Certified Peer Specialist - Torrance State Hospital

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; New Mexico; On-site; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services seeks a Certified Peer Specialist to support individuals in inpatient and community settings, helping them build confidence and independence with empathy and practical guidance.

You will provide recovery guidance, skill-building, and advocacy, document progress, and assist clients in accessing needed services while upholding rights within the mental health system.

Qualifications

• Active certification as a Certified Peer Specialist issued by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB).
• Ability to perform essential job functions.
• Residence within Pennsylvania as required.

Responsibilities

• Recovery Guidance: support individuals in identifying strengths and steps toward recovery.
• Skill Building: teach problem solving, communication, and social skills.
• Program Insight: help staff understand environments that support recovery.
• Progress Monitoring: observe and document growth and progress.
• Advocacy Support: assist individuals in accessing services and understanding rights.

Skills

Certified Peer Specialist

Job description

Salary: $36,831.00 - $54,162.00 Annually

Location: Westmoreland County, PA

Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time

Job Number: CS-2026-61371-31810

Department: Department of Human Services

Division: HS Torrance St Hosp

Opening Date: 11/05/2026

Closing Date: 11/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code: 31810

Position Number: 00039772

Union: SEIU Local 668

Bargaining Unit: F1

Pay Group: ST03

Bureau / Division Code: 00210973

Bureau / Division: Torrance State Hospital

Worksite Address: 121 Longview Drive

City: Torrance, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 15779

Contact Name: Sandra Schleicher

Contact Email: [e-mail]

The Position

Be the steady voice that helps someone find a new path! As a Certified Peer Specialist for the Department of Human Services, you support individuals as they learn to build confidence and independence. You bring understanding and compassion to people who are working hard to grow.

Description of Work

This position helps individuals grow toward recovery by offering guidance, support, and advocacy during inpatient and community-based services. As a Certified Peer Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Recovery Guidance: Support individuals in identifying strengths, resolving challenges, and choosing steps that align with recovery goals
• Skill Building: Teach problem solving, communication, and social skills that help individuals progress in treatment and community life
• Program Insight: Share perspectives that help staff understand environments that support recovery and assist individuals in expressing needs
• Progress Monitoring: Observe and document growth while modeling healthy communication, planning, and participation
• Advocacy Support: Help individuals access needed services and understand their rights within the mental health system

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• All positions require possession of an active certification as a Certified Peer Specialist issued by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB).

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Older Adult Protective Services Act.
• Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI clearance.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Examination Information

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.