St. John’s proposes to implement the evidence-based intervention AFFIRM Youth to young LGBTQIA of color. The intervention is proven to be effective in addressing mental health issues and behavioral risks by implementing strategies aimed at helping clients modify unhelpful thoughts, create support networks, engage in healthy and affirming behaviors and sustain hope. Complimenting the intervention are additional services that include primary care (medical and dental), MAT, advocacy and services identified during the initial intake and succeeding sessions. A dedicated space (clubhouse) located within St. John’s Roosevelt High School school-based health center site in East Los Angeles, California, will be available during operation hours. It is part of a coordinated effort to address the needs of LGBTQIA youth in Los Angeles and San Bernardino County. The requested grant will be focused on efforts in East Los Angeles. 

To inform the project’s impact, a Community Advisory Board (CAB) consisting six (6) members of the targeted population will be recruited and convened at the start of implementation. The CAB will provide input in program design, implementation, marketing, outreach and peer support after being trained with a cohort of six (6) LGBTQIA teens of color from the high schools will participate in an eight (8) week intervention addressing the different problems encountered by the teens. Groups will be recruited through the peer’s network and through cooperation with school administrators. There will be group and one-on-one counseling sessions conducted by culturally competent staff with lived experiences. Topics for discussion include peer pressure, coping skills, social interactions. Participants may also join one of St. John’s student Right to Health Committee (RTHC) to learn grass roots advocacy. They and their families are referred to additional services by a dedicated case worker, who is a representative of the community, and link them to primary care, addressing food or housing insecurity, MAT services, benefits counseling and other services that students and their caregivers may need. Participation will be incentivized through gift certificates and by providing food during sessions as well as engagement materials (t-shirts, water bottles, etc.). Pre and post surveys will be offered to participants to measure success of the intervention. Additional learnings will be gained through self-assessment tools to measure improvement. Outcomes are shared with members of the team where recommendations for program change will be solicited, if needed. There will be a dedicated session for caregivers to address mental health challenges they experience. Caregivers will be referred to mental health services, as needed, including MAT and behavioral services.

This position is grant funded. The grant is scheduled to expire on November 30^th, 2024, unless sooner terminated or extended. The grant may or may not be funded again after that date. Your employment beyond the grant expiration date is not guaranteed. Should the grant not be funded, you are eligible and encouraged to apply for another position within the agency.

Benefits:

• Free Medical, Dental & Vision
• 13 Paid Holidays PTO
• 403 (B) retirement match
• Life Insurance, EAP
• Tuition Reimbursement
• SEIU Union
• Flexible Spending Account
• Continued workforce development & training
• Succession plans & growth within

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: (Required) 

• High School/Equivalent

Experience:

• At least two prior case coordinator/management experience
• Database management knowledge and experience desired
• Bilingual English/Spanish (Preferred)
• Proficient Microsoft Office and Excel (familiarity with medical terminology).
• Self Motivated to work independently and with the team
• Initiative and excellent organization skills
• Ability to work with diverse groups
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally
• Ability to meet deadlines

Project Responsibilities

St. John’s will achieve the following goals during the proposed 12-month grant period:

• Complete 250 active outreach to LGBTQIA youth of color, education and linkage to service;
• 24 LGBTQIA students of color will complete the AFFIRM intervention and report improved mental health;
• 48 LGBTQIA students of color will be linked to individual or group psychotherapy and/or recovery services;
• 48 LGBTQIA students of color will be linked to enabling services by a case manager.
• Referral Management – Manage all outgoing and incoming referrals; Provide referral updates to Providers. 
• Database Management – Manage Referral Activity Spreadsheets.
• Case Conference – Develop client care plans when appropriate; Participate in monthly Case Conference meetings and other scheduled partner meetings as needed.
• Evaluation – Support Project Director in data collection and evaluation planning.
• Other – Support the Project Director with other aspects of the Initiative when appropriate.