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+ Inclusivity, 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.

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 initially, in-person at office in Sacramento located at 2520 Venture Oaks Way Sacramento, CA 95833, with potential to shortly grow into hybrid positions. 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:

Required

·        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   Qualified 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 with experience in LGBTQ+ community programs.

•       Ethical leadership promoting a psychologically healthy workplace and commitment to youth empowerment.

•       Strong communication skills, community outreach, and leadership experience.

•       Collaborative, innovative, and detail-oriented with knowledge of public policy.

•       Proficient in Microsoft Office and social media platforms for LGBTQ+ individuals.

•       Willingness to travel across California, work flexible hours, and engage in collaborative partnerships.

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 in the Subject Line “LIVE Co-Project Coordinator” and please include: 

1.      Cover Letter

2.      Resume