Program Coordinator for Rainbow Youth Alliance, Rockville, MD

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 [email protected]:

  • 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.

API Movie Nights

Join the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs for a Movie Night Series! The movies will take place at Chinatown Park located on 5th and Mass Ave. NW. Please RSVP at 2019asianmovienights.eventbrite.com

Movies Include: 

Aug 23rd: Swing Kids

Aug 30th: Crazy Rich Asians

Sep 6th: Bend It Like Beckham

Sep 13th: Monkey King: Hero is Back

 

 

Washington Post Op-Ed on Recent Violence

The Washington Post released an op-ed article titled, “The DC Area needs better resources to help the LGBTQ Community,” which speaks on the recent hate crimes within the DC LGBT Community. Written by Samantha Schmidt, the article highlights instances of violence and the lack of resources in the area available to help those who are vulnerable in our community.

Unsubscripted/Shorter Version of the Article 

Full-Length Article From Washington Post  

Job Opportunity: Legislative Aide

The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus seeks a hardworking, initiative-taking, and detail-oriented Legislative Aide in the D.C. office. The ideal candidate will work both collaboratively and individually, possess excellent written and oral communication skills, have the ability to produce high-quality work in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines, and have an excellent understanding of Hill operations and LGBT policy. The candidate will possess a can-do attitude and be a self-starter. This is not an entry-level position. Legislative and policy experience required.

 

The LGBT Equality Caucus is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. The office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, military status, age, marital status, or parental status.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

 

  • Assist the Executive Director and Co-Chairs of the LGBT Equality Caucus with developing and supporting the Caucus’s legislative agenda and membership.
  • Manage substantive policy portfolio, track LGBT legislative priorities, and conduct policy research and analysis.
  • Collaborate, develop relationships, and regularly meet with external advocates and stakeholders to build support for Caucus priorities and increase Caucus influence.
  • Draft communications products including social media posts and press releases. Provide Caucus Member offices with communications materials and resources including social media templates, graphics, and talking points.
  • Regularly meet and communicate with Caucus Member offices to develop ideas for new legislation, develop buy-in on Caucus priorities, consult on legislative text, and update them on LGBT happenings.
  • Help coordinate, plan, and execute Caucus events including briefings, press conferences, receptions, panels, Member meetings, and roundtables.

 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Deadline to apply is June 21. Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and writing sample to [email protected]. Please put LEGISLATIVE AIDE APPLICATION in the subject line. Phone calls and drop-ins not accepted.

Meet the Staff: Alexis

Welcome, Alexis to the DC Center! She is a Social Media and Advocacy Intern for the Summer and is looking forward to meeting and supporting members of her community. You can meet Alexis at the DC Center on Tuesdays thru Fridays. She is a rising Junior at American University majoring in Justice and Law who likes to play Ultimate Frisbee in her spare time.

 

Birthdate, Astro Sign

April 21st, Taurus

 

Where are you originally from?

San Diego, CA

 

When did you start working at the DC Center?

June 5th

 

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

I love how passionate everyone is about their work and helping the community. You can feel the excitement for the events the minute you walk into the room!

 

What is your music anthem?

“Is There Life Out There” by Reba McEntire

 

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

I love it when the community comes together to show support for one another. There is so much love in this community, and it never ceases to make you feel welcomed.

 

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

I love going to the National Cathedral and walking around the gardens. If it’s too cold, I’ll be in Open City sipping on some Hot Coco! But on a beautiful day, I can be caught reading a book or throwing a frisbee with some friends on the lawn outside the Cathedral.

 

What is your favorite queer movie?  

Imagine Me & You (2005)

 

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

A teal blue – like the ocean!

Who do you look up to in the queer community?
Cleve Jones was the first activist I learned about, and his work with the Names Quilt brings me chills every time I think about it. I genuinely look up to his passion for the cause and hope I can emulate his passion in my own work.