Working with LGBT+ people- advice needed.

Hello there,

Thank you for reaching out. I am a member of the LGBT HERO support team. It is so wonderful to hear that you are looking to work with LGBT+ people!!

Before I landed this incredible job at LGBT HERO, I too, spent a long time trying to figure out how to get into this line of work. You are not alone. Many people struggle to get their first job in their chosen field.

In terms of where to find opportunities, there are lots of jobs that might be of interest to you that can be found on the Charity Job website. Unlike other job sites, you can search through jobs that are only in the charity sector, which often includes counsellors and social workers. It might also be useful to follow LGBT charities and community organisations on social media as they often post about job roles, particularly on Twitter and Instagram. This is also a great way to stay updated in terms of volunteering opportunities. If you are unsure of who to follow, have a look at the organisations that LGBT HERO are following on our Instagram account.

Although working in counselling and social work will most likely require specific training and qualifications, you can get fully involved in volunteering whilst you learn. After all, there is only so much you can learn in theory, it can be sometimes much more valuable to learn in practice. In my personal experience, if you haven't yet got the qualifications, it doesn't always mean you're not capable of doing a job. Many organisations look beyond that on CVs and look for evidence of dedication to a cause and proof that you are passionate about helping people. So, the more volunteering you do, or even just life experience that you have, it can actually set you apart when it comes to applying for jobs in these sectors.

There are sometimes internships or apprenticeships available. This might be a more competitive application process and can mean significantly lower pay than a part-time or full-time job, but it usually means you will be provided with the necessary training if you can demonstrate your passion to work in this sector.

Above all, try to keep a positive mindset when looking for a job. I experienced a lot of rejection during my search, sometimes after working incredibly hard to write the perfect cover letter I didn't even hear back. A lot of time and effort goes into each application, it can be quite disappointing and tiring, but in the end it is worth all of it! If this is something you are really passionate about, then I am sure you will find a position that you love.

I hope this helps!

With kindness,

Sunflower