Jobs, Internships & Volunteer Work

Current Job Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in employment at Cayenne Wellness Center. See below for a list of current job opportunities.

Location: Glendale, CA 91205 (Hybrid) Hours/Per Week: 40
Employment Type: Full-Time | Salary/Exempt

ABOUT US:

Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Foundation (CWC) is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving health outcomes and decreasing mortality related to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Our mission is to increase the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with SCD in California by ensuring expert, unbiased, and comprehensive care. This mission is part of a broader vision of (1) a medical system that effectively addresses the unique needs of the 7,000 residents living with SCD in California and (2) empowered patients who are equipped to advocate for themselves.  Are you ready to help every Sickle Cell Warrior live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible?  Are you ready to engage with a mission-driven organization that is life-changing to many, and touches the hearts of all?

OVERVIEW:

We are a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to empowering persons and their families living with sickle cell disease. We are seeking a Director to assist our Executive Director in leading our organization into its next phase of growth. This person will be a passionate advocate for our mission, embodying and promoting our core values while articulating a compelling vision for our future.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the organization, overseeing all aspects, including program development, fundraising, budget management, community outreach, and staff operations, with the primary goal of achieving the organization’s mission through effective strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

Core Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategic Vision

  • Regularly assess departmental progress and provide the ED with strategic insights and recommendations for operational improvements.
  • Develop and implement a long-term strategic vision, setting benchmarks for CWC’s growth, advocacy, and sustainability over the next 25+ years.
  • Oversee education, advocacy, and support programs (e.g., SCD community groups, state/national advocacy with Sickle Cells).
  • Ensure program execution aligns with CWC’s mission (e.g., MH&W, STAC, March on Hospital).

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

  • Meet regularly with the grant team to assess funding needs and determine whether a Director of Development is necessary.
  • Lead federal and state funding initiatives to expand resources for CWC.
  • Ensure donor engagement strategies are effectively managed and that fundraising initiatives align with long-term financial sustainability goals.
  • Oversee fundraising, event planning, and grant writing to ensure financial sustainability.

Operational & Team Oversight (Delegation & Accountability)

The Director ensures departmental efficiency through leadership, strategy, and accountability, while delegating execution to designated managers and staff.

Program & Community Outreach (Program Manager, CHW Lead, Marketing Manager)

  • Ensure program managers oversee day-to-day execution, impact measurement, and reporting.
  • CHW Lead should directly engage the community and execute initiatives without gaps.
  • The Marketing Manager should drive public engagement, social media presence, and visibility.

Finance (Finance Manager)

  • Responsible for budgeting, grant compliance, and vendor payments.
  • The Director ensures fiscal sustainability through high-level oversight, collaborating with the Finance Manager to maintain compliance and budgetary alignment.

Human Resources & Administrative Support (HR Manager, Administrative Assistant)

  • HR Manager should lead all recruitment efforts, maintain job board presence, conduct interviews, and ensure compliance.
  • HR and the Director should work in lockstep to ensure staff performance through check-ins, performance tracking, and proactive management.
  • HR should manage documentation, training, and compliance-related updates.
  • The Administrative Assistant should manage scheduling, meeting coordination, and office documentation to ensure leadership can focus on strategic priorities.

Community & External Relations

  • Serve as a key representative of CWC at community events, fostering partnerships and identifying opportunities to enhance organizational visibility and impact.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with community-based organizations (CBOs) and strategic partners.

Other Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee and implement team skill development & leadership training.
  • Identify and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all departments.
  • Support organizational culture

Qualifications & Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree (required); Doctoral degree (preferred, especially in public health, nonprofit management, or a related field).
  • 3–5 years of executive leadership experience in a nonprofit organization (6+ years preferred).
  • Strong skills in leadership, fundraising, public speaking, and organizational strategy.
  • Proven experience in team development, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Expertise in grant writing, nonprofit fundraising, and donor relations.
  • Background in public health or nonprofit operations.
  • Ability to inspire and manage teams while upholding accountability.

Work Location & Benefits:

  • Hybrid role based in Glendale, CA 91205.
  • Medical benefits included.

To Apply

Email your:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Three professional references

to yolanda@cayennewellness.org

Subject line: Director – Application

Location: Southern California
Employment Type: Full-Time
Hours/Per Week: 40

About Us:

Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Foundation (CWC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving health outcomes and decreasing mortality among individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Our work centers on ensuring Californians living with SCD receive comprehensive, equitable, culturally responsive care and are empowered to advocate for themselves.

CHW II plays a critical role in patient education, care navigation, advocacy, and strengthening community partnerships across California.

Position Summary

The CHW II reports directly to the CHW III (Team Leader), who provides supervision, coaching, and accountability support to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery.

