Certified Peer Specialist - Torrance State Hospital

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; New Stanton (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Torrance State Hospital, operated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, seeks a Certified Peer Specialist to support individuals in recovery through guidance, advocacy, and practical tools.

The role emphasizes person-centered care, empowerment, and building skills, with a standard 37.5-hour work week, on-site work, and required PCB certification.

Applicants must meet residency requirements and complete background checks as part of the credentialing process.

Qualifications

• Must hold an active PCB certification as a Certified Peer Specialist.
• Meet PA residency requirements.
• Able to perform essential job functions with reasonable accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Provide recovery guidance by helping clients set goals and identify steps toward recovery.
• Facilitate peer support through individual and group discussions to foster confidence and progress.
• Offer information about public services, education, and other supports.

Skills

Peer support

Empathy

Communication

Education

Certified Peer Specialist certification (PCB)

Job description

Become a Certified Peer Specialist at Torrance State Hospital and help individuals find strength and direction during their recovery journeys. This position gives you the opportunity to guide others by offering understanding, encouragement, and practical tools for success. You will work in a positive environment where your insight and shared experiences matter. Join an agency dedicated to providing supportive, person-centered care every day!

This position supports individuals receiving mental health services by offering guidance, empowerment, and advocacy throughout the recovery process. The role focuses on helping individuals build confidence, understand available resources, and move toward personal goals. As a Certified Peer Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Recovery Guidance: Support individuals in identifying strengths, setting goals, and choosing steps toward recovery
• Peer Support: Share insights through individual discussions and group activities to encourage confidence and progress
• Resource Assistance: Provide information about public services, education, and other support options
• Advocacy Services: Help individuals communicate needs, understand their rights, and access necessary supports
• Progress Monitoring: Observe individual progress and document actions that support treatment and recovery plans
• Skill Development: Teach problem-solving techniques, social skills, and recovery-strengthening strategies

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirement

• You must be in 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.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

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.

• 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.