Youth

Job Opening at the DC Center: Community Engagement Specialist – Position Filled

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Job Opportunities at the DC Center for the LGBT Community

***We are no longer accepting applicants***

 

Job Opening at the DC Center: Community Engagement Specialist

 

The DC Center for the LGBT Community is hiring! We are looking for a full-time Community Engagement Specialist to work with our new Total Care Team doing Early Intervention Services under our new Ryan White (part A) Grant.   

Position Details:

This position requires a person that is knowledgeable about marginalized communities that are at greater risk for HIV, Hep C, and other STI’s due to barriers minority communities experience due to oppression and socio-economic inequalities.  Much of the work is focused on Gender Non Binary, Transgender and MSM populations.  

The DC Center for the LGBT Community has a mission of educating, empowering, celebrating, and connecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual,queer, and transgender communities of Washington, DC. The Community Engagement Specialist will help to achieve this mission by providing culturally competent  supportive services to the aforementioned populations. This particular grant is status neutral so it includes both positive and negative populations. Persons of color from LGBTQ communities are encouraged to apply, as we seek to develop more diversity within our staff and services.  

 Special Skills:  

The Community Engagement Specialist  will provide referral assistance and direct service (medical and non-medical) to ensure disparities that challenge access to care and/or treatment are addressed to give community members their best chance at maintaining a healthy status through traditional sexual health strategies, biomedical prevention (PrEP); and through treatment as prevention and the U=U model (undetectable = untransmittable). 

The person who fills this position is also responsible for other duties, such as minor case management, outreach, health education, data collection and  data entry. The Community Engagement Specialist will report to the Community Engagement Manager directly.

 

Functions and Duties 

  Community Engagement Specialist / Total Care Team 

 

  1. Collect and enter data from focus populations in respective systems (Careware, Link U, Redcap)
  2. Engage groups and individuals in sexual health education and planning sessions
  3. Provide referrals to eliminate barriers, thus increasing improved health outcomes
  4. Assist in meeting program goals that reduce harm and risk, improving the quality of life 
  5. Provide client-centered service that reflects status neutral healthcare and education
  6. Engage and retain focus population clients in HI-V programming and assist in achieving individual goals. 
  7. Educate on viral suppression and PrEP; providing timely linkage to care
  8. Contribute to programming, marketing, and branding of culturally competent services
  9. Assist in testing, in-reach, outreach, and representing the organization in professional settings
  10. Engage volunteers and clients as directed to meet program and grant deliverables 
  11. Facilitate or Coordinate testing for focus populations
  12. Promote Rapid treatment and Comprehensive Harm & Risk Reduction initiatives
  13. Assist in Facilitating Cultural Competency training’s for organizations and individuals
  14. Assist with Consumer Satisfaction Surveys and data to ensure program effectiveness
  15. Assist in implementing and tracking medical and non-medical support and client outcomes
  16. Work with associated staff to ensure grant deliverables and promote program continuity 
  17. Provide good customer service and assist in various capacities as needed 

 

Please send qualified resumes to  justin@thedccenter.org before Monday, October 7th. Salary Range is expected to fall within $38,480 – $45,760

 

*Interviews will be held on 10/16/19 and 10/17/19 

2019 Youth Count

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Youth Count

Every year, The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (TCP) together with the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Youth Subcommittee of the DC Interagency Council on Homelessness (DCICH) plans and conducts the Homeless Youth Census (HYC) – or “Youth Count DC” – in an effort to better understand the scope and scale of homelessness and housing instability among youth living in the District. The 2019 Youth Count DC will take place from September 20th to September 28th, 2019. The information collected in this nine-day survey event creates an annual “snapshot” of the number of youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability that aids District policy-makers and funders in making smarter, data-driven decisions about resource allocation and helps us track progress toward the District’s strategic plan to end youth homelessness.  One important piece of this is understanding how many youth experiencing homelessness are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.

The DC Center will once again be participating in the survey.  Youth experiencing homelessness that are visiting the center between September 20th and September 28th will be invited to complete a survey and receive a (TBD) incentive.

Important Information about Youth Count DC:

  • As the name suggests, Youth Count DC will focus solely on unaccompanied individuals and heads of family households who are age 24 and under;
  • In addition to “literally homeless” youth – youth who are experiencing homelessness while in shelter, transitional housing or living on the street – it also includes young people who are living in unstable housing arrangements (e.g. in doubled-up situations or “couch surfing”);
  • It is conducted through partnering organizations that administer surveys with youth who are encountered: 1) in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs; 2) on-site at places that youth frequent (including meal programs, after-school programs, drop-in centers, etc.); and 3) with street-based homeless outreach teams.

