About us: New Life II’s (NLII) mission is to transform neighborhoods disenfranchised by racism and discrimination by empowering individuals caught in cycles of hopelessness, dependency on substances (drugs and/or alcohol), or mental health struggles to build f-reliance, sustainable development, and continued upward mobility.
Employment Status: $18 per hour Per Diem. 2 positions. The Per Diem House Advocate will report to The Gloria House Director.
Job Description: Per Diem Advocates at The Gloria House will offer as needed support, filling in when The Gloria House Advocates are out sick, on vacation, at training, and as needed. They will provide trauma-sensitive peer-to-peer support within the context of Peer Respite. This support will be flexible and creative based on individual needs and will prioritize harm reduction perspectives that support individual ways of making meaning and walking through the world. Advocates will provide trauma-sensitive, recovery-oriented, culturally sensitive peer-to-peer support on site to Respite Home guests while honoring people’s choices to use their stay in the way that works best for them. Advocates must be willing to use their own lived experiences in an open and intentional manner. Advocates will provide flexible and creative direct support based on individual needs that prioritize Harm Reduction perspectives to support individual ways of making meaning and walking through the world, while recognizing the importance of everyone being the driver in identifying what is a ‘problem.’
Principle Duties and Responsibilities: include providing peer support to guests to explore, self-determine and to advocate for their needs appropriately. Advocates will support guests to identify their needs and hopes for stay, including connection to existing natural network and other community supports.
General duties of The Gloria House Advocate include: Upkeep of The Gloria House (i.e. general cleaning, laundry), preparation for new guests, maintain documentation as required, meal preparation on public holidays, answering the respite phone, and other duties as assigned by The Gloria House Director.
Advocates must be able to explore intense topics while staying open and curious (e.g., challenging gender and other societal norms, self-injury, suicide, being multiple, hearing distressing voices, etc.). The Advocate will also attend ongoing educational opportunities and work the Integrated Healing Facilitator (IHF) Support Line. The Gloria House Advocates will collaborate with the IHF Outreach Advocates for ongoing connection with previous guests, support other New Life II initiatives, and to onboard new employees as needed.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities The Gloria House Advocate will:
- Have intentional conversations with potential guests, assist with entrance and exit conversations, and document collection.
- Will create consistent intentional opportunities and invitations for connection
- Assist with coordinating transportation to appointments, meetings, or community resource settings when possible
- Ensure guests have access to information about the House and to the IHF Outreach Advocate
- Participate in Community Outreach to connect with local community groups, organizations, host orientations/tours and present The Gloria House to local, regional, and national forums.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) Certified
- Direct lived experience with psychiatric diagnoses, extreme states, trauma, problematic substance use, incarceration, houselessness or other life-interrupting challenges
- Ability to advocate for guests to take leadership in their own healing process Respectful compassion toward people’s thoughts, ways of being or acting, ideas and needs under pressure
- Self-awareness to take responsibility for own mistakes, successes, weaknesses, and strengths, willing to seek support when needed
- Curiosity about all perspectives, and actively participate in the Peer Support movement
- Basic understanding of Microsoft Office, Online/Social Media Platforms
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- GED/HS Diploma or equivalent determined by New Life II
Successful candidates have:
- Direct lived experience receiving services in the behavioral health system
- Experience with advocacy, group facilitation and/or peer support
- Trained in Intentional Peer Support, Hearing Voices, Alternatives to Suicide, and Anti-Oppression frameworks
- Access to your own vehicle that you can use for work
- Bilingual/bicultural in English and American Sign Language or Spanish, strongly encouraged
- Ability to work both independently, and as a member of a team
BENEFITS:
Team Members of The Gloria House Respite Home are valuable Team Members of New Life II Recovery Community Organization. All Team Members must adhere to current policies and procedures (HIPPA Confidentiality) and are responsible for exemplifying the values of New Life II. Team Collaboration is essential for personal well-being and programmatic success.
New Life II is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender orientation, and abilities. We value diversity and strive to have Team Members representative of the people we serve.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: Up to $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Ability to Relocate:
- New Britain, CT 06051: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