The Community Health Worker II is an experienced, independently functioning community health professional who provides direct client support, health education, resource navigation, and care coordination for individuals diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease.

Under the supervision of the CHW III (Team Leader), the CHW II is responsible for:

  • Providing culturally responsive health education
  • Building and maintaining partnerships with local agencies and providers
  • Conducting client assessments and care coordination
  • Supporting patient empowerment through advocacy and system navigation
  • Ensuring accurate and timely documentation
  • Serving as a mentor and support for the CHW I staff

This role requires strong initiative, consistent follow-through, accurate documentation, and demonstrated accountability. Performance will be evaluated against clearly defined outreach, education, and case management metrics.

Key Responsibilities

Client Support, Education & Care Coordination

  • Conduct home visits, client assessments, and individualized care coordination plans.
  • Provide evidence-based health education related to SCD, treatments, and self-management.
  • Assist clients with accessing medical homes, insurance navigation, and community resources.
  • Support families in understanding SCD-related care and treatment options.

Outreach & Community Engagement

  • Develop partnerships with hospitals, clinics, schools, churches, and CBOs (Community-Based Organizations) to expand support networks.
  • Identify a minimum of three new individuals with SCD per month, ensuring linkage to care within two months.
  • Conduct outreach activities, health education sessions, and community presentations.

Case Management & Follow-Up

  • Conduct timely follow-up with all assigned clients and document outcomes.
  • Support emerging adults during transition from pediatric to adult care (minimum twice per year).
  • Provide social support such as transportation coordination, counseling referrals, and resource assistance.

Documentation & Reporting

  • Maintain complete, accurate, and HIPAA-compliant notes in CWC databases.
  • Submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to CHW III.
  • Track performance metrics and progress toward program goals.

Collaboration & Team Support

  • Mentor and assist CHW I staff by modeling best practices and providing guidance.
  • Participate in team meetings and support workflow improvements.
  • Represent CWC at community events, outreach activities, and partner meetings.
  • The CHW I/II is responsible for completing assigned tasks, maintaining timely documentation, and responding promptly to direction from the CHW III.

Additional Duties May Include

  • Supporting community events such as blood drives and health fairs.
  • Assisting with meeting organization or facilitation.
  • Participating in networking and community organizing efforts.

Professional Development Expectations

  • Mandatory participation in quarterly professional development sessions.
  • Apply training in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, documentation excellence, cultural humility, and advocacy.
  • Track and report completion of required annual professional development hours.
  • The CHW I/II is expected to maintain open communication with their CHW III supervisor, participate in scheduled check-ins, and follow established workflows and documentation standards.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.
  • SCDAA Community Health Worker Certificate.
  • 3–4 years of experience as a CHW or in community-based services.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and meet defined metrics and deadlines.
  • Knowledge of health systems, community resources, HIPAA, and basic SCD-related terminology.
  • Valid CA driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working with SCD populations or similar chronic disease communities.
  • Bilingual Spanish–English.
  • Experience with CBO partnerships or regional outreach.

Success Profile – Who Thrives in This Role

  • A proactive, organized self-starter with strong follow-through.
  • A community-centered professional skilled in education, advocacy, and navigation.
  • Someone who embraces accountability, documentation excellence, and measurable results.
  • An individual committed to culturally responsive care and health equity.

Why Join CWC

As CHW II, you directly impact the health, well-being, and empowerment of individuals and families navigating Sickle Cell Disease. You will engage in meaningful work, strengthen communities, and help drive health equity across California.

To Apply

Email your:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Three professional references

to Yolanda@CayenneWellness.org

Subject line: Community Health Worker II Inland Empire – Application

Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to prepare a 30-, 60-, and 90-day action plan that outlines how they will:

  • Begin building partnerships in their assigned region
  • Establish an outreach schedule and identify potential community contacts
  • Approach client engagement, education, and follow-up
  • Meet documentation expectations, including accuracy and timeliness
  • Begin identifying individuals diagnosed with SCD and link them to a medical home
  • Learn and apply CWC protocols, workflows, and communication standards
  • Integrate into the CHW team and develop their personal system for organization and time management

This plan should demonstrate the candidate’s understanding of the CHW II role, their approach to outreach and client support, and their readiness to work independently while aligning with CWC’s mission.

Current Internships & Volunteer Opportunities

California Sickle Cell Disease Mental Health & Wellness Services

Location: Hybrid; services are offered in person in the greater Los Angeles area and virtually across California
Employment Type: Internship
Hours/Per Week: Determined in partnership with the intern’s school to meet field placement requirements

About Us:

Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Foundation (CWC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving health outcomes and decreasing mortality among individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Our work centers on ensuring Californians living with SCD receive comprehensive, equitable, culturally responsive care and are empowered to advocate for themselves.

