Peer Advocate

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Health benefits

Retirement matching

Transit benefits

Job summary

Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey is seeking a Peer Specialist to provide psychosocial rehab services in an accredited clubhouse setting. You will support members to develop living, working, and social skills and facilitate WHAM and WRAP groups.

The role emphasizes recovery, peer support, case management, and collaboration with staff. Lived experience with mental health recovery is highly valued; some Saturdays and holidays work required; bilingual Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; Associate’s Degree in Social Services or related field preferred. Bachelor’s Degree is a plus.
• Lived experience with mental health recovery is highly valued.
• Previous experience in mental health, peer support, or social services preferred.
• Experience with WHAM and WRAP facilitation is a plus.
• Understanding of the recovery model, peer support principles, and facilitation techniques for WHAM and WRAP groups.

Responsibilities

• Engage members and support recovery goals through peer support and WHAM/WRAP groups.
• Oversee clubhouse tasks including intake, meal planning, and record-keeping.
• Collaborate with members to carry out unit tasks and meetings.
• Maintain member records and documentation in electronic health files.
• Engage in outreach to empower and involve members in decisions.

Skills

Lived experience

Peer support experience

WHAM/WRAP facilitation

Recovery model understanding

Interpersonal skills

Case management documentation

MS Office

Bilingual Spanish (advantage)

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s Degree in Social Services or related field

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

MS Office

Canva

Adobe Suite

Job description

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 record‑keeping.
• 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.
• Encourage members through encouragement, appreciation for their help, and a focus on abilities, 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 advancing the purposes and welfare of the clubhouse as a whole.
• Provide case management; maintain caseload, provide outreach to members, including crisis intervention/prevention.
• Design and facilitate various clubhouse activities in partnership with members.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

Education:

• High school 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 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 the assigned unit, staff may be responsible for the financial operations of the assigned unit under the direction of the Program Director or may co‑facilitate the development of peer‑based curriculums.

Special Working Conditions

• Some late night and weekend (Saturdays) work required.
• Program is opened on all holidays.
• Two‑week clubhouse training at a certified training base outside of New York State.

What We Offer

• Generous time‑off policy to use when you need it.
• Health, wellness and financial resources to help you achieve your 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.

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at [e-mail]. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.