Peer Internship - Lantern House

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 an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully.

Responsibilities

• Work side-by-side with clubhouse members in the operation of daily clubhouse activities.
• Support member engagement through relationship-building, encouragement, and recovery-focused interactions.
• Aid members in identifying strengths, interests, and personal recovery goals.
• Participate in daily unit meetings, clubhouse forums, and community activities.
• Help coordinate social, recreational, educational, and wellness activities.
• Conduct outreach calls and follow-up contacts with members to encourage participation and engagement.
• Aid members in accessing community resources including employment, education, housing, healthcare, and benefits.
• Support staff in maintaining accurate documentation, attendance records, and member participation data.
• Learn and apply recovery-oriented and person-centered practices within a clubhouse environment.
• Assist in planning and facilitating clubhouse events, special projects, and community outings.
• Co-facilitate or facilitate recovery-focused groups under staff supervision, including: WHAM (Whole Health Action Management), WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), and Smoking Cessation Group.
• Promote member wellness, self-advocacy, self-determination, and community integration.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional and ethical standards.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in or recent completion of a Certified Peer Specialist training program, Human Services program, Social Work program, Psychology program, or related field preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Lived experience with mental health recovery strongly preferred.
• Interest in behavioral health, recovery services, peer support, or community-based programming.
• Prior volunteer, internship, or work experience in social services is a plus.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations.
• Commitment to recovery-oriented and person-centered practices.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and email.
• Ability to facilitate or co-facilitate groups under supervision.
• Strong organizational skills and willingness to learn.

Skills

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.

Benefits

Hands-on experience in behavioral health and psychosocial rehabilitation.
Mentorship and supervision from experienced clubhouse professionals.
Opportunities to develop leadership, facilitation, and peer support skills.
Exposure to evidence-based recovery practices including WHAM and WRAP.
Professional development and networking opportunities.
Experience working within an internationally accredited Clubhouse model program.

What We Offer

Hands-on experience in behavioral health and psychosocial rehabilitation.
Mentorship and supervision from experienced clubhouse professionals.
Opportunities to develop leadership, facilitation, and peer support skills.
Exposure to evidence-based recovery practices including WHAM and WRAP.
Professional development and networking opportunities.
Experience working within an internationally accredited Clubhouse model program.

Special Working Conditions

• Frequent interaction with individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
• Participation in community outings, outreach activities, and special events may be required.
• May be required to attend trainings related to clubhouse operations, peer support, recovery, WHAM, WRAP, and Smoking Cessation facilitation.

What We Offer

Hands-on experience in behavioral health and psychosocial rehabilitation.
Mentorship and supervision from experienced clubhouse professionals.
Opportunities to develop leadership, facilitation, and peer support skills.
Exposure to evidence-based recovery practices including WHAM and WRAP.
Professional development and networking opportunities.
Experience working within an internationally accredited Clubhouse model program.

Our Must Haves

• Education & Experience: Current enrollment in or recent completion of a Certified Peer Specialist training program, Human Services program, Social Work program, Psychology program, or related field preferred. High School Diploma or GED required. Lived experience with mental health recovery strongly preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations. Commitment to recovery-oriented and person-centered practices. Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality. Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and email. Ability to facilitate or co-facilitate groups under supervision. Strong organizational skills and willingness to learn.

Application Instructions

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.