Peer Specialist I - Integrated Health and Aging Program

UPMC - University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC - University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is seeking a Peer Specialist to support older adults and adults (55+ and 18+) on IHAP. The role focuses on daily 1:1 and group interactions to promote recovery, safety planning, and engagement in community resources.

The position requires lived experience in mental health or recovery, plus CPR/CCMC certifications and basic familiarity with Office 365. Candidates should be able to document progress and participate in crisis support and advocacy tasks.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Peer Specialist or Recovery Specialist certification preferred.
• Lived experience in mental health, substance use, or recovery processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide feedback to clients, families and clinical staff.
• Assist clients in recovery management, including goal setting and barrier identification.
• Advocate for clients in meetings and with stakeholders.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Group facilitation

Lived experience

Recovery knowledge

Advocacy

Documentation

Office 365

Education

High School Diploma

Certified Peer Specialist (preferred)

Tools

Office 365

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