PURPOSE 

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.

LOCATION: Support groups are held virtually & in person throughout Cuyahoga County, Ohio (As long as the current public health circumstances permit)

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Adult with mental illness who is living well in recovery (minimum age 18 years).
2. Willingness to support others and share one’s lived experience as a person with mental illness.
3. Successful completion of NAMI training course.
4. Current member of NAMI, or willingness to join.
5. Willingness to commit to one year of volunteer service upon completion of training, providing groups of 60-90 minutes in duration (frequency of groups may vary from 1-4 times per month and is dependent on volunteer availability and program needs).
6. Means to participate (e.g., reliable transportation, access to internet connection/device to support participation by Zoom or other electronic meeting platform)

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Respectfully and effectively facilitate Connection support groups in accordance with the NAMI support group model.
2. Maintain the privacy of Connection support group attendees by creating and reinforcing a confidential group environment and by keeping attendees’ sensitive, private and personal information confidential.
3. Intervene immediately and appropriately when there is a danger of harm to a Connection support group participant or others.
4. Assist with completing/collecting program evaluation forms from audience members as needed; ensure that program evaluations are delivered to NAMI Greater Cleveland staff in a timely manner.
5. Maintain a high level of energy and enthusiasm for NAMI and NAMI Greater Cleveland’s mission and purpose.
6. Conduct volunteer work in a manner that is aligned with NAMI Greater Cleveland’s mission and consistent with the organization’s policies.
7. Demonstrate a positive, professional demeanor with NAMI Greater Cleveland community partners, staff, and other volunteers at all times.
8. Respect, relate to and represent the interests of persons with mental illness and their family members.
9. Respect the values, norms and customs of diverse populations and cultures.
10. Recognize and respect the expectation not to act on NAMI Greater Cleveland’s behalf or represent NAMI Greater Cleveland outside the scope of the role requirements/volunteer responsibilities of a Connection Support Group Facilitator volunteer, as outlined in this volunteer position description.
11. Successfully complete volunteer trainings, including refresher trainings, recertification courses, etc., in a timely manner.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

At NAMI, we believe a diverse, inclusive and equitable organization (or Alliance) is one where all volunteers, employees, and members — regardless of gender, race, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, education, disability, veteran status or other dimension of diversity — feel valued and respected.

We are committed to providing informed, authentic leadership for cultural equity and modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire NAMI alliance.

We expect all volunteers to embrace this notion and to express it in program interactions and through everyday practice.

We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and to providing equal opportunity for volunteerism in all programs and worksites.