Lantern House Clubhouse - Peer Specialist

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:
Provide psychosocial rehabilitation services to adults with psychiatric disabilities and co-occurring substance use disorders within an accredited clubhouse setting. Through shared decision-making staff work side by side in partnership with members to facilitate the daily operation of the clubhouse while providing a range of direct services to help members achieve wellness and community integration. The Peer Specialist assists assigned individuals in developing and maintaining viable living, working and social situations in the community.

Essential Functions:

• Engage & assist Clubhouse members in identifying and achieving their recovery goals utilizing peer supports and person-centered services.
• Peer staff is responsible for coordinating aspects of the work that is integral to the operation of the Clubhouse (I.e., meal planning & preparation, Intake, employment, program cleanliness, accurate record keeping).
• Engage members and work side by side with members in carry out unit tasks. Facilitate community/unit meetings daily.
• Manage member case records and documentation via the electronic health files, secure private health information.
• Engage members through outreach & encouragement, with a focus on their strengths or abilities.
• Establish working relationships with members within the Clubhouse community to support their experiences as valued participants in the community.
• Connect members to community resources to meet individual needs (I.e. employment, housing, benefits and treatment).
• Teaches members effective coping strategies based on personal lived experience
• Coordinate and deliver opportunities for social and recreational activities.
• Educate members about self-help techniques and self-help group processes
• Work cooperatively with colleagues & members in developing Clubhouse policies and in advancing the purposes and welfare of the Clubhouse as a whole.
• Impart to members a vision of their potential to achieve aspirations through acceptance and empathy that is not restricted by disability but is based on needs common to all people seeking employment, education, housing, and social involvements.
• Advocates on behalf of members with outside service providers
• Support members ability to self-advocate when necessary

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:

• OMH Peer Certification required
• Past / current recipient of mental health, substance services or homeless services required; experience in providing advocacy services to people with mentally health, SUD and/or homeless.
• High School diploma required. Bachelor degree in related field preferred.
• Ability to effectively carry out responsibilities in a communal setting comprised of people experiencing the effects of mental illness.
• Have the capability and flexibility of handling and juggling the multiplicity of activities and demands in the Clubhouse setting.
• Convey a vibrant energy that attracts members and enables engagement.
• Able to travel independently within the community;
• Knowledge of Wellness Self-Management and WRAP planning
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
• Must have aptitude for computers and have a thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher

Scope of Responsibility & Positions Supervised:Depending on assigned unit staff will either:

• Functions as Placement Manager for members in Transitional Employment, providing on the job-training for members and filling in for members on the job during absences.
• Functions as the Intake Coordinator for the program, schedule of program tours for potential members, conducting intake interviews, tracking all referrals, document all follow-ups and process all member enrollments.
• Is responsible for the financial operations of the assigned unit under the direction of the Program Director or Deputy Director.
• Is responsible for the management of kitchen and food aspects of the Clubhouse.

Special Working Conditions:

• Some Saturdays work required
• Clubhouse is opened on all holidays (Staff rotate coverage on holidays)
• Attend three weeks clubhouse training at 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 our 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

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 humanresources@goodwillny.org. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.