Innovations Liaison

At Fountain House, we believe in the power of community to transform the lives of individuals with serious mental illness. Every day, thousands of members choose to come to Fountain House to contribute their talents, learn new skills, access opportunities, and form friendships. Members and staff operate successful employment, education, wellness programs and work as partners to perform all the functions that keep our community going. The Fountain House model has been replicated in more than 300 locations in 30 countries and 32 states and currently serves more than 100,000 people with mental illness worldwide. As originators of this approach, we provide leadership by constantly advancing the practice and by leading the conversation around mental health recovery. As a result, Fountain House has created a comprehensive Community System of Care. This includes Clubhouses in Manhattan, the Bronx, Hollywood, California and Care Management, Home and Community Based Services and a large housing program ranging from 24 hour supervised residences to scattered site supported apartments. We are committed to reducing social isolation, advocating for mental health policy change, and driving solutions that empower our members.

Your Impact

The Innovation Liaison is responsible for the implementation of new ideas, projects, and services that fit within the Fountain House strategic plan and bridging these projects with the rest of the Innovations Team at Fountain House. They will transition between many different settings as they support the growth of new projects The Innovation Liaison will be based approximately 25 hours a week at our Recharge Station in Times Square and will be responsible for coordinating this project. Part of the work will be collaboratively designing pivots in the design with the Senior Director of Innovations, members, and staff of the space. They will be utilizing Social Practice and de-escalation strategies to ensure that a safe and positive community exists in this vital street outreach project. They will bring data and insights back from the other settings to the main Clubhouse. This role requires curiosity, flexibility, and a passion for new experiences and approaches.

$30.58 to $33.65 per hour

Program Design

• Co-design and implement new programs and projects with the collaboration and guidance of a wide array of stakeholders from the Fountain House community and outside partners.
• Responsible for the day-to-day running of new projects before systems are created to hand off the running of the space to other workers.

Direct Support

• Utilizes a knowledge of Social Practice, especially strong Social Design, to create programs and spaces that foster inclusion, community, and rehabilitation.

Community Engagement & Advocacy:

• Develop relationships with members at Fountain House to include them in the work.
• Coordinate with peer counselors at the Recharge Station, build community with the guests, implement new features at the station, and coordinate ordering and services.
• Make referrals to providers who can best support those accessing the services of the Recharge Station.
• Responsible for connecting guests at sites with services, including referrals to clubhouse, referrals to housing providers, assistance obtaining IDs, information on how to navigate benefits.

Crisis Intervention:

• Responsible for redirecting and crisis management with guests at job sites who are struggling with their mental health, substance use, and housing.
• Perform de-escalation in street outreach settings to limit crisis, responsible for calling supervisor, Times Square Alliance or emergency services for further support.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Who You Are

• You are compassionate and action-oriented with a deep commitment to social justice and mental health equity.
• You thrive in changing environments where your innovative ideas and problem-solving skills can take shape.
• You believe people with serious mental illness deserve holistic support, and the opportunity to define their futures.
• Ability to work under pressure, multi-task, prioritize, organize time and meet deadlines.
• You value inclusion, joy, accountability, and creativity-and you're ready to join a program that embodies all of these.

What You Bring

• Undergraduate degree or an equivalent combination of training and experience required
• Experience working with historically underserved populations preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness and or/hands on experience working in a community setting preferred.
• Experience with NYC benefit systems preferred, including Medicaid, SNAP, SSI/SSDI, and HRA.
• Understanding of the NYC housing support infrastructure is preferred, including DHS shelters, safe havens, and Cityfheps.
• Strong preference for candidates experienced in de-escalation, conflict resolution, and restorative justice approaches; demonstrated ability to use active listening to build trust and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to multi-task and change day-to-day job site and short-term goals necessary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and to conduct assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices
• Having a variety of work, school or volunteer experiences is highly desirable.

Why Join Fountain House

• Empower Marginalized Communities - Elevate the voices of individuals with lived experience and drive real systemic change.
• Innovate in Mental Health Advocacy - Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of mental health reform.
• Professional Growth & Leadership - Access mentorship, training, and career development opportunities in a rapidly evolving field.

Join Us & Make an Impact!

Be part of a movement that is transforming mental health care through research, advocacy, and community.

Fountain House, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At this time Fountain House, Inc. is not able to sponsor visas

Note: This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.