Mission Statement: “To empower and inspire people of all communities to identify, pursue and sustain healthy, meaningful lives”.

 

MHAW strives to develop an authentic, diverse workforce that embraces, creates, respects and demonstrates diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the work environment, towards one another and those we serve. We recognize that our agency is strongest when we all embrace the full spectrum of diversity and experience. We actively seek to employ a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve.

 

osition:            Program Coordinator for Peer Careers Recovery and Wellness Education

Program:        Careers in Recovery and Wellness (CRW)

Salary:             $60,000 to $65,000 per year, plus competitive benefits packages

Hours:             37.50 hours per week

Locations:       Ronkonkoma, NY

 

The Program Coordinator for Peer Careers Recovery and Wellness Education will lead the Association for Mental Health and Wellness’ peer-led initiatives, with a focus on advancing recovery-oriented, best-practice peer support services. This role includes oversight of peer specialists across agency programs to ensure alignment with peer support principles and practices, while also supporting the professional development of peer staff.

A central responsibility of the Coordinator is to manage and facilitate the Careers in Recovery and Wellness Education program—developing curriculum, delivering training, and providing supportive services that assist individuals in obtaining and maintaining employment as peer support professionals. The Coordinator will serve as a liaison to community providers and stakeholders, strengthening relationships and identifying opportunities to expand peer support services within MHAW and throughout Long Island.

This position requires regular travel across Suffolk County. A reliable personal vehicle and a valid, clean NYS Driver’s License are required; mileage reimbursement is provided.

Responsibilities:

• Organize and conduct the Careers in Recovery and Wellness (CRW) peer training three times annually, including interviewing and selecting participants, preparing materials, coordinating speakers and classes, teaching, monitoring attendance, and planning graduation ceremonies.
• Facilitate Peer Workforce Readiness Basics groups three times per year, including preparing group materials, coordinating sessions, and tracking attendance and engagement.
• Regularly update and enhance course curricula by identifying learning objectives, delivering content to meet those objectives, and assessing participants’ knowledge acquisition.
• Coordinate monthly peer networking meetings and ongoing employment support groups for peers currently working or preparing to enter the recovery field.
• Provide individual and group-based employment support to CRW students, graduates, and prospective peer candidates, including through community education and support events.
• Develop strategies and marketing plans to promote the CRW program, in collaboration with agency leadership.
• Perform essential administrative tasks, such as mailings, phone outreach, material preparation, and data entry.
• Oversee MHAW Peer Support Services, including the Peer Specialist Training Program, Recovery Center, Peer Warm Line, Peer Bridger Program, and Crisis Residence, ensuring high-quality services and achievement of program goals.
• Supervise and provide ongoing guidance to peer specialists, supporting ethical and professional practice.
• Monitor peer specialist performance, offer constructive feedback, and develop strategies for continuous improvement.
• Ensure adherence to ethical guidelines and professional standards in peer support work.
• Lead efforts to expand and strengthen the peer workforce by supporting training, certification, and internship placement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies to support student placement in volunteer, internship, and paid roles.
• Participate on the planning board for peer certification and advocate for systemic improvements in peer services.
• Stay current with emerging best practices, opportunities, and regulatory changes affecting the peer support field.
• Prepare monthly reports and analyze program data to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Track and report on both quantitative and qualitative outcomes for CRW training graduates and peer program participants.
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure the program consistently meets agency goals and quality standards.
• Coordinate the Peer Support Line, including hiring, supervising staff, tracking performance metrics, and participating in expansion planning.
• Participate in Helpline operations by answering calls, providing peer support, offering referrals, promoting services, and assisting with coverage coordination.
• Identify and support internship candidates for placement on the Helpline.
• Advocate for the peer workforce, ensuring their voices are represented and valued within the organization.
• Promote recovery-oriented services and ethical decision-making within peer roles.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between peer staff and clinical/non-clinical teams.
• Support the ongoing professional development and skill-building of peer staff through training and mentorship.

·         High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in a human services field preferred.

·          Active New York State Certified Peer Specialist (NYSCPS) credential is required.

·         Minimum of three years of experience as a peer advocate or mental health service provider; six years of experience accepted in place of a degree.

·         At least three years of supervisory and program management experience in peer services.

·         Personal experience with self-directed recovery, with the ability to use self-disclosure appropriately to support others.

·         Strong knowledge of recovery principles, peer support values, and peer roles across service settings, including crisis services.

·         Familiarity with wellness, self-help, and empowerment resources, as well as the New York State and Suffolk County mental health systems.

·         Skilled in group facilitation, curriculum development, and delivering training to both peer and non-peer audiences.

·         Supervisory experience with both peer and non-peer staff, including performance feedback and team leadership.

·         Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build empowering relationships with individuals who have experienced mental health, substance use, trauma, or chronic health issues.

·         Comfortable working with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

·         Strong organizational, time management, and computer skills; able to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing needs.

·         Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.

·         Understanding of recovery and wellness frameworks, peer ethics, and the role of advocacy at both individual and systems levels.

·         Valid New York State Driver’s License and reliable transportation required.

·         Bilingual candidates and those with lived experience in recovery are strongly encouraged to apply. The agency is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

 

Send a resume and cover letter expressing your interest in this position to: Kathy Elfers, Chief People and Experience Officer at kelfers@mhaw.org