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 1,000 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 YOU’LL DO:

Youth Programming & Engagement

• Facilitate weekly Queer Joy group sessions (5–15 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 SPY’s 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 SPY’s 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 SPY’s 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 YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, education, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience supporting LGBTQ+ youth or foster youth.
• 1–2 years of experience providing direct services to high-risk transitional-age youth required.
• 1–2 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 driver’s 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 HR@safeplaceforyouth.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's 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 driver’s 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 individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/

For 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 employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s 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 workforce. In 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