Suicide Support Group Leader

Company Description NAMI Connecticut, the state's leading voice on mental health, is dedicated to educating, supporting, and advocating for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. As the Connecticut chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, we aim to ensure mental health is approached with the same urgency and compassion as physical health. Serving all eight counties in the state, we offer a wide range of free, peer-led programs, including educational classes, support groups, youth leadership initiatives, mental health awareness presentations, and trauma-informed community training. Through our mission and services, we strive to create a future where no one faces mental health challenges alone and every community fosters acceptance and support.

Role Description Position Type:

Volunteer with

Honorarium Location:

Hybrid (In‑Person and/or Virtual Options)

Schedule:

Bi‑monthly groups + Monthly networking meetings

Training:

Required Out of the Abyss Group Leader Training About the Program Out of the Abyss is NAMI Connecticut's survivor‑focused suicide support initiative, offering peer-led support groups for individuals who have experienced suicidal thoughts or survived a suicide attempt.

These groups provide a compassionate, trauma‑informed environment centered on connection, coping skills, understanding, and healing. About the Role We are seeking empathetic, grounded, and reliable individuals to serve as Out of the Abyss Suicide Support Group Leaders. In this volunteer role, you will co‑facilitate ongoing support groups based on NAMI Connecticut's structured, peer-support model. Leaders create a safe space where participants can share openly, receive support, and feel understood. Additional responsibilities may include coordinating resources for participants, monitoring group participation, and collecting program evaluations. Responsibilities Co‑facilitate bi‑monthly support groups (in person or virtually) using NAMI Connecticut's model and guidelines Foster a safe, compassionate, trauma‑informed space grounded in peer support Navigate sensitive and emotionally complex conversations with empathy, composure, and appropriate boundaries Maintain confidentiality, group structure, and participant safety Collaborate with a co‑leader, including preparation, debriefing, and ongoing communication Attend monthly networking or supervision meetings with other group leaders and attend yearly refresher trainings Complete all training requirements and maintain accurate attendance/administrative reporting Qualifications Must have personal lived experience with suicidal thoughts/past attempts Strong Communication skills, with the ability to foster meaningful and empathetic discussions in a group setting Analytical and Troubleshooting abilities to address group dynamics, identify individual needs, and manage unexpected challenges effectively Experience in Customer Support and a commitment to delivering empathetic, person-centered assistance Technical Support skills for facilitating virtual meetings and utilizing online platforms Prior experience facilitating support groups or working with individuals in crisis is highly desirable Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices and an understanding of mental health issues is a strong plus Ability to work collaboratively in a hybrid environment balancing in-person and remote responsibilities Continuous learning attitude and an openness to training opportunities related to mental health and peer support