Position: Knowledge Translator, BC People Living with HIV Stigma Index Project
Status: Temporary, Part-time – 2-4 hours per week
Time Period: 23 weeks (October 23, 2017 – March 31, 2018)
Location: To be negotiated – Most of this job can be accomplished from candidate’s home provided the candidate has a computer, access to consistent and reliable internet connection, and a phone. Candidate must be comfortable using teleconference, videoconferencing and other virtual communication methods as necessary. This job will require travel to Vancouver or other locations; costs for travel will be covered by Pacific AIDS Network.
Reports to: Knowledge Translation Coordinator – possibility of a short extension dependent on performance and project resources.
The Pacific AIDS Network (PAN) is hiring a Knowledge Translator for the BC People Living with HIV Stigma Index Project to assist with Knowledge Translation (KT) of research findings from the community-based BC People Living with HIV Stigma Index project. This research project was born out of a community-identified need to turn the tide against persistent HIV stigma and discrimination.
The Knowledge Translator will be a person living with HIV who will support KT tasks and projects to share the Stigma Index’s research findings. Knowledge translation (KT) takes research findings and translates them into practical use through the use of ‘KT tools,’ which may include presentations, posters, training events, or other things people can use to improve their understanding of an issue and/or make desired change. KT tools make it easier for research findings to be used in frontline programs and services, health care, advocacy, policy development, education or other areas.
The Knowledge Translator will be comfortable publicly identifying as a person living with HIV and will represent the Pacific AIDS Network to engage with other people living with HIV as well as community organizations to share results of the study.
About The Pacific AIDS Network
The Pacific AIDS Network (PAN) works collaboratively with almost 50 member organizations and people affected by HIV and hepatitis C to build capacity and skills for stronger communities in British Columbia. We provide workplace training, leadership development, and research and evaluation initiatives to support all regions in the province. We are the voice for our members, advocating for change in public perception and policies.
About the BC People Living with HIV Stigma Index
Linked to the international HIV Stigma Index initiative, the BC People Living with HIV Stigma Index is the first community-based research (CBR) study in British Columbia to document experiences of stigma and discrimination from the perspective of people living with HIV. People living with HIV guide the work of the BC People Living with HIV Stigma Index at both Steering Committee and Working Group levels. The objectives of the research are to:
- Broaden the understanding of HIV stigma and examine the potential resilience factors that may buffer/reduce negative effects on health & social wellbeing;
- Inform provincial/local strategies to reduce stigma and strengthen social networks; and
- Improve programs to better meet the needs of people living with HIV and increase access to and uptake of services.
During 2016-2017, Peer Research Associates conducted over 180 surveys of people living with HIV in all health regions of BC. Now that the first wave of data collection is complete, the research team is moving into data analysis and KT activities. Learn more about the study.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Knowledge Translator will perform the following duties:
- Actively participate in any training or capacity building sessions identified by the Knowledge Translator Coordinator (travel costs will be covered)
- Work in collaboration with the Knowledge Translation (KT) Coordinator, as well as the BC PLHIV Stigma Index Data Analysis and KT Working Group (as needed) to develop and support a KT plan for the project
- Assist with the development and implementation of knowledge translation (KT) activities and products. These may include, but are not limited to: face-to-face events such as community meetings, lunch and learn type forums, conferences, or presentations; online products such as webinars, blog posts, or social media; print products such as posters, reports, infographics, and/or other written or graphic products as determined by the Steering Committee and Working Group
- Communicate by email, phone, and/or teleconference with organizations to advertise and distribute KT activities and products
- Connect with community organizations to schedule and organize events; locate and secure venues for events; arrange catering and/or event supplies
- Write, edit, and proofread written or graphic products
- Participate in team meetings for the BC Stigma Index as required
- Participate in regular meetings and communication with the Knowledge Translation Coordinator or BC Stigma Index Team
- Act as a PAN and BC Stigma Index representative / champion
- Other duties as assigned
Ideal Qualifications
Please note: we are keen to meet people who are enthusiastic about the chance to do this work and will be providing active training and mentorship to support people new to this type of work. We are more interested in who you are and what you can bring to the project than we are in extensive experience.
- A person living with HIV
- Past experience and/or interest in the BC People Living with HIV Stigma Index research
- Past experience and/or interest in working with HIV-positive peers
- Compassion and understanding towards issues related to diversity, inequality, stigma and discrimination, and the needs of people living with HIV
- Passionate about learning
- Passionate about your community
- Ability to work as part of a diverse team
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent literacy skills (e.g., reading, comprehension, writing)
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Computer skills (emails, online research, Microsoft Word)
- Flexibility in working hours
- Fluency in English
Compensation: This is a part-time, salaried position. The position will average 2 to 4 hours per week, dependent on demands of the projects. Compensation will be provided at a rate of $20 per hour (with two pay periods in a month) before all required taxes and deductions are applied.
Training will be an essential part of the work as it is not expected that people will have all the skills required for this position. Compensation for training will also be provided and will be negotiated with the supervisor. Any travel, accommodation, and food during training session will be covered.
Police Check: All successful applicants will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Check
Application Process
All interested applicants are asked to apply online. If you have a resume or CV, you are welcome to include it, but it is not necessary for the job application process.
People living with HIV from traditionally marginalized or silenced communities are encouraged to apply, including lesbian, bi, queer and transgender people; racialized and Indigenous communities; and other individuals from groups who have been historically under-represented in health research.
Deadline for applications is October 2, 2017 @ 4 PM.
We will be reviewing applications and inviting short-listed applicants to an interview between October 10 and October 13, 2017.
The Pacific AIDS Network would like to thank all applicants who take the time to submit an application for this position. We are grateful for your interest in this study. The hiring team includes representatives from research and peers from the HIV community. We will notify all candidates of the status of their application.