Peer Specialist I - Integrated Health and Aging Program

Socket.dev; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

IHAP at UPMC seeks a dedicated Peer Specialist to support adults 18+ in a 27-bed unit focused on recovery and wellness. You will meet clients daily, run group activities, and help develop crisis safety plans prior to discharge.

The role requires a high school diploma, lived recovery experience, and certifications (CPR, CCMC, Act 31/33/34, FBI clearance). Familiarity with Office 365 and a non‑clinical peer support approach are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Specialist preferred.
• Lived recovery experience in mental health or substance use recovery.
• CPR certification.
• CCMC certification.
• Act 31/33/34 with renewal.
• FBI Clearance with renewal.

Responsibilities

• Provide feedback to clients, families, and clinical staff.
• Assist clients in recovery management, including goal setting, identifying barriers, and strategies.
• Advocate for clients in meetings, voicing their viewpoints and goals.
• Accompany clients to community activities and provide follow-up services.
• Facilitate recovery and wellness groups; offer individual support.
• Monitor progress and provide feedback.
• Use crisis support to develop and implement action plans.
• Maintain required paperwork and documentation promptly.

Skills

Active listening

Empathy

Crisis intervention

Group facilitation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Specialist preferred

Lived recovery experience in mental health/substance use

CPR

CCMC

Act 31/33/34 with renewal

FBI Clearance with renewal

Tools

Office 365

Word

Outlook

Job description

IHAP is currently a 27-bed unit that specializes in the older adult population (typically 55+, although we can accept anyone over the age of 18). We work with individuals with a variety of diagnoses including dementia, depression, psychosis, etc. Our unit has a longer length of stay compared to others, which can allow for our staff to build stronger rapport with our patients.

The Peer specialist position is best suited for someone who enjoys working with patients 1:1, as well as in a group setting. Peer Specialists are expected to meet with patients on a daily basis to provide support, share personal experiences, and complete crisis safety plans prior to discharge. Our Peer Specialists are also expected to run peer support and/or activity groups to further engage patients.

Responsibilities:

Feedback and Communication

• Provide feedback to clients, families, and clinical staff.

Recovery Management

• Assist clients in recovery management, including goal setting, identifying barriers, and strategies.
• Help clients find and use community supports and resources.

Advocacy

• Advocate for clients in meetings, voicing their viewpoints and goals.

Community Engagement

• Accompany clients to community activities and provide follow-up services.
• Facilitate recovery and wellness groups; offer individual support.

Progress Monitoring

• Monitor progress and provide feedback.

Crisis Support

• Use crisis support to develop and implement action plans.

Documentation

• Maintain required paperwork and documentation promptly.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Specialist certification is preferred.
• Have lived experience in one or more of the following areas: mental health, substance use disorder, the recovery process, and willing to share experiences to the benefit of clients/patients served.
• Progressed in own recovery and have basic understanding of the recovery principles: Hope, Personal Responsibility, Empowerment Skills, Self-Advocacy, Educational Opportunities, and the importance of using personal and community Supports.
• Able to articulate to clients/patients, families, and to interested stakeholders that peer support is a non-clinical service to promote recovery and wellness.
• Basic understanding of mental health, wellness, and resiliency.
• Familiar with Office 365 – e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran