Case Management & Advocacy Specialist Position Available

Case Management & Advocacy Specialist
The DC Center for the LGBT Community

The DC Center for the LGBT Community is hiring! 

Since 2003, the DC Center has worked to educate, empower, celebrate, and connect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities in the District. We envision communities where LGBTQ+ people feel healthy, safe, and affirmed. The DC Anti-Violence Project (DCAVP), a program of the DC Center founded in 2008, works to reduce violence against LGBTQ+ individuals (and those perceived as LGBTQ+) through case management, advocacy, crisis intervention, community outreach, education, and individual and group counseling.

Position Summary
The DCAVP is seeking a community-based trauma-informed mental health professional to serve as our Case Management and Advocacy Specialist (CMA). The CMA provides case management and advocacy for LGBTQ+ survivors of trauma, violence, and abuse in the DMV area. The CMA also provides community leadership in collaboration with survivor services providers to strengthen appropriate and effective response of LGBTQ+ competent service provision to LGBTQ+ trauma survivors in the District. The CMA works directly with community members individually via email, phone, HIPAA-compliant Zoom and in person, works as a member of the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) team supporting two licensed mental health clinicians in connecting BHS clients to needed services and works as a team member of the DC Center.

Skills and Experience

  • Licensure to practice case management or mental health services in DMV
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience working as a trauma-informed case manager and advocate with a diverse client population
  • Experience working with LGBTQ+ adult clients
  • Crisis assessment, intervention and referral experience
  • Experience working in an interdisciplinary community center setting
  • Experience conducting and maintaining outreach to other service agencies for direct referral pathways for warm-handoffs of clients for services
  • Knowledge about substance abuse, mental illness, housing issues, and intersecting systems of oppression 
  • Experience in providing telehealth via Zoom HIPAA-compliant video platform as well as in-person service provision
  • Ethical, intercultural client care and community relationship skills
  • Ability to problem solve and communicate at all verbal and written levels
  • Experience working well as a team member
  • Prior nonprofit experience

Functions and Duties

  • Be the point of contact and triage for those who contact the DC Center seeking mental health assistance, case management and advocacy
  • Provide trauma-informed and interculturally competent case management assistance to LGBTQ+ survivors of trauma, violence and abuse in accessing appropriate organizations and providers for services 
  • Provide email/phone/drop-in and virtual response to and follow-up with clients’ requests for advocacy, info & referral and warm-handoffs 
  • Provide client crisis intervention and referrals to appropriate support systems (safety plans, hospitalization, referrals, etc.) 
  • Build and maintain an LGBTQ+ friendly providers network of competent, trauma-informed, culturally diverse mental health support services partners 
  • Facilitate the monthly community meetings of the DCAVP and manage the outreach and advocacy activities
  • Write and coordinate DCAVP Community Impact Statements to support hate bias cases, in partnership with the US Attorney’s Office
  • Respond to requests for DCAVP collaboration and expertise on LGBTQ+ client needs and best practices with the partnering organizations in the District
  • Assist with quarterly reports and other grant deliverables for the OVSJG grant throughout the fiscal year
  • Utilize EHR and calendaring systems for accurate records of all clinical and non-clinical interactions using the protocols of BHS and The DC Center
  • Work well with an interdisciplinary staff team to facilitate effective communications, team support and warm hospitality in the setting of an actively utilized community center. 

Please send qualified resumes with cover letters to supportdesk@thedccenter.org.  Salary range is within $48,000-$50,000. The position includes health insurance, vacation and personal leave benefits. Position is grant-funded annually (Oct 1 through Sept 31). Open until filled.

We Are Moving!!! Read Our Press Release About Our New LGBTQ+ Community Center

Street view of the outside of the DC Center's New Space

We’re so excited to share the big news!

We’re Moving!

Check out all the details about our new location in our press release and watch this space for more details to come!

This amazing next chapter in our LGBTQ+ community members lives needs your support!

Please click here and donate what you can to help support the creation of our new space!

Click here to read our press release

 

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Rendition/Photo Credit: Hickok Cole, our architects on this project

Case Management & Advocacy Specialist Position Available

Job Opportunity at the DC Center for the LGBT Community

THIS POSITION IS FILLED.

