CAREERS
Careers with the Ryan Bartel Foundation
Teen Hangout Facilitator
Position Overview: The Ryan Bartel Foundation is seeking a responsible, creative, and energetic mental health professional to facilitate teen mental wellness programs starting in July 2025. This part-time contract position is for 5–10 hours per week, with opportunities to lead after-school workshops and evening support groups throughout the school year. This is a great opportunity for a mental health professional with afternoon and evening availability looking to add a few more hours to their schedule, or for someone pursuing licensure in a behavioral health field. Applicants must have availability a few afternoons each week, Monday through Thursday from 3:00–5:00 p.m., typically Tuesday evenings from 7:00–9:00 p.m., and one Friday evening per month from 6:30–9:00 p.m. About the FORT After-School Program: The FORT After-School Program, held from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, offers experiential mental wellness workshops in middle schools throughout Loudoun County, incorporating a blend of expressive arts, mindfulness, movement, and animal- and nature-based activities. Each session is designed to help students reduce stress, connect with their peers, and learn coping skills in a hands-on and engaging environment. About the Teen Hangout Support Group: The Teen Hangout is a support group for teens (ages 14–18) experiencing social anxiety, loneliness and/or looking for community. Held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., this group helps participants get comfortable interacting with peers, creating connections, and sharing their feelings in a structured yet relaxed setting. About the Friday FORT Teen Hangout Program: The Friday FORT Teen Hangout is a casual space for teens (ages 14–18) to relax, connect, and be themselves. It’s a supportive environment where teens can discuss everyday topics, such as school, friendships, and stress, without feeling pressured or judged. The Teen Mental Wellness Program Facilitator is there to guide the conversation and maintain a safe and respectful space, but teens lead the discussion. Held on select Friday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., each session includes fun games, hands-on activities, and time to hang out. Conversations usually happen naturally through the games and group activities—nothing is forced, and you can participate at your own pace. The goal is to build friendships, boost mental wellness, and remind teens they’re not alone by creating community and belonging. It’s a laid-back way to unwind from the week, connect with others, and feel a sense of support. Responsibilities: • Collaborate with Ryan Bartel Foundation staff to create an agenda for upcoming programs with games, activities, and discussion topics/questions, and send to RBF staff one week before each program. • Facilitate teen mental wellness programs, including: • FORT After-School workshops in middle schools using expressive arts, mindfulness, movement, and animal/nature modalities. • Teen Hangout support group for teens experiencing social anxiety, guiding icebreakers and exercises to build confidence and peer connections. • Friday Teen Hangouts provide a welcoming, casual space for connection, fun, and supportive conversations. • Coordinate with RBF staff to obtain supplies for games, activities, and snacks for each program, and bring them to the designated locations. • Arrive early to set up and prepare each space (30 minutes before the program). • Greet participants and parents, monitor attendance, and create a welcoming environment. • Foster a safe and inclusive space for teens to discuss mental wellness topics in all settings. • Encourage peer-led discussions while guiding as needed. • Plan and lead icebreaker games to help all participants feel welcome and at ease. • Monitor participant well-being and respond appropriately if a teen is in distress, following Ryan Bartel Foundation safety protocols. • Remain on-site until the last teen has been picked up. • Communicate any concerns or observations to Ryan Bartel Foundation staff. Required Qualifications: • Experience working with adolescents. • Experience leading group discussions or support groups. • Passion for teen mental wellness and a commitment to fostering a welcome and safe space. • Ability to travel to various community locations in and around Loudoun and neighboring counties, schools, and other local organizations as required. • Able to pass a background check. Preferred Qualifications: • Master’s-level training (or currently enrolled in a graduate program) in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field. Compensation: Competitive hourly rate. Next Steps: Send resume and letter of interest to Executive Director, Val Walters Email: valwalters@ryanbartelfoundation.org All candidates, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, persons of any gender identity, and people of diverse backgrounds, are encouraged to apply. RBF is committed to a diverse workplace and to supporting its staff with ongoing career development opportunities. All candidates must pass a background check as part of the selection process. Ryan Bartel Foundation (ryanbartelfoundation.org) is a growing non-profit located in Loudoun County, Virginia, whose mission is to prevent youth suicide through awareness, upstream educational programs, and activities that support and empower youth, families, and the community at large. Foundation programs are focused on building acceptance, connection, resiliency, and hope.