What you need to know to prepare:

If f you have never participated and want to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact me [Elisabeth Young] at EYoung@community-partnership.org.

More information will be shared here as it becomes available.

 

Program Coordinator for Rainbow Youth Alliance, Rockville, MD

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Rainbow Youth Alliance (RYA), a program of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville, is hiring a licensed clinical program coordinator (social work, counseling). RYA offers community support for LGBTQIA youth and their allies. RYA envisions a future in which LGBTQIA teens have access to safe, nurturing environments where they are respected, listened to, and given information and skills. Their mission is to provide safe places for LGBTQIA teens to ask questions, find mutual support, and learn information pertinent to their lives.
The position is part-time (approximately 5-hrs a week) and includes the clinical direction and facilitation of biweekly support groups as wells as coordinating the RYA volunteers. Applicants must hold a current clinical license in Maryland (LGs okay). For more information, see the job announcement below or go to the RYA Website.

About Rainbow Youth Alliance
Rainbow Youth Alliance (RYA), a program of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville (UUCR), provides community support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning teens and their allies – known to us as rainbow teens. RYA envisions a future in which rainbow teens have access to safe, nurturing environments where they are respected, listened to, and given information and skills. Our mission is to provide safe places for rainbow teens to ask questions, find mutual support, and learn information pertinent to their lives.

Job Summary

The Program Coordinator provides clinical direction and support to RYA programming. They facilitate twice-monthly support groups, recruits and manages volunteer facilitators, and plans/oversees social events geared at increasing LGBTQ youth connection and community. The Program Coordinator reports directly to the supervisor designated by (and based at) UUCR. UUCR provides meeting space, other in-kind resources, and leadership for RYA. UUCR does not provide office space, computer support, or secretarial support for RYA.

The Program Coordinator is expected to spend approximately 5 hours/week as an independent contractor. The hourly wage will be determined based on the individual’s training, experience, and expertise. Payment will be provided monthly upon submission of an approved invoice. No benefits or insurance of any kind is included for this position. For licensed mental health applicants, they are expected to carry and show proof of their own malpractice insurance.

Primary Essential Duties

  • Oversee clinical aspects of RYA programming, including support groups, social events, and other areas as need arises
  • Facilitate twice-monthly support groups (1st and 3rd Sundays, 3:45 – 6 PM) for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth and their allies ages 13-18
  • Plan and oversee youth social events and activities outside of RYA support meetings
  • Recruit and manage volunteer adult facilitators for RYA programming, including support groups and social functions
  • Develop and conduct volunteer training on topics such as trauma-informed practices, group facilitation skills, crisis response, mandated reporting, confidentiality, LGBTQ youth
  • Manage RYA Program Coordinator email and phone account, including responding to all inquiries within 2 business days
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all support groups and socials, including youth sign-in sheets
  • Attend bi-monthly RYA Advisory Council and provides Program Coordinator report to include clinical updates and upcoming events
  • Work with RYA Advisory Council to identify areas for performance improvement and professional development
  • Attend external training, workshops, and conferences for professional development and keeps abreast of changes and innovations in the field
  • Other duties as assigned

The above job description is designed to indicate a general sense of the duties and expectations of this position. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required. As the nature of our business demands change, so too, may the duties and responsibilities of this position. You may be required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

Education and Experience Required

  • Requires Masters-level education in Social Work, Counseling, or other related mental health field
  • Knowledge of and experience with adolescents, including adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and group support
  • Knowledge of and experience with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth
  • Clinical licensure in Maryland, or license-eligible preferred

To apply, please send the following items to telliott@rainbowyouthalliancemd.org:

  • CV/resume
  • Cover letter highlighting relevant experiences and education
  • 3 professional references

UUCR-Rainbow Youth Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment. UUCR-RYA does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Testimony on LGBTQ Youth Homelessness

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In response to the DC City Council’s budget oversight hearing for the Department of Human Services, the Youth Working Group submitted testimony regarding LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness in DC. The Youth Working Group urged the Council to consider the need for a safe system for youth to submit complaints and the need for LGBTQ competency training at shelters and housing providers. Read the full testimony letter the Working Group submitted below.

Did you know the DC Center has lockers for youth experiencing homelessness?

