Senior Peer Advocate

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey; New York (NY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey is seeking a Senior Peer Advocate to provide leadership, mentorship, and direct support to individuals receiving behavioral health services in Long Island City and the Bronx, NY.

The role emphasizes recovery, wellness, and self-sufficiency, with opportunities to train, develop programs, and supervise peer staff and interns.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery.
• Certification as a Peer Advocate/Peer Specialist (NYS OMH).
• High school diploma or equivalent; degrees preferred.
• Minimum 2–4 years of peer support experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group peer support services based on lived experience.
• Lead and mentor peer staff, supervise interns, and support onboarding.
• Advocate for individuals' needs, coordinate with clinicians and providers.
• Develop and facilitate peer-led groups and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Lived experience with mental health

Peer support experience

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Basic computer proficiency

Education

NYS Certified Peer Specialist- OMH

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Excel

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.

Senior Peer Advocate

Location: Long Island City & Bronx NY

Position Summary

The Senior Peer Advocate is a behavioral health professional with lived experience who provides leadership, mentorship, and direct support to individuals receiving mental health supports services. This role promotes recovery, wellness, and self-sufficiency while modeling peer support principles. The Senior Peer Advocate also assists with training, program development, and supervision of peer staff and peer interns.

Key Responsibilities

Peer Support & Engagement

• Provide individual and group peer support services based on lived experience.


• Assist clients in developing recovery goals, wellness plans, and self-advocacy skills.


• Offer emotional support, crisis de-escalation, and encouragement.


• Help individuals navigate behavioral health, social service, and community systems.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Serve as a role model for peer staff, interns, and participants.


• Provide guidance, coaching, and task supervision to Peer Advocates.


• Support onboarding and training new peer staff.


• Promote adherence to peer support values, ethics, and recovery-oriented care.

Advocacy & Coordination

• Advocate for individuals’ needs within treatment teams and service systems.


• Collaborate with clinicians, case managers, and community providers.


• Link individuals to resources such as housing, employment, education, and healthcare.

Program Support, Compliance & Professional Development

• Assist in developing and facilitating peer-led groups, workshops, and activities.


• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.


• Ensure services align with agency policies, Medicaid/State guidelines, and peer certification standards.


• Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training.


• Uphold confidentiality, boundaries, and ethical standards in all interactions.

Qualifications

Required

• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery.


• Certification as a Peer Advocate/Peer Specialist (NYS Certified Peer Specialist- OMH).


• High school diploma or equivalent (associate or bachelor’s degree preferred).


• Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in a peer support role.


• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.


• Basic computer proficiency (documentation, email, Microsoft Office)

Preferred

• Experience providing coaching, mentoring, or training.


• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented systems.


• Familiarity with documentation systems (EHR) and service coordination.


• Proficiency in Excel

Core Competencies

• Recovery-oriented mindset


• Leadership and team collaboration


• Cultural humility and inclusivity


• Crisis management and problem-solving


• Advocacy and system navigation

Work Environment

• Community-based, and in-program setting


• May include travel within the community


• Ability to engage with clients in various settings (office, community, virtual)

We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!

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.