Teen Hangout Facilitator
Position Overview: The Ryan Bartel Foundation seeks a passionate and qualified mental health professional to facilitate in-person Teen Hangouts in Loudoun County on one or more weekday evenings. This contract position is ideal for individuals pursuing a licensure or currently in a graduate program in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field. About the Teen Hangout Program: The FORT Hangout provides a safe and supportive space where teens (ages 14-18) can connect, share their experiences, and support one another while discussing topics such as school, identity, and life stressors. Moderated by a mental health professional, this program fosters open dialogue while ensuring a safe and confidential environment. Teens lead the conversations, with facilitators available for guidance and emotional support. The FORT Teen Hangout program offers two formats: • Four-Session Series: A structured four-part series of one-hour sessions, held once a week in the evening each month. This format allows teens to build relationships, establish trust, and feel comfortable expressing themselves in a supportive group setting. • Weekly Drop-In Session: A 90-minute session held 1-2 Friday evenings/ month, where teens can unwind from their week through interactive games and guided conversations. These sessions allow participants to decompress, engage with their peers, and receive support in a relaxed, informal setting. Both formats are designed to foster meaningful connections, encourage open dialogue, and reinforce the message that no teen is alone in their struggles. The facilitator will ideally be available to lead both formats and plan discussions, create a safe and inclusive environment, and help participants develop coping strategies while promoting mental wellness. Responsibilities: • Arrive early to set up and prepare the space. • Greet teens and parents, monitor attendance, and create a welcoming environment. • Foster a safe, inclusive space for teens to discuss mental wellness topics. • Encourage peer-led discussions while guiding as needed. • Plan and lead icebreaker games to help all teens feel welcome. • Monitor participant well-being and respond appropriately if a teen is in distress, following Ryan Bartel Foundation safety protocols. • Remain on-site until the last teen has been picked up. • Communicate any concerns or observations to Ryan Bartel Foundation staff. Qualifications: • Master’s-level training (or currently enrolled in a graduate program) in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field. • Experience working with adolescents. • Experience leading group discussions or support groups. • Passion for teen mental wellness and a commitment to fostering a safe space. • Ability to travel to various community locations, in and around Loudoun and neighboring counties, schools, and other local organizations as required • Able to pass a background check Compensation: $75 per Teen Hangout session. If you are passionate about supporting teen mental health and fostering meaningful conversations, we encourage you to apply! All candidates, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, persons of any gender identity, and people of diverse backgrounds, are encouraged to apply. RBF is committed to a diverse workplace and to supporting its staff with ongoing career development opportunities. All candidates must successfully pass a background check as part of the selection process. Ryan Bartel Foundation (ryanbartelfoundation.org) is a growing non-profit located in Loudoun County, Virginia, whose mission is to prevent youth suicide through awareness, upstream educational programs, and activities that support and empower youth, families, and the community at large. Foundation programs are focused on building acceptance, connection, resiliency, and hope
Program Intern
Program intern will learn both project and program skills. You will report directly to the Executive Director and get firsthand experience in how a non-profit operates. You’ll work with one or more of the following programs, including The FORT, FORTitude Teen Meet up, FORTitude Workshops, FORTitude Parental Panels. At times, you may be asked to support the Communications Manager. RESPONSIBILITIES: Interns work on a variety of projects such as program development and delivery, grants research, and fundraising projects. Some of the common skills required include: • Administrative and data entry support • Assisting with virtual and in-person event planning and coordination • Design/creative projects • Communications, outreach, and marketing support • Data collection and evaluation • Assisting program facilitation with teens • Other duties may be assigned as needed QUALIFICATIONS: • High School graduate • Excellent writing, email etiquette, editing skills • Ability to work in a flexible environment • Superior communication and interpersonal skills • Detail-oriented, well-organized, and reliable • Able to work independently and take initiative • Basic knowledge of Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Zoom • Excellent technical skills and social media savvy • Desirable but not required skills: - Experience setting up zoom meetings - Video editing experience - Student leadership experience Contact Val Walters at valwalters@ryanbartelfoundation.org
Marketing & Communications Intern
Marketing Interns will gain hands-on experience in nonprofit marketing operations including social media, content marketing, email marketing, special event planning and fundraising. Responsibilities may include: • Creating marketing content including flyers, social media posts, videos, etc. • Assisting with communications materials by researching studies and statistics • Identifying outlets to share programs and events • Supporting alliances with other organizations • Collaborating with Foundation leadership, volunteers and clients • General Foundation assistance as defined by the Marketing Manager Relevant majors include: Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Journalism, Business, Communications, Design and related fields. The Ryan Bartel Foundation works closely with each intern to customize the internship experience to help students excel in their chosen field of study. Hours and internship parameters are flexible. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required. We seek interns who are empathetic towards young people with mental health and wellness challenges and who are willing to wear many hats to help out the nonprofit wherever needed. No prior experience necessary and Ryan Bartel Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Contact Val Walters at valwalters@ryanbartelfoundation.org