The DC Anti-Violence Project of the DC Center for the LGBT Community is seeking a community-based trauma-informed mental health professional to provide case management services to and advocacy for LGBTQ+ survivors of trauma, violence, and abuse in the DMV area. The position also involves community leadership in facilitating community meetings/activities and in networking with and educating survivor services providers, to strengthen the appropriate and effective response of LGBTQ+ competent service provision to LGBTQ+ trauma survivors. Exceptional interpersonal, ethical, intercultural and client care skills are required. Fluency in both Spanish and English, expertise in transgender and gender non-binary and BIPOC issues and/or clinical licensure are a plus. Familiarity with TheraNest or other EHR systems is also a plus. Experience in providing telehealth via Zoom HIPAA-compliant video platform is desired, as the position includes virtual and in-person service provision.

CMA Specialist Position summary:

Since 2002, The DC Center for the LGBT Community has implemented a mission of educating, empowering, celebrating, uplifting and connecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community of Washington, DC. The Case Management and Advocacy (CMA) Specialist position helps to achieve this mission by providing case management and advocacy support services to LGBTQ+ survivors of violence, crime, and trauma. These services are available free-of-charge to our community members due to grant funding from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG). The CMA Specialist will work with community members and clients individually via email, phone, HIPAA-compliant Zoom and in person, and as a member of the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) team, supporting two licensed mental health clinicians in connecting BHS clients to needed services. The CMA Specialist will also facilitate the monthly meetings of the DC Anti-Violence Project (DCAVP) and related community based violence intervention, education and advocacy activities. The person who fills this position is also responsible for assisting on other related projects, such as record-keeping for the quarterly/ annual reporting and management of the OVSJG grant, outreach and education in the LGBTQ+ community, and assisting the mission, vision, and values of The DC Anti-Violence Project (DCAVP). There is limited funding available for professional development, and to assist with costs of renewing DC & MD licenses, if applicable. The CMA Specialist will assist with administrative needs as determined by the BHS/DCAVP Project Manager and report to the Executive Director. 

Special Skills:

The CMA Specialist must have at least 2 years’ experience working as a trauma-informed case manager and advocate with a diverse client population. They must have a demonstrated ability to work with LGBTQ+ adults, to work well as a team member, to problem solve and communicate at all levels verbally as well as in writing. Exceptional interpersonal, ethical, intercultural and client care skills are required. Must be self-motivated, ethical, and be able to build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues and with key stakeholders in the larger victim-serving network of Washington, DC. The ideal candidate will have prior nonprofit experience and crisis assessment, intervention and referral experience. Fluency in both Spanish and English, expertise in transgender and gender non-binary and BIPOC issues and/or clinical licensure are a plus.

