Peer Support Specialist - Psych EmPath - Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center - Evening Shift - Full Time

Sharp HealthCare•Chula Vista, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery‑oriented, non‑clinical peer support services to individuals receiving care in the EmPATH/Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). This role supports individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises by promoting engagement, stabilization, self‑advocacy, and connection to appropriate next levels of care. As an integrated member of the CSU multidisciplinary team, the Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience with mental health recovery to model hope, resilience, and empowerment while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. The role operates within a time‑limited crisis stabilization setting and supports Sharp HealthCare's contracted crisis stabilization services.

Requirements

H.S. Diploma or Equivalent
California Certified Peer Support Specialist (Medi‑Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification) - REQUIRED
Knowledge of recovery‑oriented and peer support principles.
Understanding of trauma‑informed and strengths‑based approaches.
Ability to engage individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises in a calm, supportive, and non‑judgmental manner.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Cultural responsiveness and ability to support individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Basic computer skills and ability to document in electronic systems.
Ability to manage frequent interruptions and competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a hospital setting.

Responsibilities

Provides peer‑based emotional and practical support to individuals receiving services in the EmPATH/Crisis Stabilization Unit.
Engages individuals through supportive, recovery‑oriented interactions that promote emotional regulation, stabilization, and personal empowerment.
Utilizes lived experience appropriately to model coping strategies, self‑advocacy, and recovery while maintaining professional boundaries.
Builds rapport and trust with individuals experiencing acute psychiatric distress in a time‑limited crisis setting.
Supports individuals during crisis stabilization by encouraging participation in care, engagement with staff, and use of coping strategies.
Reinforces recovery‑oriented messaging and strengths‑based approaches during periods of heightened emotional distress.
Assists individuals with basic needs and comfort measures during their stay in the CSU.
Functions as an active member of the CSU multidisciplinary team.
Communicates relevant observations related to engagement, behavior, or safety to licensed staff in a timely and professional manner.
Participates in team huddles, shift handoffs, and unit activities as assigned.
Demonstrates flexibility in response to fluctuating census, acuity, and operational needs.
Follows CSU protocols, safety procedures, and care processes under the direction of licensed staff.
Utilizes crisis prevention, de‑escalation, and trauma‑informed techniques as trained.
Maintains confidentiality and adheres to patient rights, Sharp HealthCare policies, and applicable regulatory and contract requirements.
Completes required documentation related to peer engagement and support activities in a timely and accurate manner, in accordance with Sharp HealthCare standards and established CSU workflows.