Queer Youth Services Coordinator

Northwest Youth Services•Bellingham, WA

15h•$27 - $30

About The Position

The Whatcom County Queer Youth Services (QYS) Coordinator is a community-based position that works to ensure that LGBTQIA2S+ youth across Whatcom County have information and access to affirming services and support. This position connects directly with youth and requires the utmost professionalism, demonstrating passion and competence in a dynamic environment of street and community outreach; raises awareness of NWYS and QYS through education and relationship-building with schools and youth-serving organizations; and provides direct support to LGBTQIA2S+ youth. The QYS Coordinator reports to the Director of Whatcom Services and is part of the Whatcom Services team. They will work closely with the Skagit County QYS Coordinator, the Whatcom and Skagit County Outreach Teams, the Ground Floor Drop-In Center, and the PAD Youth Residential Program.

Requirements

Six years of combined education and experience in working with youth. Relevant experience may include community-based work, outreach, advocacy, direct service, lived experience, training, or formal education
Valid Washington State driver’s license, acceptable driving record, proof of auto insurance, and ability to use a personal vehicle for work-related travel and youth transportation
Background check clearance
CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogens certifications required
Must have negative TB test
Full understanding of the CPS mandatory reporting requirements
Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and integrity, including maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality
Strong communication skills, including clear information sharing, active listening, and respectful, direct dialogue
Initiative and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take ownership of work and approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset
Sound judgment and critical thinking, including understanding role boundaries, following policies, and seeking guidance when needed
Commitment to continuous learning, reflection, and professional growth
Effective time and task management, with the ability to prioritize work and adapt to changing demands
Flexibility and adaptability in dynamic, community-based environments
Commitment to equity-centered practice, including cultural humility, awareness of systemic barriers, and respectful engagement across diverse identities and lived experiences

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience working with system-involved youth and/or youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Training in de-escalation, harm reduction, mental health first aid, trauma-informed care, or related areas
Lived experience relevant to the youth and communities served
Bilingual in English/Spanish

Responsibilities

Participate in street outreach with NWYS and partner organizations, connecting LGBTQIA2S+ youth to Queer Youth Services and other NWYS programs
Engage youth through school-based outreach in middle schools, high schools, alternative schools, and school-based groups
Maintain presence in community-based settings, including food banks, libraries, community centers, shelters, juvenile detention facilities, and relevant locations
Distribute gender-affirming and reproductive health care supplies and information
Provide one-on-one support, information, referrals, and practical assistance tailored to LGBTQIA2S+ youth based on their identified needs
Offer one-on-one support and advocacy, including help navigating health care, housing options, and community resources
Assist youth with obtaining public benefits such as food assistance, health insurance, SSI, and cash benefits
Support youth in obtaining essential documents such as identification cards and Social Security cards
Connect youth to legal, medical, and community partners as appropriate
Provide emotional support and help youth build connections to safe family, community, cultural, and identity-affirming services
Transport youth using a personal vehicle to appointments, services, or safe locations in accordance with agency policies
Accurately document services, contacts, and activities according to program standards
Collaborate with schools, community groups, and youth-serving organizations to increase awareness of Queer Youth Services, Northwest Youth Services programs, and available supports
Share information with community partners about protected health care, youth rights, and access to affirming services
Build and maintain relationships with schools and youth-serving organizations to strengthen referrals and coordinated support for youth
Serve as a point of contact for community partners seeking information about QYS and NWYS services
Coordinate logistics for QYS activities so youth can reliably access services
Organize and support outreach activities and community events for the QYS Program
Track outreach, services, and supply distribution for internal reporting and program planning
Maintain accurate client records in accordance with agency policy and legal confidentiality requirements
Communicate regularly with the Director of Whatcom Services and the Executive Director about program progress and emerging needs
Participate in program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts
Attend required meetings, trainings, and professional development activities

Benefits

Earn paid time off based on hours worked
Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits begin first of the month following date of hire (positions at or above 0.75 FTE)
Voluntary life, critical illness, long term disability, and accident insurance eligibility begins first of the month following date of hire (positions at or above 0.75 FTE)
Simple IRA Retirement plan with match up to 3% of employee contributions, per pay period, after first year of employment
NWYS sponsored Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Annual Healing Fund stipend
Twelve paid holidays annually

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