LGBTQ+ Program Coordinator

Safe Place for Youth; California, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

403b plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is seeking an LGBTQ Coordinator to lead an affirming program for foster and transitional-age youth across Los Angeles. You will create engaging programming, mentor staff and partners, and build resources for gender-affirming care and legal services.

The role requires collaboration with local LGBTQ organizations, staff development, and culturally responsive outreach to ensure inclusive services for 1,000 youth SPY serves annually.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in social science or related field.
• 1-2 years working with LGBTQ+ individuals in social services, education, or related setting required.
• 1-2 years direct services to high-risk transitional-age youth required.
• 1-2 years trauma-informed care experience required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate LGBTQ+ youth programming and safe spaces.
• Lead training for staff and partners on LGBTQ+ affirmation and cultural responsiveness.
• Coordinate with community organizations for mentorship and outreach.
• Provide individualized referrals for gender-affirming healthcare and legal services.
• Support day-to-day operations and youth engagement across SPY programs.

Skills

LGBTQ+ experience

Trauma-informed care

Youth program facilitation

Collaboration with partners

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Drive

Job description

JOB TITLE

LGBTQ+ Program Coordinator

REPORTS TO

Sr. Director of Community Programs

SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:30pm

LOCATION

Venice, CA, Access Center, On-site

STATUS

Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Non-Exempt

DRIVER POSITION

Yes [If yes, please reference driving policy]

SALARY RANGE

$26.00-$28.85/hr

ABOUT US

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop‑in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that values community collaboration, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of youth. If you have the skills, passion, and collaborative spirit, join our growing team.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is seeking a passionate LGBTQ Coordinator to lead a comprehensive LGBTQ-affirming program that provides safe spaces, mentorship, education, and affirming resources for LGBTQ foster youth and transitional‑age youth (TAY) across Los Angeles. This role will create engaging youth programming while building the capacity of staff, foster families, and partner providers through training, allyship development, and culturally responsive support for the 1,000 youth SPY serves annually.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Facilitate weekly Queer Joy group sessions (5–15 youth per session) focusing on identity exploration, self-care, sexual health, and navigating internalized homophobia and transphobia.
• Integrate creative, youth-centered activities such as zine‑making, queer trivia, playlist‑building, and DIY self‑care kits.
• Create a safe, affirming environment where LGBTQ youth can build confidence, belonging, and community.
• Distribute gender‑affirming products.
• Develop and maintain LGBTQ‑specific resource lists.
• Provide individualized referrals for gender‑affirming healthcare and legal services, including name/gender marker changes.
• Support SPY staff and partners in strengthening cultural competency and trauma‑informed practices in daily interactions with LGBTQ youth.
• Partner with LA Pride, Promote, and other local organizations to host youth‑centered events and outreach opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Los Angeles LGBT Center to provide mentorship opportunities for LGBTQ youth. Co-host workshops with AMAAD Institute on topics such as coming out, intersectionality, and identity development.
• Advocate for LGBTQ‑inclusive organizational policies and practices within SPY and across partner systems.
• Collect data and feedback from participants to inform program improvements and broader advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate with SPY’s Access Center and Clinical Teams to support day‑to‑day program operations and youth engagement, ensuring LGBTQ+ youth are connected across all service areas.
• Implement culturally responsive outreach strategies to engage LGBTQ+ youth and allies in SPY’s case management and wellness services.
• Plan and facilitate site‑wide community‑building events (e.g. field trips, social gatherings, creative workshops) that foster belonging among LGBTQ youth and their peers, as part of SPY’s broader commitment to inclusive, affirming programming for all.
• Support wraparound resource navigation for LGBTQ+ youth, including warm referrals for housing, mental health, benefits, education, parenting resources, and employment.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary care coordination by participating in case conferencing and team‑based service planning.
• Provide ongoing feedback to internal teams on how to improve site‑wide LGBTQ+ inclusion and cultural responsiveness.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field preferred.
• Related work or lived experience will be strongly considered in place of or in addition to a degree.
• 1-2 years of experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals in a social services, education, community based, or related setting required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of LGBTQ+ affirming practices, resources, and culturally responsive approaches to supporting LGBTQ+ youth
• 1–2 years of experience providing direct services to high-risk transitional-age youth required.
• 1–2 years of experience utilizing a trauma-informed care model required.
• Working knowledge of child and adolescent social, emotional, and cognitive development, and trauma-informed care service models.
• Ability to work within legal and ethical guidelines when serving LGBTQ youth.
• Flexibility in scheduling based on program needs (including evenings and weekends for events/workshops).
• Commitment and passion for the mission, vision, values, and culture of SPY.
• A self‑starter who can drive innovative, affirming programming.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• A valid California driver’s license, auto insurance, and the ability to transport youth.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Drive.
• Deep cultural humility and commitment to LGBTQ equity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Mandated Reporting Requirements

All SPY employees are mandated reporters and are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. Please submit proof of vaccination to [e-mail]. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are not guaranteed.

Driver Positions

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record.

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.

NOTE

All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will.

Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and ample paid time off. We also offer unique perks including professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

EEO STATEMENT

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application