LGBTQ+ Program Coordinator

LGBTQ+ Program Coordinator

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.

Requirements:

• 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…