CMA Specialist Functions and Duties

  • Be the point of contact and initial assessment for requests for mental health assistance and triage the requests as appropriate for referral to BHS clinicians and case management and advocacy to relevant providers within the District networks of care
  • Provide trauma-informed and interculturally competent case management assistance to DCAVP BHS clients (LGBTQ+ survivors of trauma, violence and abuse) in accessing appropriate organizations and providers for services beyond the parameters of mental health counseling offered by the DCAVP BHS Therapists
  • Provide email/phone/drop-in and virtual response to and follow-up with LGBTQ+ clients’ requests for advocacy, info & referral and warm-handoffs to wrap-around services in the District
  • Provide LGBTQ+ clients in crisis necessary crisis intervention, consultation and referrals to appropriate support systems (safety plans, hospitalization, referrals, etc.) as well as connection into BHS individual and group counseling services as appropriate
  • Build and maintain the BHS Providers List of LGBQ, TGNC, BIPOC competent, trauma-informed, culturally diverse mental health clinicians who are affordable and accessible for low-to-no income LGBTQ+ clients seeking long-term counseling services
  • Facilitate the monthly meetings of the DCAVP and manage the DCAVP listservs and social media outreach and advocacy activities, working in partnership with DCAVP community members to further the mission, vision, and values of the DCAVP
  • Write and coordinate DCAVP response for Community Impact Statements to support hate bias cases, in partnership with the the MPD LGBTSU and USAO, and public relations response as needed
  • Coordinate and/or represent the DCAVP at LGBTQ+ expert community collaborations and consultations with the partnering organizations in the continuum of services in the District (including VAN, VPART, HBTF)
  • Be the point of contact for requests for DCAVP collaboration and expertise on community programs and policy committees (such as the VAN, VPART, DCAVP, HBTF and others) and for requests for LGBTQ+ competency education and training for community organization professionals in LGBTQ+ issues and best practices for service provision
  • Build the District’s statistical knowledge base about crimes against and effective services for LGBTQ+ residents by designing client services and events evaluation processes and performing research and analysis of statistics culled from clients and feedback to assist in program development, funding requests and requests for informational statistics
  • Assist with keeping clinical statistical data, implementing and analyzing client evaluation feedback and writing quarterly reports and other grant deliverables for the OVSJG grant throughout the fiscal year, as determined by the BHS/DCAVP Project Manager
  • Assist in the management of the Direct Client Assistance program, a fund of resources to assist LGBTQ+ survivors in securing technology, internet connectivity, training and transportation to be able to consistently and safely access support services
  • Collaborate with DC Center staff to provide community-based education and outreach opportunities in line with OVSJG DCAVP grant requirements 
  • Keep a current schedule and accurate records of all clinical and non-clinical interactions in the systems in use by the DC Center and BHS team
  • Work well with a diverse staff team to facilitate an open, supportive and warm environment for all individuals who connect with The DC Center and represent the DC Center professionally within the community.

Salary range is $48,000-50,000.

Position includes health insurance, vacation and personal leave benefits.

Position is grant-funded on an annual basis (Oct 1, 2022 through Sept 30, 2023).

To apply, please send resumes and cover letters to supportdesk@thedccenter.org.

THIS POSITION IS FILLED.

Welcome Elizabeth Johnson, LCPC

Introducing new team member, Elizabeth Johnson LCPC.

Welcome Elizabeth Johnson, LCPC, to the DC Center for the LGBT Community!
Elizabeth (she/her/hers)
joins our Working Through Trauma groups facilitation team in Behavioral Health Services at the Center. Elizabeth will be co-facilitating the Queer All Genders Working Through Trauma group with DC Center Therapist Christina Cappelletti. 

Birthdate, Astro Sign:
Sun sign is Leo. I am a Gemini rising and Aries moon

Where are you originally from?
Camden, Arkansas, which is in the southwest corner of the state.

What brings you to working at the DC Center?
The DC Center offers hope and support to folks looking to live their best life. I want to be a part of that.

What is your music anthem?
I have pretty eclectic music taste, so whatever gets me closer to what I want to feel.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?
Wherever brunch is happening!

What is your favorite LGBTQ+ book?
A Well of Loneliness by Radcliff Hall because it beautifully highlights the complexity of love and identity.

Who do you look up to in the LGBTQ+ community?
James Baldwin. His writing about identity has inspired curiosity about my identity as a person and within society.

SEEKING: Co-facilitator Position for Queer All Genders Working Through Trauma Group

Job Opportunities at the DC Center for the LGBT Community

Queer All Genders Working Through Trauma Groups Co-facilitator Position Open at the DC Center for the LGBT Community: Contract Therapist 

March 2022 by Christina Cappelletti, LGSW

Are you a trauma-informed, licensed mental health clinician interested in working for an established LGBTQ+ community organization in Washington DC? Do you have expertise in LGBQIA+ TGNC2S BIPOC clinical issues? Are you available 3 hours one evening per week for 12 weeks starting in late April or early May? The DC Center for the LGBT Community is seeking to contract with a clinician to co-facilitate our Queer All Genders Working Through Trauma group. Currently, the group is offered remotely via Zoom. If the pandemic conditions shift toward reliable public safety, groups would be held in-person at The DC Center’s location in Northwest Washington, DC (street parking or one block from U St Metro station). The Contract Therapist will co-facilitate the group with a full-time licensed DC Center Staff Therapist.

Special Skills:

The Contract Therapist must have the appropriate licensure to practice in DC (LGSW, LICSW, LPC) and have at least 2 years’ knowledge and experience working as a clinician with LGBQIA+ TGNC2S BIPOC client populations. Bilingual in Spanish a plus. 

