LGBTQ+ Program Therapist and Advocate

The LGBTQ+ Program Therapist and Advocate (Associate or Trainee) works directly with transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ victims of bullying, discrimination, hate crimes and stalking. This position provides assessment, individual and family counseling, couples counseling and/or group counseling for victims of abuse and their support person(s). They provide a therapeutic style embracing cultural sensitivity and maintaining the Coalition’s mission to prevent the cycle of violence against marginalized groups in the community. The LGBTQ+ Program Therapist and Advocate has additional responsibilities for developing and delivering new LGBTQ+ training, and periodic networking with our local high schools. LGBTQ+ people are encouraged to apply!

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
● Trainees: Must be enrolled in an accredited Master’s level counseling program and have Trainee status.
● Associates: Master’s Degree with Clinical Emphasis. Must be an Associate registered with the BBS, license eligible with registration number.
● Experience working with the LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans and non-binary people, is required.
● Emphasis is on learning casework and treatment methods appropriate to Coalition’s Clinical Program, procedures, and policies as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Essential Functions
• Provides therapy to LGBTQ+ survivors within the community, including trans and non-binary survivors.
• Develops a strong understanding of the transitioning process for transgender people with on-site Clinical Supervisor, and provides letter-writing for gender affirming care.
• Provides therapy and assistance to neurodiverse people and individuals in non-traditional relationships.
• Provides therapy to individuals and families as assigned by Navigation Team and LGBTQ+ Manager, which may include seeing clients at Coalition’s Oxnard or Simi Valley offices, or virtually.
• Advocates for client needs with law enforcement, district attorney’s office and other outside agencies.
• Collaborates with outside agencies regarding counseling, victim resources, and other miscellaneous needs in order to offer appropriate referrals to clients.
• Attends required individual and group supervision with assigned Clinical Supervisor.
• Collects clinical file documents as required by Navigation Team filing protocol; prepares client assessments, treatment plans, exit interviews and other client documentation for confidential storage.
• Maintains weekly therapy records including counselor notes and records of payment in Theranest.
• Attends weekly/monthly staff meetings with appropriate department(s) to remain updated on policies and practices, trainings, and more.
• Attends internal and local trainings/conferences on issues pertaining to domestic violence, sexual assault, underserved populations, and more.
• Provides CFH staff and community partners with two (2) clinical-focused education and training on LGBTQ+ issues in the fiscal year.
• Supports with development of one (1) new training for medical providers on LGBTQ+ survivor-centered practices.

• Meets quarterly with local high schools to provide coordinated services for LGBTQ+ youth survivors of violence.
• Completes other duties as assigned by the LGBTQ+ Program Manager and Clinical Program Manager.

Schedule

Educational Requirements
●Bachelor’s Degrees in gender studies, psychology, sociology, social services, or other applicable fields are preferred.

Certifications

Physical Requirements
• Ability to speak English fluently is required; bilingual in English and Spanish fluently is preferred.
• Must have the ability to communicate with clientele over the phone, electronically and in-person.
• Central air and heating is available in the main office and can be controlled by staff.
• May be required to stand, sit, stoop, bend, and lift/move up to 20 lbs.
• Coalition for Family Harmony may accommodate these physical requirements upon request.

Mental/Social Requirements
• Must be able to demonstrate working effectively with and showing respect to all survivors of violence, including those from diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, socioeconomic, sexual preferences and/or identities, gender identities/expression, and political backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate verbally and write clearly and professionally is required.
• Must demonstrate ability to navigate crises and solve problems independently, using best judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Must maintain a positive, friendly, and welcoming attitude with staff and clients.
• Must utilize assertiveness, professionalism and non-violent communication when handling issues with staff or clients.
• Basic computer literacy in Microsoft Office programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Basic knowledge of general office equipment is required.
• Regularly expanding knowledge base on topics of gendered violence, impacts of domestic and sexual assault on the community, working with survivors of violence, and more by reading literature, blog and news posts, etc. is expected.

OTHER INFORMATION