LGBTQ+ Program Coordinator

JOB TITLE: LGBTQ Program Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Sr. Director of Community Programs

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday (8:30am-5:00pm)

LOCATION: Venice CA

STATUS: Full-Time 40 hrs/wk Non-Exempt

CELL PHONE: Reimbursement for use

DRIVER POSITION: Yes if yes please reference driving policy

SALARY RANGE: $24.44/hr - $28.85/hr

ABOUT US:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011 our agency offers trauma-informed low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach drop-in services health and wellness programming case management education and employment services and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity community collaboration and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills passion and collaborative spirit join our growing team of over 100 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity including (but by no means limited to) racial ethnic gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is launching a comprehensive LGBTQ-affirming program to provide safe spaces affirming care and mentorship for LGBTQ foster youth and transitional-age youth (TAY). We are seeking a passionate LGBTQ Coordinator to lead this initiative and support the 1000 youth we serve annually by providing LGBTQ education resources and allyship building to build safe and inclusive spaces and communities.

This role is central to creating affirming joyful programming for LGBTQ youth while also building the capacity of SPY staff foster families and partner providers to serve this community with cultural humility and care. The LGBTQ Coordinator will design and facilitate weekly youth groups connect young people with affirming resources and lead training efforts to address systemic barriers within the foster care system. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic creative and equity-driven professional to make a lasting impact on LGBTQ foster youth and TAY in Los Angeles.

WHAT YOULL DO:

Youth Programming & Engagement

• Facilitate weekly Queer Joy group sessions (515 youth per session) focusing on identity exploration self-care sexual health and navigating internalized homophobia and transphobia.
• Integrate creative youth-centered activities such as zine-making queer trivia playlist-building and DIY self-care kits.
• Create a safe affirming environment where LGBTQ youth can build confidence belonging and community.

Affirming Resources & Referrals

• Distribute gender-affirming products.
• Develop and maintain LGBTQ-specific resource lists.
• Provide individualized referrals for gender-affirming healthcare and legal services including name/gender marker changes.

Trainings & Capacity Building

• Support SPY staff and partners in strengthening cultural competency and trauma-informed practices in daily interactions with LGBTQ youth.
  

Community Collaborations

• Build and maintain partnerships with local LGBTQ-affirming organizations service providers and community groups to expand opportunities for youth engagement.
• Coordinate mentorship opportunities and youth-centered workshops focused on identity development wellness and self-advocacy.
• Support outreach and community events that increase visibility access and belonging for LGBTQ youth.

Systems Change & Advocacy

• Advocate for LGBTQ-inclusive organizational policies and practices within SPY and across partner systems.
• Collect data and feedback from participants to inform program improvements and broader advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate with SPYs Access Center and Clinical Teams to support day-to-day program operations and youth engagement ensuring LGBTQ youth are connected across all service areas.
• Implement culturally responsive outreach strategies to engage LGBTQ youth and allies in SPYs case management and wellness services.
• Plan and facilitate site-wide community-building events (e.g. field trips social gatherings creative workshops) that foster belonging among LGBTQ youth and their peers as part of SPYs broader commitment to inclusive affirming programming for all.
• Support wraparound resource navigation for LGBTQ youth including warm referrals for housing mental health benefits education parenting resources and employment.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary care coordination by participating in case conferencing and team-based service planning.
• Provide ongoing feedback to internal teams on how to improve site-wide LGBTQ inclusion and cultural responsiveness.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of SPY and the well-being of transitional age youth.

WHAT YOULL NEED:

• Bachelors degree in social work public health education or a related field or equivalent professional experience supporting LGBTQ youth or foster youth.
• 12 years of experience providing direct services to high-risk transitional-age youth required.
• 12 years of experience utilizing a trauma-informed care model required.
• Working knowledge of child and adolescent social emotional and cognitive development trauma-informed care and harm reduction service models.
• Ability to work within legal and ethical guidelines when serving LGBTQ youth.
• Flexibility in scheduling based on program needs (including evenings and weekends for events/workshops).
• Commitment and passion for the mission vision values and culture of SPY.
• A self-starter who can drive innovative affirming programming.
• Strong communication facilitation and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• A valid California drivers license auto insurance and the ability to transport youth.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Drive.
• Deep cultural humility and commitment to LGBTQ equity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9 2021 the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers paid or unpaid in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption please get in touch with HR at the same email address. Its important to note that these accommodations are limited.

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles along with a copy of their valid drivers license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include:

• Suspended or revoked license
• Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
• Any violations including drugs alcohol controlled substances within the past 24 months
• Reckless driving including hit and runs within the past 24 months
• At fault accidents resulting in fatality or serious injury within the past 5 years

The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individuals employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:

driver positions driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated employment may be discontinued.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employees introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisors responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and SPY as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill job knowledge motivation and attitude to become a regular member of the SPY staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the at-will employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time with or without cause or notice and SPY has the same right. The organization in its sole discretion may change the job duties responsibilities and assignments of any position at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage 403b with agency contribution and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire promote discipline or discharge will be based on merit competence performance and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal state or local law.

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive addition the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application