Functions and Duties:

  • Co-facilitate one 90-minute weekly Queer All Genders Working Through Trauma psychoeducational therapy group, one evening a week (either Mondays or Tuesdays as determined by facilitation team), utilizing curriculum provided by DCC Behavioral Health Services. Groups are closed membership, consisting of 8-10 clients. Intakes will be conducted by the DC Center Staff Therapist.
  • Meet with the co-facilitator pre-and-post group for prep and debrief each week.
  • Meet with the co-facilitator for a preliminary meeting the week before the group begins to review curriculum and group member intake information, and after the group ends, to debrief the group and review participant evaluations.
  • Comply with DC government COVID vaccine requirements for government-funded service providers.

Apply: Please send qualified resumes and cover letters to Christina Cappelletti, LGSW, christinac@thedccenter.org

Compensation: $1,440.00 for the project

Welcome Sade Adeeyo, LGPC

Welcome Sade Adeeyo

Welcome Sade Adeeyo to the DC Center for the LGBT Community!
Sade (she/her) joins our Working Through Trauma groups facilitation team in Behavioral Health Services at the Center. Sade looks forward to getting to know and supporting the QW*WTT cohort as well as learning and growing with each member.

Birthdate, Astro Sign:
November 5, Scorpio

Where are you originally from?
Born in Cambridge, MA – grew up around Boston, Gary and Indianapolis.

What brings you to working at the DC Center?
I’m a social justice worker looking for meaningful opportunities to support those of us at the margins – especially during this pandemic.

What is your music anthem?
“Optimistic” by Sounds of Blackness

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?
The healing, liberation and affirmation that comes from finding chosen family.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?
For the past two years, it has certainly been my apartment and I do everything there including dance parties, party of 1.

What is your favorite LGBTQ+ movie?
Paris Is Burning and The Birdcage

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?
Black + purple

Who do you look up to in the LGBTQ+ community?
Way too many warriors to list, but Audre Lorde is MY LOVE (next to my boo of course!).

DC Center Reopening FAQ

As we reopen, the DC Center is doing our best to meet the needs of our community while creating a safe environment for our staff, volunteers, and visitors. Please see below some of the information available about our space, our meetings, and other questions. We will update this information as necessary as the situation changes or we understand better what information people are looking for.

 

What are The DC Center’s hours of operation?

  • Mondays through Fridays from 12pm to 6pm
  • Saturdays from 11am to 3pm
  • Sundays are closed

 

Are support groups/meetings meeting in-person, virtually or hybrid?

Based on surveys and conversations with peer group facilitators and participants and abiding by social distancing guidelines, we are offering a hybrid (physical with webstation for Zoom) option for some while a completely virtual option for others, at each groups’ discretion. The information is available on the event sign-up for each group (easily found via: thedccenter.org/calendar

 

Which groups/meetings, and when, are offering a hybrid (in-person with webstation) meeting option? (This list subject to change as groups choose to return to the DC Center’s offices)

Fridays: Tea Time from 2 – 4 pm.

2nd Tuesday: Coming Out Group from 7 to 8:30pm.

2nd & 4th Wednesdays: Job Club from 6 – 7 pm.

3rd Saturdays: KhushDC from 1:30 to 2:30pm.

4th Saturdays: Black Lesbian Peer Support Group from 11 am – 1 pm

 

Which groups/meetings, and when, are offering a virtual (Zoom) only meeting option?

Any groups not listed above are meeting virtually.

Can I just walk-in to participate in a hybrid support group/meeting?

Currently, the Center is unable to accommodate walk-ups for peer support groups. Registration in advance will be required for peer support group meetings. Information in this regard will be circulated among peer support group leaders and participants as well as be listed on the Center’s website.

 

Are therapy meetings still being offered at the Center?

At this time all mental health therapy groups and sessions are remaining virtual via HIPAA compliant Zoom due to the continuing rates of COVID-19. A hybrid model of virtual and in person therapy services will be re-evaluated once the pandemic conditions permit safe in-person meeting.

 

When is the Center expected to open back up and what are some of the processes?