Program Philosophy: Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Care

People living with SCD often face chronic pain, medical racism, stigma, and repeated losses, all of which can be traumatic and impact mental health. This internship is grounded in trauma-informed principles—safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural humility—so that interns learn to care for the whole person, not just their diagnosis.

Interns are trained and supervised to:

  • Build trusting, nonjudgmental relationships with clients and families
  • Recognize the impact of trauma, chronic illness, and systemic inequities on mental health and coping
  • Support self-advocacy within complex medical and social service systems

Core Learning Goals

By the end of the internship, MSW interns will be able to:

  • Provide trauma-informed clinical case management to individuals and families living with SCD in collaboration with Community Health Workers (CHWs)
  • Facilitate psycho-educational and support groups that promote coping, resilience, and community connection
  • Assess psychosocial needs and develop person-centered plans of care that address medical, emotional, social, and structural needs (e.g., housing, childcare, transportation, school, work)
  • Collaborate effectively on a multidisciplinary team and participate in agency-wide initiatives that advance health equity for the SCD community

Internship Objectives and Activities

1. Trauma-Informed Clinical Case Management

Interns support a CHW in one or more regions of California, depending on service needs. Under licensed clinical supervision, interns:

  • Conduct psychosocial assessments with individuals living with SCD and their families
  • Provide clinical case management (phone, virtual, and in-person, depending on location)
  • Coordinate referrals and warm handoffs to medical providers, mental health services, housing and financial resources, education supports, and other community agencies
  • Document services and progress using trauma-informed, strengths-based language

Interns learn to assess and build meaningful relationships with warriors and pace interventions in ways that honor safety, choice, and cultural context.

2. Group Facilitation and Psycho-education

MSW interns co-facilitate monthly support groups for individuals with SCD and/or their caregivers, with supervision and preparation support. Group activities may include:

  • Psycho-education about SCD, mental health, coping skills, and navigating healthcare
  • Peer-support spaces for sharing lived experience and building connection
  • Skills-based sessions (e.g., stress management, pain coping, communication with providers)

Interns practice creating emotionally and physically safe group environments, setting collaborative norms, and responding sensitively to stories of trauma and discrimination.

3. Agency Project

Each intern completes an agency project aligned with the California SCD Mental Health & Wellness Initiative and their learning goals. Examples may include:

  • Developing or updating psycho-educational materials for clients and families
  • Supporting evaluation efforts (e.g., compiling feedback, organizing data for program improvement)
  • Assisting with outreach, events, or resource development tailored to the SCD community

Trauma-informed link: Projects are designed to center client voice, reduce barriers to care, and strengthen accessible, culturally responsive services.

4. Training and Didactic Learning

To deepen their understanding of SCD and trauma-informed practice, interns participate in:

  • Sickle Cell 101 training – an introductory training that covers the medical, social, and historical context of SCD, including how racism and health inequities shape the lived experience of this disease
  • Ongoing educational offerings – such as seminars, town halls, and webinars on SCD, mental health, and related topics as available

Education emphasizes the intersection of chronic illness, systemic racism, and trauma, and highlights approaches that prioritize dignity, respect, and shared decision-making.

5. Team Integration and Supervision

Interns are valued members of the multidisciplinary team and are expected to:

  • Attend weekly staff meetings held Mondays from 10 am to 12 pm to discuss cases, coordinate care, and learn from CHWs, clinicians, and leadership
  • Receive regularly scheduled clinical supervision from an experienced LCSW with a trauma-informed and culturally responsive framework
  • Engage in reflective practice to examine social location, implicit bias, and the impact of this work on the self as a helping professional

Supervision focuses on vicarious trauma, self-care, and ethical, culturally humble practice with a historically marginalized community.

Who Should Apply

This internship is designed for MSW students who:

  • Are enrolled in an accredited MSW program and placed in an advanced-year or clinical field practicum
  • Have a commitment to health equity, racial justice, and working alongside communities disproportionately affected by chronic illness
  • Are interested in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and community-based clinical practice

Prospective interns or field directors can contact Cayenne Wellness Center for current openings and application instructions.

To Apply

Email your:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Three professional references

to rebecca@blendedrootstherapy.com

Subject line: MSW Internship – Application

Culture and Compensation

Cayenne Wellness Center is an incredible place to work. We are a dedicated and diverse group of people. We are committed to a work environment that is rooted in our mission and our core values. If you would like to join a team where all people are valued, this is the place. Everyone is encouraged to apply for available employment to ensure our staff reflects the diversity of our community. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities and historically oppressed groups to apply.

Cayenne Wellness Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) dedicated to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and equity. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, criminal history in accordance with the law, or any other legally protected characteristics.