Peer Specialist I - Integrated Health and Aging Program

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC IHAP unit is a 27-bed program serving older adults (55+, though 18+ is accepted). The Peer Specialist role is tailored for someone who enjoys working with patients one-on-one as well as in group settings, meeting patients daily to share experiences and complete crisis safety plans prior to discharge.

The position also involves running peer support and activity groups to further engage patients and improve recovery outcomes through collaborative care with families and clinical staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide feedback to clients, families, and clinical staff.
• Assist clients in recovery management, including goal setting, identifying barriers, and strategies.
• Help clients find and use community supports and resources.
• 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.

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.