Director of Peer Support & Education

Mental Health Advocates of WNY; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer 4

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

Professional Development Opportunities

One Remote Workday Per Week

35-Hour Workweek

Job summary

Mental Health Advocates of WNY is seeking a Director of Peer Support & Education to provide strategic leadership and oversight of Youth Peer Advocates, Family Peer Advocates, BEST Program, and Peer Bridger Program. The role ensures recovery-oriented, person-centered services across the community, with emphasis on equity and lived experience.

You will supervise program managers, guide staff development, and drive quality improvement, contract and grant compliance, and program evaluation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Education, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in human services with program management or supervision.
• Lived experience in peer support or recovery work preferred.
• Experience with grants, budgets, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for peer programs and ensure fidelity to grant requirements.
• Supervise program managers/coordinators and support staff development.
• Engage schools, families, and community partners to expand access to peer services.
• Monitor budgets, contracts, and program outcomes; ensure HIPAA compliance.
• Represent the organization with external agencies and statewide networks.

Skills

Leadership

Program oversight

Stakeholder engagement

Grant compliance

Quality improvement

HIPAA compliance

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

EHR systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Director of Peer Support & Education

Employment Type: Full Time, Exempt

Reports To: Senior Director of Operations and Strategy

Position Summary

The Director of Peer Services Programs provides strategic leadership and oversight of Mental Health Advocates of WNY's peer-delivered programs, including Youth Peer Advocates, Family Peer Advocates, BEST Program and the Peer Bridger Program. This position ensures high-quality, recovery-oriented, and person-centered services that align with the organization's mission, values, and strategic goals while promoting equity, inclusion, and the value of lived experience.

The Director is responsible for program leadership, supervision of program managers and coordinators, staff development, quality improvement, contract and grant compliance, program evaluation, and the continued growth and expansion of peer services. The Director represents the organization with community partners, healthcare systems, government agencies, and statewide stakeholders, fostering collaborative relationships that strengthen access to peer support services across the community.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership for the Youth Peer Advocate Program, Peer Bridger, BEST Program, and Family Peer Advocate Program.
• Ensure program fidelity, compliance, and achievement of outcomes while exceeding grant/funder requirements.
• Drive program evaluation and continuous quality improvement.
• Collaborate on budgets, grants, and reporting.
• Monitor projects to ensure effectiveness, alignment with agency goals, and sustainability.
• Represent MHA programs with external agencies, community leaders, and statewide networks.

Supervision & Staff Development

• Supervise program managers and coordinators; hold regular 1:1 meetings to support staff needs and growth.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management to foster a positive, youth and family-driven, peer-centered culture.
• Oversee scheduling, assignments, staff orientation, and professional development.
• Support staff with navigating vendor services and documentation requirements.
• Approve timecards, time-off requests and mileage and other reimbursements for YPA Coordinators, YPAs and Family Program Manager

Community Engagement & Service Delivery

• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, families, and community partners.
• Oversee facilitation of youth support groups, school programming, and parent/community workshops.
• Promote advocacy, empowerment, and youth/family voice in all program services.
• Actively participate in local, regional, and national coalitions, trainings, and conferences.
• Represent MHA at events, panels, health fairs, and outreach opportunities.

Administrative & Organizational Responsibilities

• Track program goals, objectives, and outcomes; report regularly to leadership.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance, confidentiality, and ethical standards in programs.
• Actively support agency diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Participate in leadership team meetings and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Operations and Strategy

Qualifications/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required in Human Services, Education, or related field. Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in human services, with at least 3 years of program management or supervision.
• Lived experience in peer support or recovery work preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in youth and family peer services, prevention, or peer-led programs.
• Experience with grants, budgets, insurance billing, and EHR systems.
• Strong supervision, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication (oral and written), organization, and time management abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and related technology.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; travel required.

Employee Benefits Include

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Employer Contribution (for eligible employees)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with Employer Contribution (for eligible employees)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Up to 4% Employer Match
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
• Employee-Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays plus 1 Floating Holiday
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Summer Hours Program
• One Remote Workday Per Week
• 35-Hour Workweek

Travel Requirements

Incumbents must possess a valid Driver License and reliable transportation with the ability to travel within New York State, as well as nationally, if required.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The physical demands described represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time.

The employee is required to regularly reach with arms and hands; use hands to handle. Hands and fingers frequently perform repetitive motion including typing/keying.

Occasionally, the employee will lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

This job requires close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee is required to regularly talk and hear.

The above job description is not a contractual or binding document; it is provided as a guide to the types of duties required to be undertaken. Duties may vary from time to time, and this description is subject to review. Modifications will be made as needed to support changes in the business climate and requirements.