Peer Advocate

About the role

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. The Peer Advocacy Leadership (PAL) program is a consumer-lead mental health program. The PAL program provides peer supports to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness to become as independent and connected to the community as possible. Peer staff teaches self advocacy and how to access community-based resources. Peer Advocates provide a range of direct services, including active hands-on skills training and peer counseling targeted to help participants reach wellness and community integration. Services are office and community based, as well as provided in community partner settings.

Responsibilities

• Provides advocacy, support, and bridging services with a focus on wellness and resiliency to participants with mental illness to help improve their quality of life.
• Inspire individuals to become more hopeful about their recovery.
• Provide advocacy on behalf of the program participants in line with the choices of the individual being served.
• Explains the types of services and programs available to participants as it relates to their stated goals or interests.
• Peer Advocates serve as facilitators of self-help groups and wellness services to assist participants address their whole health needs, develop coping strategies and connect with critical resources such as housing, education and employment.
• Record/document services provided as required by program and regulatory agencies.
• Peer Advocate functions as a model, sharing his or her own stories to therapeutically support program participants and their families.
• The Peer Advocate strengthens the individual by creating an atmosphere of understanding, assisting in skill development, broadening their awareness, opening up new opportunities, and increasing their sense of hope, personal power and self-responsibility.
• Help remove stigma and barriers associated with moving on to more independent roles.
• An important function of peer support is to reduce the possible stigma and personal effects of having a diagnosis of mental illness by sharing their own experience.
• The Peer Advocate will role model competency in recovery and on-going coping skills.
• The Peer Advocate serves as a bridge to connect to the community by helping individuals begin to move beyond strictly professional support to that of peer and community.
• Educate participants about self-help techniques and self-help group processes.
• Peer Advocate will be required to comply with all departmental policies, procedures and parameters.

Qualifications

• Minimum HS diploma or GED.
• Lived experience with mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders.
• NYS Peer Certification/Certified with the Academy of Peer Services.
• Familiarity with Microsoft software and documenting in an electronic health record required.
• Excellent communication and written skills.
• Preferred: Bilingual (Spanish).
• Preferred: One+ year of experience working in the human services field.