For more information on the Youth Working Group, visit https://thedccenter.org/youth/

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Dear City Council Members,

I am writing today on behalf of the Youth Working Group at the DC Center for The LGBT Community. We are a group of adult advocates who work with LGBTQ youth in a variety of contexts and organizations throughout the city and come together at the DC Center on a monthly basis with the goal of ensuring that LGBTQ youth in D.C. can enjoy freedom from displacement, harassment, and bullying, in a community where youth feel safe, respected, and connected.

At this time, we would like to raise concerns about the safety of LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. As we know, nearly 40% of youth experiencing homeless in D.C. identify as LGBTQ. These youth are placed at an increased risk of harassment from both peers and facility staff when entering shelters and housing providers, often leaving youth unsafe and vulnerable when visiting these facilities. We have noted, however, that when issues do arise, there is no safe way for youth to submit complaints without fear of retaliation. For many youth, the possibility of jeopardizing their housing situation constitutes too high a risk to raise concerns directly.

As such, we ask that the Council support and set aside aside funding for the creation of an anonymous complaint system for shelter and housing providers, giving LGBTQ youth the opportunity to express their concerns–and compliments– with the assurance that they will be heard and efficiently followed up on. Relatedly, we urge the Council to consider the need for and bring forth legislation to enact LGBTQ competency training for all staff at shelter facilities and housing programs in the District of Columbia. These persons are integral to the services provided youth in the District, and LGBTQ competency is essential when interacting with this vulnerable population. We consider this equally as important as the legislation for mandatory competency training enacted in 2016 (B21-0168) for healthcare providers serving LGBTQ youth. Finally, we also affirm the proposal for additional funding for youth beds and encourage the expansion of capacity in low-barrier shelters for LGBT youth.

We appreciate your time and consideration of these requests.

Kind regards,

Taryn Kitchen
 on behalf of the Youth Working Group
The DC Center for the LGBT Community

Breaking Ground 2019

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The award winning theater program “Breaking Ground” is recruiting for the 2019 season and is looking for actors, singers, dancers, poets, artists and performers!

Breaking Ground is an Obama White House Summer program for LGBTQIA+ youth of color age 16-30 where they create a full-length musical theater production based on their life stories, and addressing the unique culture and experiences of their people.

Issues addressed in the show cover dating, sex, mental health, body image, HIV/AIDS, transphobia and the trans experience, racism, substance abuse and many other important topics.

Breaking Ground REQUIRES an audition (not based in arts talent, but evidence of passion for community and the program).

Transgender men and women, gender non-conforming, intersex,  and cisgender women are encouraged to apply and welcome to join to ensure diverse stories and experiences are represented.

If you are interested, click here to register.

Rainbow Youth Alliance Seeks Program Coordinator

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The Rainbow Youth Alliance MD is currently seeking a new Program Coordinator.

About Rainbow Youth Alliance

Rainbow Youth Alliance (RYA), a program of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville (UUCR), provides community support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning teens and their allies – known to us as rainbow teens. RYA envisions a future in which rainbow teens have access to safe, nurturing environments where they are respected, listened to, and given information and skills. Our mission is to provide safe places for rainbow teens to ask questions, find mutual support, and learn information pertinent to their lives.

Job Summary

The Program Coordinator provides clinical direction and support to RYA programming. They facilitate twice-monthly support groups, recruits and manages volunteer facilitators, and plans/oversees social events geared at increasing LGBTQ youth connection and community. The Program Coordinator reports directly to the supervisor designated by (and based at) UUCR. UUCR provides meeting space, other in-kind resources, and leadership for RYA. UUCR does not provide office space, computer support, or secretarial support for RYA. The Program Coordinator is expected to spend approximately 5 hours/week as an independent contractor. The hourly wage will be determined based on the individual’s training, experience, and expertise. Payment will
be provided monthly upon submission of an approved invoice. No benefits or insurance of any kind are included for this position. For licensed mental health applicants, they are expected to carry and show proof of their own malpractice insurance.

Primary Essential Duties

  • Oversee clinical aspects of RYA programming, including support groups, social events, and other areas as
    need arises
  • Facilitate twice-monthly support groups (1st and 3rd Sundays, 3:45 – 6 PM) for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
    transgender, queer, and questioning youth and their allies ages 13-18
  • Plan and oversee youth social events and activities outside of RYA support meetings
  • Recruit and manage volunteer adult facilitators for RYA programming, including support groups and social
    functions
  • Develop and conduct volunteer trainings on topics such as trauma-informed practices, group facilitation
    skills, crisis response, mandated reporting, confidentiality, LGBTQ youth
  • Manage RYA Program Coordinator email and phone account, including responding to all inquiries within
    2 business days
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all support groups and socials, including youth sign-in sheets
  • Attend bi-monthly RYA Advisory Council and provides Program Coordinator report to include clinical
    updates and upcoming events
  • Work with RYA Advisory Council to identify areas for performance improvement and professional
    development
  • Attend external trainings, workshops, and conferences for professional development and keeps abreast of
    changes and innovations in the field
  • Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience Required

