Peer Specialist I (Casual)

UPMC • Pittsburgh, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This Peer Support Specialist position provides recovery‑oriented support across two inpatient units: Atrium, a 15‑bed adult unit known for its calm and treatment‑engaged environment, and CED, a 10‑bed unit serving teenagers and adults with eating disorders and other diagnoses. The role includes supporting patients with diverse backgrounds, facilitating recovery‑focused groups 1–2 times per week on each unit with training provided, and working comfortably with both adult and adolescent populations.
Peer specialists attend daily treatment team meetings to advocate for patients, assist with behavior activation plans on the Atrium unit, support completion of outcome questionnaires, and encourage engagement in treatment activities, ADLs, and groups, with particular benefit for creative individuals working toward recovery.

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.
• 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

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees