Pride Community Centre (PCC) Peer Support Volunteer

**This posting closes on July 24th at 11:59pm

****Special instructions: Please do not apply directly to this website. Instead, please complete the attached form:  APPLY HERE

Term: September 1 - April 30

Supervisor: PCC Coordinator & Volunteer and Training Coordinator 

Remuneration: Volunteer

Hours: 2 - 4 hours per week

The Pride Community Centre is a service of the McMaster Students Union. We provide a contact point for McMaster students that may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or any of the other diverse identities that make up our community. We offer educational programming and access to resources of interest, as well as peer support and a physical space for students to meet and socialize with each other. As advocates for gender & sexual diversity, the PCC’s mandate upholds that LGBTQ+ students are entitled to a safe and supportive campus, absent of homophobia and transphobia, where the expression of one’s gender & sexual identity is welcomed and respected.

General Scope of Duties

Peer Support Volunteers are responsible for
providing community and support to students of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
They are expected to complete two hours of peer support and space facilitation in the PCC space per week. Additionally, they may be asked to deliver one-on-one peer support by appointment outside of the space as arranged by the Volunteer and Training Coordinator, if requested by service users. The Peer Support Volunteer
will work with the executives and other volunteers to
contribute to building and maintaining a safe(r) space. They will do so by working with the executives and other volunteers to facilitate, maintain, and advertise safe(r) space, social events, workshops, and campaigns. They may also choose to lead one of our identity-specific community engagement groups.
Note that this volunteer may also hold a position as events and advocacy volunteer in addition to this position.  

Responsibilities

• Commit to 2-3 one-hour peer support shifts per week. 

• Working with the Volunteer and Training Coordinator to organize one-on-one peer support appointments for a maximum of one hour per week, depending on demand. 

• Working with the Community Facilitation Coordinator should they choose to lead one of our identity-specific community engagement groups. 

• Log details of one-on-one peer support to monitor service usage. 

• Work to make the PCC space a welcoming and inclusive environment.  

• Attend all training sessions. 

• Participate in skill evaluations as scheduled. 
  
  
  

• Working with Resource Volunteers to maintain a safe(r) space and facilitate conversation in the space.  

• Conduct peer support in the framework used by the PCC. 

• Report to the Volunteer and Training Coordinator  

• Provide feedback on the Peer Support Program. 

• Uphold privacy and confidentiality policies 

• Communicate problems to
  PCC Coordinator or Volunteer and Training Coordinator. 

• Attend Peer Support Volunteer meetings as scheduled. 

• Effectively communicate service usage to the Volunteer and Training Coordinator. 

• Maintain a neat appearance of the PCC office area. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Awareness and understanding of PCC’s mandate and of topics associated with the PCC (ie. cissexism, transphobia, heteronormativity, homophobia, racism, ableism, intersectionality, safe(r) space, and 2SLGBTQIA+ identities) is an asset. 

• Ability to challenge dominant views, and open to learning and un(learning) 

• Empathetic 

• Desire to assist others 

• Strong communication skills, and teamwork skills  

• Comfortable with one-on-one communication  

• Being aware of 2SLGBTQIA+ and Mental Health resources on campus and the surrounding Hamilton area  

• Commitment and dedication 

• An understanding of the Safe(r) Space 

Effort & Responsibility

• Continue education with Volunteer and Training Coordinator.  

• Maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals accessing the PCC, and peer support services.  

Working Conditions

• Shifts are completed in the PCC Space 

• One-on-one peer support location varies. 

Training and Experience

• Previous experience working in an anti-racist, anti-oppressive environment is an asset. 

• No previous training  

• All required training will be provided 

Equipment

• Use of Personal Computer

We thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position, and advise that only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The McMaster Students Union (MSU) is strongly committed to employment equity within its community and to recruiting a diverse staff. The MSU encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of racialized communities and 2SLGBTQIA-identified persons. If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact Human Resources by email at [email protected]. Please note that the MSU is an independently incorporated students’ union operating within the McMaster University community; this is not a McMaster University position.