Youth Program Specialist

The Youth Services at the SF LGBT Center include structured group programming, crisis intervention, navigation & referral services, leadership development, a dedicated drop-in youth space, on-site individual and group mental health services (therapy/counseling/crisis management), and a Host Homes housing program that includes case management services. Low-barrier services are designed to reach disconnected lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth ages 16-24. The program is rooted in community building, culturally-responsive, trauma-informed care and harm reduction models. A high percentage of program participants have experienced physical and/or sexual abuse, homelessness, engagement with criminal justice and/or foster care systems, substance use/abuse, and/or mental health challenges.

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Youth Programs, the Youth Drop-In Specialist supports innovative group and drop-in programming as well as one-on-one interventions for the Center’s youth program. The program includes drop in and structured group programming, crisis intervention and referral services, and a dedicated youth space.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate programming such as drop-in activities, workshops, meal night, special events, and other youth program activities. Support includes: supervision and co-facilitation of group activities; providing one-on-one support to youth participants, and coordination of services provided by collaborative partners. 
• Participate in on-going development of community agreements and policies related to the Drop-In space/program.
• Ensure that Drop-In programs support youth through harm reduction, trauma informed care, and positive youth development lenses which includes: mediation of conflicts using restorative and transformative justice, de-escalation of situations related to conflict and mental health, crisis intervention, and use of motivational interviewing skills.
• Assist in identifying program participants who have referral, crisis intervention, case management or behavioral needs, and refer them to internal or external resources for support. 
• Support activities conducted by collaborative partners, including maintaining appropriate relationships with partner program staff and a basic understanding of referral/resource networks for transitional age youth. 
• Execute outreach activities to ensure program promotion and participation.
• Ensure data is collected and entered into database system; program materials and supplies are adequate for program needs; and youth space is maintained, including updating navigation supply list.
• Actively participate as a member of the program team, including provision of back up for other program staff as needed.
• Work on evenings and week-end hours may be required. 
• Other duties as assigned.

 ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Commitment to the mission of the SF LGBT Center and a strong commitment to racial, social, and economic justice. Experience and commitment to working in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with LGBTQ transitional age youth experiencing homelessness through one-on-one and group level interventions.
• Strong cultural competency regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ability, and other social identities, with an existing ability to communicate and collaborate with people across lines of difference
• Ability to utilize harm reduction and trauma-informed care frameworks in service provision, especially as related to experiences of homelessness, violence, substance use, mental health, sexual health, sex work, and involvement in the criminal justice system
• Ability to utilize trauma-informed de-escalation skills with youth in individual and group settings.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. As youth services are provided within a collaborative context, the position may need to meet guidelines established by collaborative partners to share confidential client information across agencies.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively with supervisor, and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer/PC literacy, including Internet proficiency, Microsoft Office software, and networked systems.
• Fluency in English is required. Bilingual or ASL skills are highly desired.
• Criminal background and TB Test clearance required.

COMPENSATION:         

$26.14/hour ($50,973/annually), including paid medical insurance as well as paid time off (vacation, health, & holidays)

SCHEDULE:                  

Monday-Friday; monthly Saturdays and occasional weekday evenings required

The Center is a healthcare/ vulnerable client employer. Verified Covid 19 vaccination is required.

THE SF LGBT CENTER www.sfcenter.org

The mission of the Center is to connect our diverse community to opportunities, resources, and each other to achieve our vision of a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBT people and our allies. The Center’s strategies inspire and strengthen our community by:

• Fostering greater opportunities for people to thrive.
• Organizing for our future.
• Celebrating our history and culture.
• Building resources to create a legacy for future generations

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The SF LGBT Center is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or inter-sex are encouraged to apply. The SF LGBT Center maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees and applicants for employment. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any matter by race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, physical disability (including HIV or AIDS), medical condition, perceived physical disability, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by statute.

Pursuant to SF Fair Chance Ordinance, we consider qualified applicants with arrest/conviction records.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis

Submit Cover Letter expressing your interest and Resume detailing experience/qualifications.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE