LEAN LIUNA Level 3: Part-Time or Volunteer Staff

The LHSFNA’s LEAN LIUNA—Laborers Escaping Adversity Now—initiative is bringing the power of peer support directly to LIUNA members and their families. Built by Laborers, for Laborers, these local programs help LIUNA members and their families:

• Take full advantage of the healthcare benefits available to them
• Navigate coverage-related issues and get connected with the right provider and resources for their needs
• Stay engaged with fellow Laborers who support their recovery and well-being

Level 1 lays the foundation by gathering and distributing available resources to members. Level 2 uses peer support groups to reduce stigma and let members know they’re not alone. A Level 3 LEAN program utilizes Peer Support Specialists who assist on a part-time or volunteer basis to engage with members and their dependents in need. This may be in addition to their regular job duties.

“Level 3 brings a more formalized type of peer support to members looking to volunteer to assist working families in need,” says LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer and LHSFNA Trustee Michael F. Sabitoni. “Whether it’s through Level 3 or another level of LEAN LIUNA, there are actions you can take to make a difference in the lives of members and their families. When we talk about looking out for our Brothers and Sisters, we’re talking about programs like LEAN LIUNA.”

Level 3: Flexible Options in a Formalized Program

A Level 3 program is a flexible alternative when resources for a full-time program are unavailable or when geography makes a full program unfeasible. Some program options include:

• Volunteers: This could be someone who is already providing informal peer support or is the “go to” person on their jobsite or within their LIUNA Local.
• Part-time peer support: A part-time role or stipend may allow someone to be fairly compensated for their time when funding for full-time staff isn’t practical.
• Phone hotline or email: While it’s preferred for peer support to be available 24/7, an 800 number with a voicemail and a dedicated email inbox can also be used to receive requests outside of work hours.

Level 3 Program Benefits and Considerations

The flexibility of Level 3 allows for robust peer support even when full-time funding isn’t available. Due to its low cost, this type of program can also scale more easily.

However, there are some potential challenges to plan around when considering a Level 3 program. 

• Burnout risk: setting clear boundaries can help a Level 3 peer specialist balance their normal workload and LEAN LIUNA duties.
• Conflicts of interest: Peer specialists with dual roles may find it difficult to maintain boundaries.
• Training needs: Volunteers or part-time staff may lack formal training initially, so providing training resources will be crucial for success.

If you’re interested in learning more about LEAN LIUNA or starting a program in your area, reach out to us at lifelines@lhsfna.org or contact the Fund at 202-628-5465. 

Become a LEAN LIUNA Ally

Everyone in the LIUNA family has a part to play in helping members feel supported, and creating real change takes all of us.

To show your support for LEAN LIUNA programs and end the stigma around asking for help, take our LEAN LIUNA Ally pledge today. We’ll add you to the map on our About LEAN LIUNA page so fellow LIUNA Brothers and Sisters can see that we’re all in this together. As a thank you, every Ally can opt-in to receive a LEAN LIUNA Ally hardhat sticker sent by the LHSFNA. 

[Nick Fox]