Peer Group Facilitator

Purpose:

The Peer Facilitator is a volunteer position which plays an integral role in Antidote’s mission to support those who have experienced psychological manipulation. The individual in this role provides valuable insight, compassion, and hope to those seeking assistance to understand and heal from psychological manipulation.

Description:

The Peer Facilitator is responsible for hosting Antidote’s weekly support group for individuals who have experienced psychological manipulation in any form. Some examples of this could be being a member of a cult-like group, extremist organization, hate group, online conspiracy group, or relationship in which psychological manipulation has taken place. This is a volunteer position as a support group leader. The Peer Facilitator guides participants through a 10-week support group cycle, which meets weekly for 90 minutes. Each volunteer will oversee one support group at a time, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. The Peer Facilitator is not a professional providing mental health services, but rather an individual with shared lived experience who creates a space for social support, emotional connection, education, and skill building to take place in those who are seeking deeper understanding of the impact that psychological manipulation has had on their lives.

Skills and Experience:

The individual selected in this role is expected to have the following characteristics:

• Is a survivor of, or loved one of, someone who has experienced psychological manipulation
• Can demonstrate no longer being actively impacted by a controlling environment
• Has taken steps to improve personal wellbeing
• Belief in the importance of shared lived experience as a healing factor
• Ability to navigate challenging conversations calmly and tactfully
• Good stress management skills
• Ability to maintain boundaries with others
• Stable internet connection and a computer with access to a webcam
• Comfortability with navigating online video conferencing platforms
• Private, indoor location to ensure confidentiality

Time Commitment:

Up to 5 hours per week, as follows:

• A one-time orientation and facilitator training of approximately 4 hours each
• Weekly 90-minute support group, plus 15 mins before and after for set up and closure
• Weekly preparation time of 1-2 hours
• Weekly documentation time of 30 mins
• Monthly check-ins/debriefs with an Antidote supervisor for 1 hour

Benefits:

This is a volunteer, unpaid role. The individual is not an employee of Antidote but will receive a $100 stipend every support group cycle, up to a maximum of $400 per year, to offset the costs of a stable internet connection. Volunteers may also receive non-financial benefits from the role such as a feeling of giving back to the community, increased sense of purpose, and a greater understanding of their own experiences. Additionally, volunteers may gain important transferable skills for use in future roles.

How to Apply:

To apply, fill out this form here: https://forms.office.com/r/5qqXWhxTMp