Peer Advocate

Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities. General Purpose: 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. Essential Functions:

Member Engagement and Goal Support: 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.

Coordination of Clubhouse Tasks: Oversee various clubhouse activities essential to clubhouse operations, including meal planning, intake, employment, program cleanliness, and accurate recordkeeping.

Collaborative Work: Engage with members, working alongside them to carry out unit tasks and facilitate daily community or unit meetings.

Case Management and Documentation: Maintain member case records and manage documentation in electronic health files while securing private health information.

Outreach and Encouragement: Engage members through outreach with a focus on their strengths and abilities, fostering empowerment and active participation.

Community Relationship Building: Establish relationships within the clubhouse community to support members’ experiences and foster a sense of belonging.

Resource Connection: Connect members to community resources to meet individual needs, including employment, housing, benefits, and treatment.

Coping Skills and Wellness Facilitation: 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.

Social and Recreational Opportunities: Coordinate and deliver social and recreational activities to promote community, skill-building, and engagement.

Education on Self-Help Techniques: 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, Revised 8/13/21 EOD 2 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 Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:

Education: Highschool diploma required; Associate’s Degree in Social Services, or a related field preferred. Bachelor’s Degree is a plus.

Experience: Lived experience with mental health recovery is highly valued. Previous experience in mental health, peer support, or social services is preferred. Experience with WHAM and WRAP facilitation is a plus.

Knowledge and Skills: 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.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher), Canva, Adobe software, and basic computer skills for documentation and communication tasks.

Communication and Organizational Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills; exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work effectively in a communal setting with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, fostering an environment of acceptance, empathy, and support.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Willingness to work on some Saturdays, late nights and holidays, as the program operates year-round.

Additional Requirements: Ability to travel for two weeks of clubhouse training if required. Bilingual (Spanish) skills are advantageous. Scope of Responsibility & Positions Supervised: Depending on assigned unit staff will either:

Responsible for the financial operations of the assigned unit under the direction of the Program Director

Co-facilitate development of peer-based curriculums Special Working Conditions:

Some late night & Weekend (Saturdays) work required

Program is opened on all holidays

Two-week clubhouse training at certified training base outside of New York State