Director of Peer Support & Education

Director of Peer Support & Education

Employment Type:

Full Time, Exempt

Reports To:

Senior Director of Operations and Strategy

The Director of Peer Services Programs provides strategic leadership and oversight of Mental Health Advocates of WNY's peer-delivered programs, including Youth Peer Advocates, Family Peer Advocates, BEST Program and the Peer Bridger Program. This position ensures high-quality, recovery-oriented, and person-centered services that align with the organization's mission, values, and strategic goals while promoting equity, inclusion, and the value of lived experience.

The Director is responsible for program leadership, supervision of program managers and coordinators, staff development, quality improvement, contract and grant compliance, program evaluation, and the continued growth and expansion of peer services. The Director represents the organization with community partners, healthcare systems, government agencies, and statewide stakeholders, fostering collaborative relationships that strengthen access to peer support services across the community.

• Provide strategic leadership for the Youth Peer Advocate Program, Peer Bridger, BEST Program, and Family Peer Advocate Program.
• Ensure program fidelity, compliance, and achievement of outcomes while exceeding grant/funder requirements.
• Drive program evaluation and continuous quality improvement.
• Collaborate on budgets, grants, and reporting.
• Monitor projects to ensure effectiveness, alignment with agency goals, and sustainability.
• Represent MHA programs with external agencies, community leaders, and statewide networks.

• Supervise program managers and coordinators; hold regular 1:1 meetings to support staff needs and growth.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management to foster a positive, youth and family-driven, peer-centered culture.
• Oversee scheduling, assignments, staff orientation, and professional development.
• Support staff with navigating vendor services and documentation requirements.
• Approve timecards, time-off requests and mileage and other reimbursements for YPA Coordinators, YPAs and Family Program Manager

• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, families, and community partners.
• Oversee facilitation of youth support groups, school programming, and parent/community workshops.
• Promote advocacy, empowerment, and youth/family voice in all program services.
• Actively participate in local, regional, and national coalitions, trainings, and conferences.
• Represent MHA at events, panels, health fairs, and outreach opportunities.

• Track program goals, objectives, and outcomes; report regularly to leadership.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance, confidentiality, and ethical standards in programs.
• Actively support agency diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Participate in leadership team meetings and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Operations and Strategy

• Bachelor’s degree required in Human Services, Education, or related field. Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in human services, with at least 3 years of program management or supervision.
• Lived experience in peer support or recovery work preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in youth and family peer services, prevention, or peer-led programs.
• Experience with grants, budgets, insurance billing, and EHR systems.
• Strong supervision, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication (oral and written), organization, and time management abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and related technology.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; travel required.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Employer Contribution (for eligible employees)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with Employer Contribution (for eligible employees)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Up to 4% Employer Match
• Employer-Paid Life…