Peer Advocate

Goodwill NYNJ • New York, NY

4d • $35,000 - $35,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Specialist provides psychosocial rehabilitation services to adults with psychiatric disabilities and co-occurring substance use disorders within an accredited clubhouse setting. Through shared decision-making, the Peer Specialist works alongside members to support the daily operation of the clubhouse, providing direct services to help members achieve wellness and community integration. This role involves helping individuals develop viable living, working, and social skills to thrive within the community. The Peer Specialist also facilitates WHAM (Whole Health Action Management) and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) groups to promote holistic wellness and self-directed recovery planning.

Requirements

• Highschool diploma required
• Lived experience with mental health recovery is highly valued.
• Previous experience in mental health, peer support, or social services is preferred.
• Understanding of the recovery model, peer support principles, and facilitation techniques for WHAM and WRAP groups.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusting relationships.
• Must be comfortable with case management and documentation in electronic health systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher), Canva, Adobe software, and basic computer skills for documentation and communication tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a communal setting with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, fostering an environment of acceptance, empathy, and support.
• Willingness to work on some Saturdays, late nights and holidays, as the program operates year-round.
• Ability to travel for two weeks of clubhouse training if required.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s Degree in Social Services, or a related field preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree is a plus.
• Experience with WHAM and WRAP facilitation is a plus.
• Bilingual (Spanish) skills are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist members in identifying and achieving recovery goals through peer support, person-centered services, and facilitating WHAM and WRAP groups that promote whole-person wellness and recovery planning.
• Oversee various clubhouse activities essential to clubhouse operations, including meal planning, intake, employment, program cleanliness, and accurate record keeping.
• Engage with members, working alongside them to carry out unit tasks and facilitate daily community or unit meetings.
• Maintain member case records and manage documentation in electronic health files while securing private health information.
• Engage members through outreach with a focus on their strengths and abilities, fostering empowerment and active participation.
• Establish relationships within the clubhouse community to support members’ experiences and foster a sense of belonging.
• Connect members to community resources to meet individual needs, including employment, housing, benefits, and treatment.
• Teach members effective coping strategies based on personal lived experience and guide WHAM and WRAP sessions to help members develop personalized wellness and recovery action plans.
• Coordinate and deliver social and recreational activities to promote community, skill-building, and engagement.
• Educate members about self-help techniques, facilitate self-help group processes, and encourage proactive health and wellness management through WHAM and WRAP group activities.
• Engage members and work alongside members in carrying out clubhouse responsibilities.
• Engage members through encouragement, appreciation for their help, and a focus on abilities, while allowing for and accepting limitations.
• Actively promote the development of members’ aspirations regarding Clubhouse participation, employment, education, housing, and social involvements.
• Engage cooperatively with other staff and members in developing Clubhouse policies and in advancing the purposes and welfare of the Clubhouse as a whole.
• Provides case management; maintain caseload, provides outreach to members, including crisis intervention/prevention.
• Design and facilitates various clubhouse activities in partnership with members.

Benefits

• Generous Time off policy to use when you need it
• Health, wellness and financial resources to help you achieve our personal goals
• Robust health benefits including medical, dental, vision, parental leaves and company sponsored life insurance
• Retirement matching programs and contributions
• Transit and commuter benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED