Peer Specialist I (Part-time) - Psychiatric Emergency Services

UPMC • Pittsburgh, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital’s Psychiatric Emergency Services department (PES), located in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, is open 24 hours a day for people of all ages. We offer a safe and secure treatment setting. Our team includes Psychiatrists, Nurses, BH Navigators, and Peer Specialists who are committed to providing the best emergency care for our patients.
Peer Specialists I are individuals with lived experience who provide non-clinical support as a fully integrated treatment team member and educator for staff.

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