Damien Moore, formerly of the Foundation’s Positive Men’s Health Project, is moving to the new role with the title of Positive Community Support Worker. His position will be a mix of social work, internet outreach, and involvement in special research projects like HIV Futures, an important study of the experiences of people living with HIV and AIDS in New Zealand.
Eamonn Smythe, NZAF National Positive Health Manager, says the role is particularly needed in Auckland. There is a currently a waiting list for those wishing to use the Burnett Centre’s counselling services, because of a demands created by counsellors also being asked to help with social needs of clients.
“We need a social worker with large community involvement, and Damien is well known in the community,” Smythe says. Moore will provide support services for a range of positive health issues, from advice on travel and medication adherence to help with WINZ and immigration applications.
An equally important aspect of the new role will be an internet presence, with the creation of an online “positive profile” to challenge unsafe sex behaviours and offer advice. “The growth in the numbers of MSM hooking up via the Internet is huge,” says Smythe, “and it’s changing the way we do our jobs.”
Outside of cyberspace, the role also provides for an expanded presence at sex-on-site venues, and greater encouragement of HIV testing.
