Community Engagement Liaison

Title: Community Engagement Liaison

Organization: The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity (The Center)

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: In-Person; Kern County (Bakersfield), CA

To apply, email your resume/CV and cover letter to execdirector@thecenterbak.org.

We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

About The Center

The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity (The Center) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender community (LGBTQIA2S+) in Kern County, California.

Mission and Values

​The Center is an easy access hub providing safe, supportive spaces and services to Kern County’s LGBTQIA2S+ community and allies. We welcome persons of all identities and strive toward a goal of creating a feeling of belonging for all persons while serving as a bridge connecting to the greater community in Kern County.

Location: The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity - The RISE Annex - 4801 Truxtun Street, Suite 201 Bakersfield Ca. 93309 and The Center -Downtown 902 18th St. Bakersfield Ca 93303

Organization Summary

The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity is a vital hub in Kern County, dedicated to delivering essential healthcare and support services to the LGBTQIA2S+ community and its allies. Committed to providing a safe, supportive space, The Center welcomes individuals of all identities, aiming to cultivate a sense of belonging and connection. It serves as a critical link in delivering mental health services and support, addressing the unique needs of the LGBTQIA2S+ community while bridging them with the broader community in Kern County. With a mission focused on wellness, advocacy and education, and with a vision grounded in social justice, The Center is actively expanding in its new phase to enhance its role in promoting access to resources and supporting the well-being of the diverse community it serves.

The Opportunity

As a Community Engagement Liaison at The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, your role is pivotal as you are a first point of contact with folks reaching out to receive Center services. You will play a key role in outreach and education efforts connecting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies with vital resources available at The Center, with our partners and with others throughout Kern County. This involves not only identifying but also facilitating access to crucial services, support programs, and educational resources tailored to the community's unique needs. As part of your duties, you will maintain and regularly update a comprehensive network of resources, ensuring that community members are well-informed and have straightforward access to the necessary support and care. Additionally CHWs will participate in outreach & community events to share information on the Center 's programming and resources. As peer support providers, Community Health Workers will have critical input in the expansion and design of our peer support program and will participate in special projects and development as needed.

Successful Candidates

Successful candidates will be compassionate and culturally competent who are comfortable with change and have a strong commitment to advocacy and education within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. They should have a clear understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, with an ability to provide sensitive and inclusive care. Our ideal candidate will be social and enjoy building connections and fostering a sense of belonging among diverse individuals. We are looking for someone who is adaptable to change and working in busy environments, as phone calls and engaging with walk-in community members are a major part of this work. Their approach should be proactive, empathetic, and collaborative, ready to embrace change as part of contributing meaningfully to the Center’s mission of bridging the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with the broader Kern County community. The ideal candidate will be lifelong learners, driven, a team player, and someone interested in advancing The Center’s mission and values.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Work in our Downtown Community Center and our Administrative Offices to be the first point of contact between the community & The Center; receive walk-ins, answer phone calls, and emails and direct community members to appropriate next steps.
• Attend regular staff meetings, professional development training, and other meetings as requested.
• Manage client info and maintain HIPAA compliance at all times.
• Serve as a crucial link between resources, services, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, helping folks access culturally competent care.
• Travel to surrounding areas in Kern County, including Wasco, Delano, Taft, Ridgecrest, and Tehachapi, to support clients and participate in various events as planned and needed.
• Participate in community outreach, educational training, and Center events as needed.
• Establish working partnerships with organizations in surrounding communities.
• Educate and support clients in understanding their needs and developing strategies to improve their well-being.
• Embrace learning 2SLGBTQIA+ culture, expectations, and best practices.
• Exhibit excellent working relations with clients, visitors, and staff,
• Establish trusting relationships with clients and visitors. Conduct motivational interviewing, goal setting, and peer counseling with clients and families. Assist them in setting goals and gaining access to resources
• Perform follow-ups with clients & community members through phone calls/text/email and visits to other settings.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources appropriate to the needs of patients and families.
• Provide referrals to community agencies and link people to healthcare and social service resources using culturally appropriate terms.
• Other special projects and duties as assigned

Minimum Experience & Qualifications

1. Bilingual, Proficient in Spanish & English
2. Minimum high school diploma
3. Community volunteer experience
4. A desire to improve the wellbeing of individuals and whole communities
5. Ability to talk in person and on the phone with clients and visitors.
6. Ability to maintaining professional relationships and a positive attitude
7. Excellent attention to detail and follow-up

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

1. Bilingual, Proficient in Spanish & English
2. Proficient in Zoom, Google Workspace, Powerpoint, and Excel
3. Experience as Community Health Worker or in a community-based role, social service role, or another similar role.
4. Experience working with diverse cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, with specific understanding and sensitivity to LGBTQIA2S+ issues.
5. Knowledge of social services and ability to help clients find necessary resources.
6. Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills; anticipates consequences of actions and potential problems; ability to enact change quickly
7. Ability to make decisions independently after training
8. Able to work with small and larger teams collaboratively

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off

Schedule & Location

• Monday - Friday
• 9am - 6pm
• In-Person - Bakersfield, California
• Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Salary Range

$19 per hour