GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF GREATER NEW YORK & NORTHERN NEW JERSEY INC.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Peer Intern
Location: Lantern House Clubhouse
Benefit Classification: Part-Time Non-Benefitted
Position Type: FLSA - Non-Exempt
About This 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.
We are seeking a motivated Peer Intern to join Lantern House Clubhouse, a psychosocial rehabilitation program serving adults living with mental health challenges. This internship provides hands-on experience in peer support, recovery-oriented services, group facilitation, community engagement, and clubhouse operations. The Peer Intern will work alongside staff and members to support meaningful recovery, wellness, employment, education, and social opportunities.
If you are interested in gaining practical experience in behavioral health and peer support services while making a positive impact in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply.
The Awesome Things You’ll Do
- 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.
- Assist 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.
- Assist 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) – once weekly
- WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) – once weekly
- Smoking Cessation Group – once weekly
- Promote member wellness, self-advocacy, self-determination, and community integration.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional and ethical standards.
Activities are subject to change and may be added to meet program needs with management approval.
Activities are subject to change / be added to meet business needs with management approval.
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.
- Interest in behavioral health, recovery services, peer support, or community-based programming.
- Prior volunteer, internship, or work experience in social services is a plus.
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.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.
Special Working Conditions
- Some evening, weekend, or holiday activities may be required.
- Work is performed in a community-based psychosocial rehabilitation setting.
- 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.
You bring the Good in Goodwill
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.
