Peer Specialist I (Safe Harbor Behavioral Health)

UPMC; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Safe Harbor Behavioral Health in Erie, PA, is seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to support individuals in our Traditional Outpatient Program or Early Onset Psychosis Program. You will work with clinicians and families to provide recovery-centered peer services in both office-based and community settings.

Applicants must have lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and be a PA-certified CPS, 18+ years old, with training to help peers thrive in a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges required.
• Certification as a Certified Peer Specialist (PA Certification Board) required.
• Completion of the Pennsylvania attestation form identifying yourself as a peer.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clinicians and care teams to support individuals, families and groups.
• Deliver peer services in office-based and community settings with tailored frequency.
• Attend twice-weekly team meetings to coordinate care plans.
• Use personal recovery to empower others and build connections.
• Educate others on recovery and coping strategies.
• Provide peer counseling focused on safe, simple coping skills and resources.
• Share information on community supports and social connections.
• Advocate for individuals and participate in WRAP planning in both individual and group settings.

Skills

Lived experience

Recovery commitment

Education

Certified Peer Specialist (PA CPS)

Job description

Are you passionate about using your lived experience to inspire hope and promote recovery in others? Join our dynamic behavioral health team at Safe Harbor Behavioral Health as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and make a real difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.

In this vital role, you’ll provide peer support through our Traditional Outpatient Program or our groundbreaking Early Onset Psychosis Program (EORP)—the only program of its kind in Northwestern Pennsylvania. EORP offers specialized care for individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis, and you’ll be at the forefront of delivering compassionate, person-centered services.

What You’ll Do:

• Collaborate closely withclinicians, psychiatrists, medical professionals, and blended case managers to support individuals, families, and groups.
• Deliver peer services in both office-based settings and in the community, tailored to the unique needs and frequency of each client.
• Participate in twice-weekly team meetings to coordinate care plans and consult on cases.
• Use your personal recovery journey to empower others, promote wellness, and build meaningful connections.

What You Bring:

• A strong commitment to recovery and lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges.
• Must be 18 years or older and certified as aCertified Peer Specialist through the Pennsylvania Certification Board.
• Completion of the Pennsylvania attestation form identifying yourself as a peer.
• Previous experience in human services is preferred but not required—we’ll provide comprehensive training to help you thrive in this role!

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a supportive, mission-driven team focused on innovation and recovery.
• Gain valuable training and professional development opportunities.
• Play a key role in a one-of-a-kind program making a lasting impact in the Erie community.

Responsibilities:

• Educate others on recovery and model its possibility.
• Provide peer counseling focused on safe, simple coping skills
• Share resources on community supports, roles, and social connections.
• Empower individuals through advocacy, righted education and self-help tools.
• Use self-disclosure strategically to inspire hope and action.
• Lead WRAP planning in both individual and group settings.