  • Monday October 4th; Monday through Friday 12 to 6pm; Saturday 11 to 3pm.
  • CyberStation social distance with three separate computers.
  • Peer and Support groups able to offer hybrid options depending on the comfort level of members and facilitators STARTING on Oct 13th. Option to sign up and come to join the Zoom meeting.
  • Mental Health services are to remain virtual at this time.
  • The Library and Lounge will have social distancing with fewer seats available to accommodate social distancing.
  • New and expanding clothing closet and food pantry for those in need of clothes and food.
  • The Art Gallery is opening up Saturday October 2nd with new artists. Art will be up for the next three months so it can be seen.

 

Now that the Center is reopening again, what kind of opportunities are available for those in the community who would like to get involved?

  • The best way to stay current with the Center’s activities is to subscribe to our newsletter via our website which comes out every week. This includes volunteer opportunities, information about art installation, monthly programs, and all different social media accounts to get news updates.
  • Volunteers wanting to become a support group facilitator are provided with the necessary training.
  • Joining a support group is the best way to stay connected to the Center and others in the community.
  • There is an events volunteer list to help in events like help preparing to open before events.
  • Members of the community can also join a board committee to help and learn how the Center works.

 

What will be the mitigation efforts to reopen the Center back safely?

  • Self-screenings will ask questions with regards to health symptoms.
  • Per DC law all staff are required to be vaccinated. However, proof of vaccinations or recent test are not going to be asked from community members.
  • In the center social distance practices and mask wearing will be mandated.
  • Peer support groups are being offered in hybrid format so those who are not feeling well do not feel obligated to come into the Center.
  • In accordance with CDC guidelines contact-tracing will be implemented so signup sheets will be mandatory for all who visit the center with their name, phone number and email address.
  • 2 portable air filters have been purchased for the DC Center’s meeting space. They are rated to filter down to .01 microns in size.

 

Are masks required at the Center?

Per CDC guidelines all staff/participants (2yrs or older) physically at the building are required to always wear masks to stop the spreading of COVID-19.

 

What will happen if either staff or participants test positive for COVID-19?

  • The Center will be closed until a full deep cleaning is completed.
  • Staff present/exposed will be asked to quarantine and work remotely until such time as they can provide a negative non-rapid COVID test, per CDC guidelines.
  • Participants/guests who visited 3-4 days prior will be notified of the potential exposure and be asked to contact the DC Center if they are showing symptoms.

 

Will social distancing be enforced at the Center?

The maximum number of people in the DC Center at one time has been adjusted to a maximum of 25 to 30 to accommodate enough space for social distancing.

 

What kind of sanitation procedures will be implemented to prevent the spread of the COVID-19?

  • Sneeze Guards will be installed at the Cyber Center and front desk, as well as 6-foot distance floor markers.
  • A sanitation station will be set up outside the Center that includes wipes/sanitizer, gloves, mask and health self-assessment.
  • Using a clean pen and used pen system, all who enter the Center will need to fill out a log for contact tracing purposes with information such as name, phone number and email address.
  • Cleaning and sanitation procedures will be implemented more frequently throughout the day.
  • Air purification system will be provided for various spaces within the Center.

 

If I am unwilling or unable to comply with mask mandates, will I be turned away from the Center?

To enter the DC Center, you will be asked to wear a mask. If someone is unwilling or unable to wear a mask and/or mentions health issues, assistance will be provided to them outside the DC Center in the Atrium to the best of our staff’s ability. We ask that everyone consider that many people come through the DC Center on a regular basis, so it’s important to make sure everyone is protecting the community by doing what we can. 

 

If rates of COVID continue to rise in DC will the Center remain open?

Federal and local guidelines will be closely monitored and adhered to, up to and including closing the Center due to an increase in COVID cases in the DC area to ensure the safety of our employees and constituents.

¡Bienvenido/Welcome Michele Johns, LGSW!

Michele Johns, LGSW, Therapist

!Bienvenido a Michele al DC Center/Welcome Michele to the DC Center!

Michele (she/her) joined us in 2021 as one of our trauma-informed, licensed mental health clinicians. Michele speaks English and Spanish. We are very excited to have her on the DC Center team!

