Peer Support Group Facilitator Volunteer

POSITION TITLE: Peer Support Group Facilitator Volunteer

POSITION TYPE: Volunteer, unpaid

DEPARTMENT: Direct Services

HOURS: 5 hour training; 1-2 hours per week; 4 month commitment; remote with scheduling flexibility

ABOUT THE TRANS ADVOCACY & CARE TEAM (TACT):

TACT (Trans Advocacy & Care Team) is a growing non-profit initiative based in Oakland that champions the wellbeing of trans and nonbinary individuals. We are trans people helping other trans people to thrive. TACT was founded in 2021 and is staffed by a growing team of volunteers who are working to build a network of community support for trans and nonbinary individuals. TACT provides 1-on-1 peer support, facilitates restorative conversations, hosts community events and support groups, and promotes gender inclusivity through education and advocacy.

TACT centers the lived experience of trans and nonbinary people and is a trans-led organization. We are currently seeking volunteers who want to be part of this new and growing nonprofit as we work together to create a world where trans folks can thrive and be deeply understood.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

Peer Support Group Facilitators are trans and nonbinary people who facilitate regular (weekly, every other week, or monthly) support groups to foster healing and interconnectedness for trans and nonbinary people. Having a strong support network that reflects an individual’s lived experiences is a key aspect of wellbeing, and Peer Support Group Facilitators make this possible. They employ strong active listening skills and center the lived experiences of the individuals in their group. Peer Support Group Facilitators uphold group boundaries while judiciously disclosing aspects of their lived experience to serve as a model for trans thriving and wellbeing for the group participants.

Peer Support Groups that may be available for facilitation include: Trans-Masculine Support Group, Trans-Feminine Support Group, Nonbinary Support Group, BIPOC Trans Support Group

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate regular support groups via video call that center the lived experience of trans and nonbinary people and create space for healing and interconnectedness
• Support and guide group discussions that center the lived experience of participants
• Create a warm, welcoming, and supportive group environment that encourages open sharing and builds a sense of community
• Judiciously share aspects of your own personal experience to serve as a model for trans thriving and wellbeing
• Offer recommendations and referrals to affirming services
• Ensure that the group atmosphere is culturally-responsive and respects the personal history of each participant
• Respect the confidentiality and lived experience of group members
• Uphold group norms, agreements, and boundaries
• Time commitment: 5 hour training; 1-2 hours per week; 4 month commitment; remote with scheduling flexibility
• Must identify as trans / nonbinary / two-spirit

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS:

• A sense of fulfillment and purpose by leveraging your lived experience to support other trans and nonbinary individuals
• Experience for your resume
• Can provide work recommendation for future employer (if you complete volunteer time commitment)
• Great opportunity to get involved with a growing nonprofit and to advocate for trans and nonbinary individuals

QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred:

• Able to work independently and collaboratively
• Experience working with marginalized communities
• Interest or experience in counseling, social work, psychology, or advocacy
• Experience as a group facilitator preferred (not required)
• Experience with restorative justice frameworks (not required)
• Experience navigating healthcare, mental healthcare, legal systems, and workplaces as a trans or nonbinary person

Required:

• Must identify as trans / nonbinary / two-spirit
• Willingness and openness to share aspects of personal gender experience
• Strong active listening skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—oral and written 
• Ability to work with diverse individuals in an empathetic and non-judgmental manner
• Must demonstrate maturity, emotional stability, and sound judgment
• Can commit to a minimum of 4 months (1-2 hours per week) and must complete 5 hours of training prior to beginning
• Has a passion for empowering, uplifting, and learning more about the trans community
• Organized, reliable, and warm
• Must be 18 years of age or older

HOW TO APPLY:

Complete a volunteer application at https://forms.clickup.com/f/h6djp-1940/GF5X5SQTLXQ2YBWWG7

TACT is committed to the inclusion of all members of our community. We welcome and strongly encourage people from historically marginalized and economically disadvantaged groups, including BIPOC, trans-feminine folks, folks with disabilities, and folks from working class backgrounds to apply.