Group Facilitator / Peer Advocate

Zinnia Health; Exeter (RI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Zinnia Health is seeking a Group Facilitator in Exeter, Rhode Island. The role involves facilitating both topic and process groups related to substance abuse and mental health while advocating for client needs. Candidates should have a High School Diploma, preferably a Bachelor’s in human services, with at least 1 year of experience in behavioral health settings. Lived experience with substance use recovery is also desired. This is a part-time position working weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1+ years’ experience as a group facilitator in Substance Abuse and Mental Health settings.
• Lived experience with substance use recovery and willingness to share recovery story appropriately.
• Peer Support Specialist certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate both process and topic groups related to substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
• Prepare group curriculum relevant to the topic.
• Attend clinical and administrative meetings for inter-departmental sharing of information.

Skills

Facilitation skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree in human services

Tools

Electronic Medical Records; preferred KIPU

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Group Facilitator Position Summary

Responsible for facilitating both topic and process groups related to substance abuse, mental health and a wide range of other emotional/behavioral/relational issues. Group Facilitators work with clients to gain insight into their addictive behaviors and identify actions to promote a healthier sober lifestyle. This may include exploring underlying emotional issues, trauma work, addressing co‑occurring disorders, grief and loss, cross‑addictions, family dynamics, relationship issues, emotion regulation, anger management, coping skills and more.

Peer Advocate Position Summary

The Peer Advocate provides floor support and recovery‑focused guidance to clients in an inpatient drug and alcohol treatment setting. This role promotes safety, encourages treatment engagement, helps manage behaviors, and supports clients through daily structure, including groups, meals, and breaks. The Advocate also serves as a recovery role model while maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment, promoting engagement, reducing incidents, and strengthening the facility’s recovery community.

Schedule / Hours

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Part‑time hours will be discussed and determined by the hiring manager with the final candidate.

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of lived experience with substance use and/or mental health disorders for self, a family member, or loved one, and the ability to appropriately share that experience with clients.
• View client needs as a high priority and advocate strongly for them with other treatment providers.
• Espouse a strong desire to help others.

Group Facilitator Responsibilities

• Facilitate both process and topic groups related to substance abuse and co‑occurring disorders.
• Prepare group curriculum relevant to the topic.
• Communicate with the treatment team and other staff as needed to support clinical goals.
• Complete group progress notes on the same day of service detailing each client’s participation and highlighting medical necessity.
• Coordinate and provide care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient‑centered.
• Communicate patient needs to a variety of care team members and follow up accordingly.
• Attend clinical and administrative meetings for inter‑departmental sharing of information.
• Work collaboratively with patients, families, therapists, and referral sources to ensure high quality care.
• Facilitate multiple care aspects (case coordination, information sharing, etc.).
• Promote quality and cost‑effective interventions and outcomes.
• Record case information, complete all necessary forms accurately, and produce statistical reports.
• Adhere to professional standards as outlined by protocols, rules, and regulations.
• Arrange abeyance with social services, health, and governmental agencies.
• Support the clinical team in crisis intervention.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor that are consistent with the position and in compliance with agency policies and procedures.

Peer Advocate Responsibilities

Client Support & Engagement

• Maintain consistent floor presence to support a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Build healthy, professional rapport with clients using empathy and lived experience.
• Encourage clients who are struggling with cravings, emotions, or treatment resistance.
• Assist clients in navigating program expectations, developing health routines, and connecting with internal and external recovery resources.
• Utilize lived experience to build rapport, inspire hope, and support individuals in developing personal recovery goals.

Behavior Management & De‑Escalation

• Recognize early signs of escalation and use approved verbal de‑escalation techniques.
• Assist staff in managing difficult behaviors calmly and professionally.
• Maintain a calming, reassuring presence during high‑stress situations.
• Model healthy coping skills and reinforce treatment expectations.

AMA/ACA Prevention

• Engage clients considering leaving treatment prematurely using motivational support.
• Redirect clients back into treatment engagement and stabilization.
• Provide supportive interventions such as motivational interviewing, active listening, and problem‑solving skills to review with clients the reasons they came to treatment and why they should continue treatment.
• Help identify short‑term coping strategies to assist them in revisiting their personal recovery goals.
• Notify clinical and supervisory staff of concerns immediately.
• Provide input on program enhancements that may reduce AMA/ACA incidents.

Daily Structure Support

• Assist with monitoring mealtimes and smoke breaks to ensure safety and compliance.
• Help manage and support group sessions, encouraging participation and respectful communication.
• Assist with group setup, organization, and general structure as needed.
• Support clients during daily program activities and transition between program phases.

Facility & Program Support

• Maintain visible, active presence in unit and common areas.
• Report incidents, concerns, or policy violations accurately and promptly.
• Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and facility policies at all times.
• Maintain accurate documentation in electronic health records in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with clinical and BHT staff ensuring coordinated care and support team‑based approaches to enhance client outcomes.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training to enhance peer support and facilitation skills.

Group & Clinical Support

• Facilitate 1‑2 groups a day, assisting in engaging clients in clinical programming on topics indicated by the schedule.
• Deliver groups using evidence‑based pre‑determined curriculum with a peer‑led approach that fosters participation and engagement.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive group environment.
• Track attendance, complete required group documentation, and contribute to treatment planning as appropriate.

Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

• An acute understanding of counseling and other treatment procedures for alcoholism and drug addiction related problems.
• A knowledge of regulations concerning alcoholism and drug addiction treatment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage tasks.
• Demonstrates strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Able to work independently.
• Communicates effectively (both written and verbal) with customers and colleagues.
• Organized, detail‑oriented, multi‑tasker, adaptable, and positive.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.

Environmental / Physical Requirements

• Office / Sedentary Requirements – must sit for >66% of each day, hear telephone, enter data on computer, and may lift up to 10 lbs.
• Exposure to clients infected with hepatitis B, HIV, TB, or other infectious diseases.

Preferred Experience / Minimum Qualifications – Combined Qualifications for Group Facilitator & Peer Advocate

• High School Diploma; preferred bachelor’s degree in human services.
• Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor recognized by the state.
• Minimum 1+ years’ experience as a group facilitator in Substance Abuse and Mental Health settings.
• Lived experience with substance use recovery and willingness to share recovery story appropriately.
• Peer Support Specialist certification preferred.
• Experience facilitating groups or delivering educational content preferred.
• Experience in behavioral health / substance use programming, crisis intervention, or residential treatment settings.
• Knowledgeable of state licensing agency guidelines.
• Familiarity with 12‑Step Recovery programs.
• Knowledge of Electronic Medical Records; preferred KIPU.
• Remain calm, compassionate, and solution‑focused under pressure.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic computer proficiency and comfort with electronic documentation.

Group Facilitator Qualifications

• High School Diploma; preferred bachelor’s degree in human services.
• Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor recognized by the state.
• Minimum 1+ years’ experience as a group facilitator in Substance Abuse and Mental Health settings.
• Knowledgeable of state licensing agency guidelines.
• Familiar with 12‑Step Recovery programs.
• Knowledge of Electronic Medical Records; preferred KIPU.

Peer Advocate Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Lived experience with substance use recovery and willingness to share recovery story appropriately.
• Peer Support Specialist certification preferred.
• Experience facilitating groups or delivering educational content preferred.
• Experience in behavioral health / substance use programming, crisis intervention, or residential treatment settings.
• Remain calm, compassionate, and solution‑focused under pressure.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic computer proficiency and comfort with electronic documentation.