LIVE (LGBTQ+ lnclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment) Program Coordinator

LIVE (LGBTQ+ lnclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment) Program Coordinator

Mental Health America of California (MHAC)

 Founded in 1957, MHAC's mission is to ensure that people of all ages, sexual orientation, gender and ethnicity, who require mental health support and services, are able to live full and productive lives, receive the behavioral health support and services and other services that they need, and are not denied any other benefits, services, rights, or opportunities based on their need for mental health services.

Under the supervision of our Director of Programs, two LIVE (LGBTQ+ lnclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment) Program Coordinators will work to empower LGBTQ+ voice in behavioral health (mental health and substance use) policy issues, ensure that their perspective is represented in policy discussions and decisions at the local and state levels, and educate behavioral health professionals and decision makers on LGBTQ+ individuals' recommendations for behavioral health systems transformation.

More specifically, the Program Coordinators will be responsible for co-managing relationships with 14 LLEs (Local Level Entities) that provide advocacy and behavioral health supports/services to the LGBTQ+ community across California. These 14 LLEs are split up across 5 regional #WERKgroups, with whom the Program Coordinators will engage to host advocacy events that bring together LGBTQ+ individuals, connect them to behavioral health supports and services, elevate their needs to local and statewide decision makers, and ultimately empower them to be a part of the change they want to see for their communities..

We seek two Program  Coordinators to join the LIVE team. reporting to the MHAC Director of Programs.   This is in-person at office in Sacramento located at 2520 Venture Oaks Way Sacramento, CA 95833, with potential to grow into hybrid position. Must be able and willing to travel to our partners across the State of California (our organization will cover the cost of travel for the purpose of work outside of our Sacramento office).

Ideal Commitment: minimum 2 years with opportunities for growth

What You Get To Do: 

·        Cultivate an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that celebrates diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.

·        Collaborate with team to lead the development and implementation of MHAC's Statewide LIVE Program, ensuring timely completion of deliverables.

·        Provide advocacy training and presentations to empower LGBTQ+ individuals and amplify their voices.

·        Research and identify advocacy opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals at local and statewide levels.

·        Engage decision-making bodies across the State to uplift the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and the communities they belong to.

·        Represent MHAC in the community through networking, collaboration, and participation in LGBTQ+ advocacy spaces.

·        Lead #WERKgroup meetings, conference calls, and webinars in collaboration with the Director of Programs.

·        Conduct extensive outreach to expand MHAC's network and reach within the LGBTQ+ community.

·        Work with #WERKgroups to elevate and empower the voices of LGBTQ+ Community-Based Organizations in advocacy forums, meetings, and events, ensuring their perspectives are represented.

·        Develop advocacy tools and talking points tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ Community-Based Organizations, amplifying their concerns and priorities.

·        Collaborate with team to establish annual policy priorities and goals, operationalizing strategies for effective advocacy.

·        Participate in statewide committees and workgroups to advocate for LGBTQ+ mental health needs and advance MHAC's mission.

·        Build relationships with community stakeholders, including government agencies, advocacy groups, and LGBTQ+ wellness centers, to promote collaboration and collective advocacy efforts.

·        Work with MHAC's Director of Public Policy, Public Policy Coordinator, and Director of Programs to develop recommendations, position papers, and policy briefs.

·        Collaborate with MHAC's Public Policy team to monitor LGBTQ+ mental health policy and legislative developments, ensuring proactive engagement and response to relevant actions.

What We Expect From You:

Mandatory

·        You are a Peer {someone who has/had experience with mental health challenges).

·        Have lived experience as an LGBTQ+ individual and with the behavioral health, juvenile justice, housing security, and/or foster care systems.

·        Possess a current Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification OR

o   If not, CAPS Academy would train the employee to achieve Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification.

o   Must meet qualifications to become Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certified: https://caps.academy/trainings-peer-supporters-academy.html

·        Commitment to MHAC's mission.

Desired

·        Applicants from historically marginalized groups are encouraged to apply.

·        Minimum of two years of experience with community programs and/or two years of experience working or volunteering with LGBTQ+ serving organizations.

·        Ability to lead and manage ethically, and with integrity, in all areas of the position.

·        Ability to support MHAC's psychologically healthy and safe workplace culture.

·        Understanding of, and commitment to, youth leadership development and empowerment.

·        Excellent written and oral communication skills.

·        Experience in community outreach and group facilitation.

·        Proven success in a leadership role with ability to oversee diverse projects, deliverables and implement program goals and objectives.

·        Innovative spirit that thrives with collaborative teams.

·        Community organizing experience and/or knowledge of public policy and legislative process.

·        Ability to translate real-life issues and barriers to behavioral health services into policy recommendations and action plans.

·        Highly organized and detail-oriented.

·        Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and social media platforms utilized by transitional aged youth (LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS}.

·        Commitment to travel across California and ability to work evenings and occasional weekends as needed.

·        Experience with collaborative partnerships.

·        Demonstrated history of effectively engaging youth and young adults in community discussions, forums, or workshops.

·        Understanding of mental health policy issues and the impact of stigma.

What You Can Expect From Us:

·        Empathetic and mission-minded team

·        A competitive salary up to $65,000

·        Competitive Package: Employer covers 100% of employee medical (and up to 3 dependents), dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture and herbal therapy benefits, life insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), and travel assistance coverage. 403(b) retirement plan.

·        Yearly Paid Time Off: 16 holidays, 10 days accrued vacation, and 10 days accrued sick leave

·        Typically 37.5 hours in a work week

·        Responsibility and professional growth

·        The chance to work with a great team of people, make a difference, and most importantly, the room to be yourself

Email your resume to HR@mhac.org

Put “LIVE Co-Project Coordinator” in the Subject Link

To be eligible for this position, we Must receive:

1.       Cover Letter
2.       Resume and
3.      One-page writing sample