NAMI Connection Peer Support Group Facilitator
Role Description: NAMI Connection Peer Support Groups follow a peer-based, mutual support group model that provides an opportunity for individuals living with mental illness to share and learn from their common experience. Groups are a safe space to confront the challenges that all people with mental illness face, regardless of diagnosis. Facilitators offer support, information, and practical knowledge to people living with mental illness. Facilitators are not counselors or teachers; rather, they are present primarily to give the group structure by opening and closing each support group session, guiding discussion, and shifting discussion when necessary. Groups meet weekly under the guidance of 2 volunteer facilitators.
Location: Support Groups are held both virtually and throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
Reports to: Director of Signature Programs or Outreach Coordinators
Role Requirements:
- Personal experience having a mental illness and living well in recovery.
- Willingness to share one’s own lived experience with mental illness.
- Strong commitment to supporting individuals dealing with mental illness.
- Attend 2-3 Peer Support Group sessions
- Apply to become a volunteer facilitator by completing a supplemental application and interview with the Director of Programs & Outreach.
- Complete a 2-day NAMI training course and subsequent refresher requirements.
- Participation in a Peer-to-Peer course and Connection Peer Support Group is encouraged.
- Current member of NAMI, or willingness to join.
- Responsible, good organizational skills, strong people skills. Desire to facilitate and commitment to adhere to the NAMI support group model.
- Volunteer Commitment: Volunteers are asked to make a 1-year commitment upon completion of training. Facilitators are scheduled on a rotating basis; minimum 2 hours per month.
- Minimum Age: 18 years old.
- Work cooperatively with the co-facilitator to conduct the group.
- Respect the privacy of support group attendees by creating an environment of confidentiality in the program setting and by holding in confidence sensitive, private, and personal information. However, you must also be prepared to break confidentiality when you believe there is a danger of harm to a participant or others.
- Offer respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope to participants.
- Send attendance and weekly reporting forms to the Director of Signature Program
- Fulfill refresher requirements.
- Encourage attendees to join NAMI and become advocates.
- Actively maintain your own wellness and respect your emotional and physical limitations.
Apply today at www.namibaltimore.volunteerhub.com
