What is peer navigation?

HIV Peer Navigation is an exciting new form of HIV peer support. HIV Peer Navigators use their lived experience, interpersonal skills and workplace training to support other people living with HIV to make the most of the clinical and community care and support services available to them. Navigators are often based at HIV community organisations but may also work at clinical services. They work closely with other providers of care and support including GPs and hospital-based physicians, psychologists, social workers, community workers, health promotion, and many more.

Join the training program

NAPWHA is looking for motivated individuals to form our first group of participants.

The National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) has developed training for HIV Peer Navigators that reflects Australian and international best practice. It complements the workplace training offered by state and territory HIV community organisations.

We are seeking to recruit an initial training cohort who will complete the training — and work with us to refine the training package for future trainees. Participants will include 8-10 people living with HIV who are working in HIV peer support/navigation roles, with some additional places reserved for people who are not currently employed in these roles. You do not have to be an absolute beginner to apply to take part in the training — we are looking for a mix of people.

Time commitment

There are four online modules:

  • HIV 101
  • Self work
  • Client work
  • Organisation work


Each module will take 3-4 days for reading time and completing easy-to-understand assessment tasks. There will be six interactive webinars (3 hours) providing an opportunity to share your experiences and discuss your learning with other participants. People who complete the training will be invited to mentor future trainees (approximately 6 hours time commitment).

Reimbursement

  • For the initial training cohort, if you are completing the training on paid time, NAPWHA will reimburse your employer $1,500 for your involvement.
  • If you are not currently employed by an HIV community organisation, you will receive this payment personally.
  • Payment will be made at the end of the training program upon completion of at least 80% of the training activities and all evaluation activities.

Certification

If you take part in the optional assessment, you will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course, and NAPWHA will provide a written reference to current/future employers.

Timeframe

You can express your interest for the program by completing a short (1-2 page) application. Applications are due at the end of October (Friday, 28 Oct 22 at 5pm).

  • Applicants will be notified of the outcome by Friday, 4 Nov 22.
  • First interactive webinar will be held on Tuesday, 15 Nov 22 (2-5pm).
  • Second interactive webinar will be held on Tuesday, 13 Dec 22 (2-5pm).
  • There will be a summer recess from then until 1st February.
  • Third webinar Tuesday, 7 Feb 23 (2-5pm).
  • Fourth webinar Tuesday, 28 Feb 23 (2-5pm).
  • Evaluation webinar (tbc).
  • Disability and aged care services training webinar (tbc).

How to apply

You need to write a short (1-2 page) application letter that describes how you meet the following criteria:

  1. You are a person living with HIV.
  2. You are currently working for an HIV community organisation, or you have the potential to work for one in future.
    1. If you are not working in an HIV peer support/navigation role, you need to attach a letter from an HIV community organisation supporting your application.
    2. If you are employed by an HIV organisation, you need to attach a letter from your line manager supporting your participation in the training.
  3. You have demonstrated the ability to use your own lived experience to communicate and connect with other people in the HIV-positive community.
  4. You have completed year 10 of a high school education and/or you will have ongoing practical support (e.g. mentoring) from your organisation around adult literacy and learning skills.
  5. You will have time (and time management skills) needed to complete the training.

Assistance is available

We strongly encourage potential applicants to get in touch to discuss the opportunity. If you have any questions or need support with writing your application, please contact:

Modules