Peer Specialist I - Peer Support Services

UPMC•McKeesport, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Peer Specialists I are individuals with lived experience who provide non-clinical support as a fully integrated treatment team member and educator for staff. Peer Specialists I are role models of recovery values and principles by helping to identify and remove barriers and triggers to treatment for individuals receiving services from inpatient or outpatient programs. This is a community-based position. There is also mileage reimbursement for all work travel. Must be a Certified Peer Specialist.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
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.

Nice To Haves

Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Specialist certification is preferred.

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.