Located in downtown Vancouver, YouthCO AIDS Society is Canada’s first youth-driven organization leading the HIV and Hep C movementthrough peer education, support, and shared leadership.

Since 1994, YouthCO has provided opportunities for young people ages 15-29 to play a leading role in the design & delivery of innovative peer-based Support and Education programming. We provide prevention and support services to youth infected or affected by HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis C. As a youth-driven agency, we provide outreach, education, trainings, volunteer opportunities, advocacy & support.

We are seeking a full-time Support Program Manager. YouthCO’s Support Programs are peer directed and provide one-on-one support, referrals, advocacy, and needle exchange and harm reduction information to youth living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C. The successful candidate will be responsible for the coordination of the Support Services for HIV and Hep C positive youth as well as the support and management of other staff within the Support Program including the Drop-In Program Coordinator, the WISER Project Coordinator, and the Young Gay Men’s Project Coordinator.
Summary of Responsibilities:
Management of Project Staff & Practicum Students
-In collaboration with YouthCO’s Management Team, develop support & supervision strategies that value shared leadership and consensus-based decision making.
-Support project staff & practicum students through regular program planning sessions, establishing short & long term goals, timelines, and follow-up sessions. In collaboration with the Executive Director, establish processes for special recognition and disciplinary action when appropriate
Oversee and provide management for the coordination of the following Programs:
• Drop-In Program: The Drop-In Program delivers front-line peer support services to HIV & HCV positive
youth four days a week. The Drop-In is run by a part time coordinator who coordinates a welcoming and
low-barrier environment at YouthCO for positive youth, ensuring that they have prompt access to all related
services including (daily food program, computer access, program activities, needle exchange, referrals and
advocacy). The majority of the youth accessing this program are struggling with addictions and
homelessness.
• Young Women’s Project: This is a three year project called WISER (Women’s Initiative for Support
Education, and Re-entry) which is funded by the Status of Women Program. The project is run by a full-time
coordinator and is designed to work with HIV & HCV positive young women in the delivery of program
activities. Currently starting its second year of the Project.
• Young Gay Men’s Project: This is a new project that has been identified as a key area of focus and
expansion for the support program. . The project currently runs on a volunteer basis and operates as a
monthly social group for positive gay men to meet, share and learn in a confidential space. One of the major
focuses over the next few years will be to expand the program and build strong relationships/partnerships
with clinics and community partners through targeted outreach and promotion.

Program Design & Strategic Planning
-Ongoing research and development of innovative, supportive and creative approaches to integrating positive youth throughout YouthCO’s Programs.
-Development and implementation of an annual work plan and budget, setting annual priorities and maintaining appropriate financial records.
Program Evaluation and Reporting
Formal program evaluation and reporting to government funders, including the compilation of qualitative and quantitative statistics and reports.
-Compilation of monthly and annual narrative reports for internal Agency communications

Advocacy and Community Development
-Program advocacy, promotion, communications and liaison with health professionals, street youth services, HIV &HCV Treatment programs, housing workers, social assistance workers, youth-serving community agencies, funders,and other relevant venues.
-Development of strong partnerships with other AIDS serving organizations, youth-driven programs, and street youth support services, arts-based initiatives including participation in relevant coalition groups, committees, conferences and community forums, both local/provincial and national in scope.

-Advocacy for the rights of young people to have their basic needs met (e.g. safe affordable housing, access to
comprehensive sexual health information) and to be leaders in decision-making that affects th ir lives. Program development, ensuring high standards of service delivery, consistent messages, accurate information, promotion of social justice, and ongoing integration of proven youth-engagement strategies (a.k.a. making it fun).
Summary of Desired Skills & Qualifications:
IT DOESN’T HURT TO APPLY!
If you think you’re a strong candidate for this position, but you’re concerned you don’t have all of the following qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. A willingness to take initiative in learning will be considered an asset in areas where strong candidates may have gaps in knowledge or direct experience – tell us in your cover letter how you plan to build your knowledge and apply transferrable skills.
-University degree in a relevant field and/or equivalent experience
-Three years of work and/or volunteer experience working with vulnerable populations, especially youth populations.
-Strong working knowledge of youth, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C issues as well as related issues such as poverty, housing, sexual diversity, substance use, sex work and youth in custody
-Experience working within community based organizations/non-profit agencies using consensus-based models of shared leadership
-Experience in strategic program planning, implementation of creative vision, formal evaluation and report writing
-Management experience including support & supervision of volunteers and/or staff
-Proven administrative, organizational and time management skills with excellent attention to detail
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrating self-awareness and mindfulness of non-verbal cues
-Excellent listening skills, non-judgemental, patient, flexible, and non-controlling
-Experience working across cultures, with a demonstrated commitment to modelling and advocating for anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices
-Ability to represent the agency in the community including a high degree of professionalism, ability to identify strategic partners, and ease with public speaking
-Ability to work both independently and in collaboration, providing strong leadership and direction to others when appropriate
-Ability to analyse and resolve problems as they arise using non-violent conflict resolution strategies
-Familiarity with youth issues in British Columbia related to sexual health, drug use, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and harm reduction
-Knowledge of programs, health services, and resources for youth in the Lower Mainland a strong asset

Starting salary is $31,920-$33,600 ($17.53/hr -$18.46/hr based on a 35hrs/wk) commensurate with experience, and includes a competitive vacation and eligibility to participate in a comprehensive benefits package. The successful candidate will be required to complete a criminal record check.
We encourage youth, individuals living with HIV/AIDS and members of underrepresented communities to apply.

Please address applications to: Email: renaudb@youthco.org or mail to: Renaud Boulet, YouthCO AIDS
Society, 900 Helmcken Street, Vancouver, V6Z 1B3.
Deadline for applications is August 10 @ 9am
Expected Start Date: August 24th

Acquired Taste: Carnival of the Senses

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, and everything in between! Step right up as YouthCO AIDS Society proudly presents, “Acquired Taste: A Carnival of the Senses”!

On July 9, 2009 at 7pm, The Big Top hits Canvas Lounge with a night that will pay homage to all things circus, featuring burlesque and belly dancers, drag performers, aerialists, contortionists and thrilling performances by The Underground Circus and Vancouver Circus School. Surround yourself with professionally airbrushed beauties serving delectable treats, gourmet appetizers and yummy cocktails with names like The Rocket Ride and The Bearded Unicorn. And don’t forget to sign up for the premiere silent auction, with all proceeds going to support prevention education and youth impacted by HIV AIDS. This three-ringed circus of delights arrives in Vancouver for ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Come celebrate 15 years of YouthCO and all of its accomplishments in the true style, sass and spectacle that only this groundbreaking organization can achieve. ACQUIRED TASTE: A Carnival of the Senses recognizes the accomplishments of its volunteers, supporters and the community at large since the organization’s inception. “This is our opportunity to celebrate the body of powerful and inspiring youth-driven work that has emerged in the past 15 years as well as the community that made it happen”, says Stephanie Grant, Executive Director of YouthCO AIDS Society.

Tickets are $40 pre-booked or $50 at the door and can be purchased through the YouthCO office. Individuals unable to attend the event are encouraged to donate silent auction items or sponsor tickets for youth who cannot afford to attend otherwise. Donations are accepted through YouthCO’s website at www.youthco.org and at their office located in downtown Vancouver.

YouthCO AIDS Society
900 Helmcken St.
Vancouver, BC
V6Z 1B3
Phone: 1 604 688 1441