Teen Support Group Leader

Description

We are a social service organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect.  With our peer-led teen support group, our mission is to create safe and inclusive spaces where young people can openly discuss mental health and support one another with empathy, understanding, and shared experiences.

Our Teen Peer Support Group Leader Internship provides students with the opportunity to develop leadership, communication, and mental health advocacy skills by facilitating peer support groups for their peers. Interns will lead or co-lead weekly support sessions, assist in event planning, and help create educational content around mental wellness.

Supervision, Training, and Mentorship:

• Supervision: Interns will be supervised by a licensed mental health professional who will oversee the program and ensure all activities align with best practices in youth mental health and peer support.

• Training: Before beginning their role, all applicants are required to attend a support group as participants on Saturday, April 26. Once hired, interns will complete a comprehensive training program that covers active listening, group facilitation, confidentiality, crisis response protocols, and self-care. Ongoing monthly workshops will provide continued education and skill-building.

Learning Goals:

• Build strong communication and leadership skills through group facilitation and peer engagement.

• Gain a foundational understanding of mental health issues affecting teens and how to support others safely and empathetically.

• Develop confidence in public speaking, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence.

• Learn how to work collaboratively with a team and within structured organizational systems.

• Reflect on their own well-being and grow personally through self-awareness and resilience practices.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate weekly peer support group meetings for teens (ages [insert age range]).

• Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful space for open sharing and dialogue.

• Guide discussions using structured prompts or curricula (if provided).

• Monitor group dynamics and respond to emotional or behavioral concerns appropriately.

• Collaborate with program staff to ensure consistency and quality of the group.

• Encourage participant leadership and peer support within the group.

• Maintain confidentiality and uphold group ground rules.

• Report attendance, incidents, and session feedback to supervisor as required.

Qualifications

• Must be between 15 and 24 years old to maintain a peer-led dynamic.

• Culturally aware and inclusive.

• Passion for youth empowerment and community support.

• Strong communication, listening, and group facilitation skills.

• Ability to manage group conversations with sensitivity and professionalism.

• Reliable, consistent, and committed to weekly sessions.

• Training in peer support, mental health first aid, or trauma-informed care is a plus (or willingness to complete it).