Mental Health Specialist

Garden State Equality lifts up the diverse voices of LGBTQ communities through education and advocacy to advance the movement for equality in New Jersey and nationally. We work tirelessly to ensure the communities we serve experience lived equality. Garden State Equality is the largest LGBTQ advocacy organization in New Jersey, with over 150,000 members. Established in 2004, we are now one of the most successful statewide LGBTQ civil rights organizations in the nation. Our services include advocacy, policy work, and trainings. We work to address safe environments for youth, improvement of health services that meet LGBTQ community needs, and respectful treatment of seniors. Beyond that, Garden State Equality supports New Jersey’s activist community by bringing an LGBTQ lens to the shared struggle for justice. All our current work is informed by racial, economic, and disability justice concerns. We envision a vibrant and diverse Garden State with full equality in the law and LGBTQ residents of all backgrounds experiencing equality in their lives.

The Mental Health Specialist works alongside the camp leadership team, and will be responsible for providing short-term mental health and wellness services to campers aged 14-17. The Mental Health Specialist will provide emotional support and guidance using evidence-based approaches. The Mental Health Specialist will be responsible for having difficult conversations with youth in an outdoor camp setting, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ and/or members of marginalized communities. Camp will run from August 17th, 2024 through August 23rd, 2024.

Our student delegates will be participating in a series of workshops focused on, but not limited to, racism, gender identity and sexual orientation, power and privilege, body positivity and self love, religion/faith, acceptance, and inclusion. Through these workshops, students will create, facilitate, and experience collaborative, student-led activities that will not only be fun, but will foster deep connections for all of our participants from different parts of the state. In addition to participating in leadership work, students will have the chance to participate in a plethora of fun camp activities like rock climbing, canoeing, archery, swimming, talent show night and so much more.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide mental health services for campers as needed.
  • This can be a one on one conversation, or a group session.
• Incorporate daily 30 minute wellness practice sessions for all campers and camp staff.
• Bring resources to camp that campers can leave with in order to keep up with wellness practices.
• Provide referral recommendations for mental health services in their counties if asked for.
• Maintain a professional, supportive, compassionate and inclusive demeanor throughout the program.
  • This will include supporting students and staff through difficult conversations, uplifting individuals after emotionally heavy content, and encouraging and leading positive and affirming dialogue.
• Mentor the delegates throughout the program, ensuring that participants remain engaged, focused, secure, and safe every day.
• Supervise and support camp counselors and advisors throughout the duration of the camp program.
• Ensure that schedules are maintained throughout the duration of the program as closely as possible.
• Ability to work long days, sometimes outside in the heat, while maintaining a positive attitude.

• Provide feedback to the Camp Director and leadership staff.
• Aid in analyzing the flow of each day and work with the Director to make any necessary changes to schedules and programming.
• Help maintain cleanliness in all spaces, both inside and outside.
• Create a positive and nurturing environment that promotes social, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Assist camp director with any day to day operational needs as they arise.
• Attend all trainings, both virtually and in person, prior to the start of camp.
• Uphold, model, and amplify the mission of Garden State Equality.
• A formal evaluation will be conducted at the conclusion of the camp session.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/EXPERIENCE:

• Must have, or currently enrolled in a program to receive, a Master’s degree in Social Work, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Psychology or related field from an accredited university or college. Licensure is a plus but not required.
• Experience providing mental health services to diverse youth.
• A strong understanding of the varying needs of the LGBTQ youth population.
• Experience leading and navigating difficult conversations with youth.
• A familiarity with working with diverse populations with an emphasis on community building, collaboration, and inclusive practices.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed principles, evidence-based treatment modalities, and cultural competence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills rooted in empathy, radical kindness, and person-centered approach.
• Commitment to empowering youth throughout all stages of their time at camp.
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification required.
  • If not currently certified, individuals must become certified prior to camp.
• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 30 pounds, as well as be on your feet for extended periods of time participating in activities ranging from hiking, swimming, canoeing, meditation, etc.
• Must be able to pass a government background check and reference checks.

PAYMENT/ROOM & BOARD:

• All camp staff will be paid a competitive flat rate for a 10 day commitment. This includes 6 days of camp and 4 additional days of training. Training days may not be full days.
• Staff will be provided lodging for the duration of the camp program.
• Staff will be provided with all meals and snacks for the duration of the program.
• Staff will receive daily breaks provided throughout the session.
• Staff will receive payment after the duration of the summer camp program.

TO APPLY:

Send cover letter & resume by email to:

Natalie Hernandez, Camp Coordinator

Email: hernandez@gardenstateequality.org

Be sure to specify “Summer Camp Mental Health Specialist” in your cover letter. No phone calls or visits, please. Qualified candidates will be contacted to set up a virtual interview with our leadership team.

TO APPLY:

Send cover letter & resume by email to:

Natalie Hernandez, Camp Coordinator

Email: hernandez@gardenstateequality.orgBe sure to specify “Summer Camp Advisor” in your cover letter. No phone calls or visits, please. Qualified candidates will be contacted to set up a virtual interview with our leadership team.