LGBTI+ SEXUAL HEALTH SUPPORT WORKER
Originally founded in **Apply on the website**, 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,
**Apply on the website**). 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 June **Apply on the
website**.
_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 navigating family and
relationship issues,
* 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
* Working knowledge of digital platforms, social media and design
graphics
* 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 June **Apply on the
website**
HOURS: **Apply on the website** hours per week. Due to the nature of
the post, evening or weekend work may sometimes be required.
HOLIDAYS: Holiday entitlement is 4 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: **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** BY 5PM THURSDAY, **APPLY ON
THE WEBSITE**TH JANUARY **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**
_SHC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER._
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Health
