groups as defined by the organisation,
· Respond to local, national and international sexual health policy relating to the LGBTI+ community,
· Work within the Sexual Health Centre’s internal and external pathways to refer clients to the appropriate professional team member or an external service,
· Monitor and evaluate work as required, keeping secure written and statistical records of work undertaken and providing reports as required,
· Establish and maintain rapport and respectful and trusting relationships with children, parents, carers and other professionals whilst providing ‘persistent and challenging support’,
· Ensure a healthy and safe working environment for clients and other staff,
· Work within the Policies, Procedures, Protocols and Guidelines of the Sexual Health Centre,
· Represent the Sexual Health Centre at events, conferences, meetings etc.,
· Achieve volume, activity and income targets as agreed with the Centre Manager,
· Adhere to the goals and targets of the Strategic Plan for the Sexual Health Centre and
· Perform other duties commensurate with the nature of the post. It is important that all members of staff are prepared to take on additional duties or relinquish existing duties in order to maintain efficient running of the organisation.
Education / Professional Qualifications:
· A relevant qualification in community development, counselling, psychology, health promotion, youth work or social care,
· Knowledge and experience of sexuality, sexual health, sexual issues and LGBTI+ issues,
· Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders and to build strong working relationships is essential,
· Excellent IT skills,
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office,
· Experience in developing and managing training programmes,
· You will also be someone with a flexible working style with the ability to respond effectively to emerging/unexpected needs.
Terms and Conditions
Salary: Based on experience
Contract: Part-time fixed term contract until July 2021
Hours: 15 hours per week. Due to the nature of the post, evening or weekend work may sometimes be required.
Holidays: Holiday entitlement is 10 days (per annum) pro rata annual leave, plus public holidays.
Garda Vetting: please note that any offer of employment will be subject to Garda Vetting.
A full, clean drivers licence is desirable but not essential.
The LGBTI+ Sexual Health Support Worker will report to the Centre Manager.
CV and accompanying cover letter can be directed to Catherine Kennedy, Centre Manager: catherinekennedy@sexualhealthcentre.com by 5pm Friday, July 3rd, 2020
SHC is an equal opportunities employer.