Certified Peer Support Specialist

UnitedHealth Group•Draper, UT

17h•$20 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data, and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) uses personal lived experience and recovery to support, engage, and empower individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges. This role is a key connector between members, clinical teams, and providers—helping bridge communication, build trust, and promote recovery-oriented care. CPSS professionals model hope, resilience, and self-determination, while providing education, support, and guidance rooted in trauma‑informed, evidence-based peer practices. This position also plays a vital role in facilitating training programs for members, providers, and community partners. Schedule: 20 hours per week: Tuesday & Thursday 8am-5pm, Wednesday 8am- 12pm Location: Onsite - 12921 S Vista Station Blvd, Draper, UT 84020

Requirements

Active state-recognized Certified Peer Support Specialist certification
2+ years of Prior Authorization processing experience in an insurance or pharmacy setting
2+ years of experience working as a CPSS
1+ years of experience in facilitating training
Advance level of proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery
Have recent CPSS experience (within the previous 12 months)
Reliable transportation, valid and unrestricted driver’s license, and state‑required insurance

Nice To Haves

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Trainer Certification
2+ years of experience as a trainer
Knowledge of Medicaid systems
Familiarity with trauma‑informed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented systems of care
Working knowledge of community resources
Demonstrated understanding of recovery and resiliency principles
Proven ability to create and deliver professional presentations
Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
Ability to maintain boundaries and confidentiality

Responsibilities

Use lived experience and recovery principles to inspire hope, build rapport, and support members in identifying strengths and setting self-directed recovery goals
Connect with members as appropriate, including during transitions such as hospital discharge or when additional support is needed
Provide peer support at critical moments in the treatment process, ensuring members feel heard, respected, and empowered
Assist members and families in navigating services, understanding their rights, and making informed decisions about their care
Work closely with clinical teams and providers to help improve member engagement, communication, and care coordination using the recovery model
Participate in treatment planning when requested by the team and or members
Identify members who may benefit from peer support and work with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate appropriate referrals
Serve as a liaison between Optum, members, and community partners
Assist in developing and facilitating multiple training programs, including: Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) training Enhancement and continuing education trainings Suicide prevention trainings Other peer- and recovery-related training initiatives
Demonstrate strong ability to create professional, engaging presentations and training materials
Help members connect to treatment providers, community resources, and natural supports
Advocate for members’ needs across healthcare, housing, employment, legal, and community systems
Provide support with grievance or appeals processes when requested
Communicate benefits and resource information to members, families, and community organizations
Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely documentation
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training and development
Support internal initiatives, workgroups, or committees as assigned
May serve as a resource to peers and may coordinate activities of others as needed