Gender Advocate (Peer Counselor)

TACT (Trans Advocacy & Care Team) is a growing non-profit initiative based in the SF Bay Area that champions the wellbeing of trans and nonbinary individuals. We are trans people helping other trans people to thrive.

TACT centers the lived experience of trans and nonbinary people and is a trans-led organization. Since our founding in 2021, we’ve served over 1,500 trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive folks across 41 states!

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:

Gender Advocates are trans and nonbinary volunteers who provide free and sliding scale peer counseling to other trans and nonbinary people. They employ strong active listening skills and center the lived experiences of the individuals who they support. Gender Advocates provide compassionate listening, affirmative guidance, and supportive resources with the ultimate goal of helping other trans and non-binary folks to thrive.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide one-on-one peer-to-peer support via Zoom to individuals across the US.
• Support and guide peers as they navigate their continual process of transition.
• Provide educational information and assist peers with accessing community services and resources.
• Following up with peers to make sure they get the support and resources they need.
• Ensure that the peer counseling they offer is sensitive to the cultural context and personal history of each client and the client’s support system.
• Respect the confidentiality and lived experience of clients.
• Time commitment: 
  • 20-hour training program
  • 4+ hours per week with a 6-month commitment after completion of training program
  • Need reliable access to computer and internet for video calls
  • Remote with scheduling flexibility (volunteers can be located anywhere in US).
• 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 (particularly for individuals interested in or enrolled in graduate programs in counseling, psychology, or social work).
• Can provide work recommendations for future employers (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
• Part of, or worked with marginalized communities
• Interest or experience in counseling, social work, psychology, or advocacy
• Experience as a peer counselor preferred (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
• 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 6 months (4+ hours per week) after completing 20 hours training program
• 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

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.