Peer Researcher
Part-time Contract Position
The Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR) is an independent, non-profit organization
with almost 40 years of experience in community research. CCBR, in partnership with the Trip!
Project at Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre is seeking to hire a community
researcher to assist with participatory evaluation of Trip!. The Trip! Project is a youth-led harm
reduction health information service for the dance music scene and youth who use drugs. Trip!
provides workshops, trains peer educators and volunteers, operates outreach booths, and uses
social media to engage with partiers.
Under the guidance of a multi-stakeholder steering committee, CCBR and Trip! will work
together to co-design and conduct a community-based evaluation to explore the alignment
between the Trip! program and current drug using trends amongst diverse young people. The
evaluation will inform recommendations for future program delivery.
The peer researcher will act as a co-researcher at each stage of the evaluation. Peer
researchers are essential to participatory research as they bring invaluable knowledge and
expertise through their lived experience. The term “peer researcher” can mean many different
things depending on the context. In this project, we use the term “peer” to refer to a young
person (under the age of 30) who has drug use experience. Ideally, we’re also looking for
someone who has had some experience (past or present) with the Trip! program but this is not
mandatory.
You do not need to have research experience to apply. Training and on-the-job mentorship will
be provided over the course of the project. We encourage applications from people who would
like to develop their skills in research, health promotion, and advocacy.
POSITION SUMMARY
Working as part of the core project team, the Peer Researcher will support the design and
delivery of the project work plan. The work will be primarily virtual with some in-person
meetings in Toronto.
Hiring Focus: BIPOC youth, 2SLGTBQ+ youth, youth with lived experiences of drug use,
homelessness, and/or sex work.
Specific duties include:
- Attend regular meetings with the core project team, the steering committee and other
project partners as required - Work with Trip! and members of the steering committee to recruit research
participants - Support the development of data collection tools (focus group & interview guides)
- Co-facilitate focus groups and/or interviews
- Assist with data management and contribute to data analysis
- Support the development of the final report and related dissemination materials
- Attend capacity building workshops related to research and our research topic
REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to undertake duties as described above.
- Lived experience using substances, and familiarity working within harm reduction and
anti-oppression frameworks - Familiarity with Toronto, youth community members, and drug using networks
- Ability to work independently and within a highly collaborative team
- Access to a computer and stable wifi connection required
Hours & Rate of Pay:
This part-time contract position will be approximately 7.5 hours per week on average, starting
from September to March 2023 at $25 per hour. Availability during weekdays required. Some
evenings may be required.
To apply:
Please submit resume and letter of interest detailing relevant experience by email to Sarah
Switzer at sarah.s@communitybasedresearch.ca by Monday September 5, 2022.
The Centre for Community Based Research is committed to the principles of access and equity. We
encourage applicants who reflect the diversity of communities we work and learn from, including racialized,
2SLGTBQ+, Indigenous and newcomer communities, and those living with disabilities. Degrees and
credentials outside Canada welcomed. Accommodations available at request.