You can meet Michele at the DC once it is safe to return to the Center in-person, but for now, read on to learn about her.

I love working with staff, volunteers, and folks who connect to The DC Center for community, care and creativity.  The DC Center is an exciting place that invites and welcomes and nurtures authenticity and creativity – and real and lasting connections – through art, therapy, education, and advocacy.  I really look forward to being able to gather in person at The DC Center – and until then, will continue to seek and soak up the virtual connections!

I enjoy leading groups, working individually with folks, and connecting to the other aspects of the Center – like the open mics, art and movie gatherings.

I look forward to bringing my full self to The DC Center – my queer, social justice-y, artistic, therapist, religiously trained, Spanish-speaking, pet-loving self!

Birthdate, Astro Sign:

–October 2, Libra

 

Where are you originally from?

–born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama.

 

Why did you start working at the DC Center?

–because I got lucky!!!  I wanted to be a part of a dynamic, creative, authentic, place doing real and transformative work with and for our LGBTQ+ community!  It is an amazing place!  I am fortunate to be a part of The DC Center!

 

What has been your favorite part about working at the DC Center?

–collaboration with amazing, creative, and dynamic staff and working with folks who come to The DC Center for connection, care, and healing!

 

What is your music anthem?

–I love music!  Life could and maybe should be a musical!  So picking one song or album is really hard.  I love “Rise Up” (Andra Day) and “This is Me” (Keala Settle and “The Greatest Showman Ensemble”) and Joy Oladokun’s latest album!  And I am a longtime fan of The Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco, and Maná!

 

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

–we are resilient and creative!  We know pain and we know how to have a great time!  We know how to make joy come alive!  We know how to make sparkling lemonade out of dry lemons!  We know how to create and recreate family and community, to rise from the ashes and live in vibrant color!

 

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?

–there are so many great spots in DC!  I love exploring Rock Creek Park, the museums, and hanging out around U Street.

 

What is your favorite queer movie?

–“Pose” (not a movie, but, yes!  Wow!!)

 

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?

–rainbow, of course!!   With colors in the Progress Pride flag.

 

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

–there are so many I look to with deep gratitude and respect.  I look to the artists – who birth creations that touch souls and transform minds.  I look to those at Stonewall who let the uprising and were then ignored and discarded.  I look to those who had to live in the closets in order to survive and were quiet revolutionaries.  I look to courageous leaders in spiritual and religious settings who name truths of the inherent worth and dignity of each person.  I look to the amazing performers in “Pose” – who have fought to be where they are and have transformed lives from their audacity to live their lives out loud!  I look to children of today, with more freedoms and choices of who to be and how to be – and to the adults around them who are following the lead of the children, rather than imposing rigid norms of how and who to be.

Queer Women Working Through Trauma Therapy Group Oct 13-Dec 15, 2020

Queer Women Working Through Trauma

The Queer Women Working Through Trauma group invites individuals to focus on processing trauma as a group through a variety of therapeutic techniques, learning to manage triggers and painful memories, and other behavioral processing activities. Participants will also focus on the mind-body connection throughout the course of the group, engaging in art and expression activities, mindful meditation/visualization, deep breathing, and other tactile exercises to help process through trauma responses while creating accessible coping strategies.

The group is held weekly for 10 weeks on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 pm – 7 pm. The next cycle of the group will start on October 13 and will meet remotely via Zoom. If you are interested in being a part of an upcoming cycle of the group or getting on the waiting list for the next one, please contact our staff therapist, Christina Cappelletti, LGSW, to set up a time for a telecounseling intake session: christinac@thedccenter.org. 

This group is offered at no cost to clients, thanks to a grant from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants.

Financial Literacy Housing Program

Community Life Services currently has openings in their Financial Literacy Housing Program and are seeking clients to fill them.
Women who have been a victim of domestic violence or justice involved & experienced trauma will receive rental assistance for 12 months as they transition to permanent housing. As part of the program, they will have the support of a case manager who will guide them through learning money management techniques. They will have the opportunity to save money with the goal of being positioned to pay their full rent within a year.
To set up your appointment call:
Joanne Langevin
202 849-2302