  • Requires Masters-level education in Social Work, Counseling, or other related mental health field
  • Knowledge of and experience with adolescents, including adolescent development, trauma-informed care,
    and group support
  • Knowledge of and experience with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth
  • Clinical licensure in Maryland, or license-eligible preferredThe above job description is designed to indicate a general sense of the duties and expectations of this position.
    It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required. As the nature
    of our business demands change, so too, may the duties and responsibilities of this position. You may be
    required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

To apply, please send the following items to telliott@rainbowyouthalliancemd.org:

  •  CV/resume
  •  Cover letter highlighting relevant experiences and education
  • 3 professional references

(UUCR-Rainbow Youth Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment. UUCR-RYA does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.)

Councilmember Trayon White Calls for Funds for LGBTQ Youth & Senior Housing

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Councimember Trayon White (Ward 8) has submitted budget FY 2020 Budget Requests to Mayor Muriel Bowser and they include funding for LGBTQ Youth & Senior Housing.

The Budget request includes $500,000 for grants to non-profits through DHCD to support organizations that are working to provide housing security to LGBT seniors and homeless youth.

Councilmember White stated in his announcement: “As I fight to keep the above mentioned initiatives a priority in the final FY20 budget, I encourage you to testify at the upcoming public hearings and participate in the process. It is a pleasure to serve the residents of Ward 8.”

See all the recommendations below.

Trayon White Budget Reccomendations
Trayon White Budget Recommendations

 

Job Opening at Wanda Alston Foundation

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The Wanda Alston is currently looking for a Case Manager.  The Case Manager provides youth-centered, trauma informed case management services for eight to twelve LGBTQ young adults ages 18-24, who live in Wanda Alston Foundation transitional living program. The Case Manger uses clinical skills to develop and track individual service plans/treatment plans for each resident addressing client needs i.e. connection to medical and mental health services, accessing public benefits/resources, budgeting, permanent and stable housing, etc. The Case Manager works with house staff to implement tasks, directives, and intervention to assist residents in meeting their treatment plan goals.

To learn more, please click the link below to download the job announcement.   If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter and resume to: contactus@wandaalstonfoundation.org.

Case Manager Job Announcement

Youth Working Group Mini-Grants

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Youth Mini Grants

The Youth Working Group at the DC Center for the LGBT Community is proud to announce it has awarded $750 in grants to three LGBTQ youth groups. The recipients are the Anacostia Senior High School Gay Straight Alliance, the Paint Branch High School Gender & Sexuality Alliance, and The Future Foundation’s Six Color Support Circle.

The students at Paint Branch High School appreciate that the mini grant will enable them to plan a new event, Let’s Go Be Together! (LGBT!). Their vision for the event is a fair, designed by and for LGBTQIA+ teens, where they can celebrate diversity, and encourage companionship among middle and high school GSAs in Montgomery County.

The students at Anacostia Senior High School look forward to using the funds to create posters, flyers and badges with their new logo, to purchase snacks for their meetings, and to cover miscellaneous field trip expenses so they can attend a SMYAL or youth pride event.

The Six Color Support Circle, a group led by The Future Foundation for LGBTQI youth ages 13-21, has presented a variety of successful events, from co-hosting Youth Pride to their recent Ugly Sweater Winter Social. They are excited to use the grant to create flyers so they can enhance their outreach and serve even more youth in 2019.

Congratulations to all of the 2019 mini grant recipients!

Summer Employment Opportunity for DC Youth

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Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program

The DC Center is wants to hear from youth in the District of Columbia who are interested in working with us through the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.

The Summer Youth Employment Program is a locally funded initiative sponsored by the Department of Employment Services that provides District youth ages 14 to 21 with enriching and constructive summer work experiences through subsidized placements in the private and government sectors such as The DC Center.  This year the program will begin on Monday, June 24, 2019 and will end on Friday, August 2, 2019.   This is a great way to gain useful work experience and get paid.

For details on the program and to fill out an application, visit DC’s Department of Employment Services website at summerjobs.dc.gov. If you apply to summer youth employment program and are specifically interested in working with The DC Center, email supportdesk@thedccenter.org with a brief statement of interest.

The deadline for applications is February 16th, 2019.