Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist

UPMC is seeking a Peer Specialist I to join our mission-driven Behavioral Health team on a casual basis. In this role, you will draw on your own lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery to support patients and families. Responsibilities include providing one-on-one peer mentoring, facilitating groups, assisting with recovery and wellness planning, and linking individuals to community and social resources.

Working within an interdisciplinary team, you will promote hope, empowerment, and self-advocacy while contributing to UPMC’s innovative, community-focused care model.

• Use lived experience to provide one-on-one peer support to patients in recovery or managing mental health conditions
• Assist patients in setting goals, developing coping skills, and building recovery plans
• Connect patients with community, social service, and behavioral health resources
• Advocate for patient needs and help them navigate UPMC and community systems of care
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer support, recovery, or psycho educational groups
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation in accordance with UPMC and regulatory standards
• Collaborate with clinicians, social workers, and care teams to coordinate patient-centered care
• Participate in training, supervision, and team meetings to support quality and professional growth
• Promote hope, empowerment, and self-advocacy while modeling recovery-oriented principles
• Support outreach, engagement, and follow-up to reduce readmissions and improve continuity of care

• Motivational interviewing basics
• Behavioral health documentation
• Knowledge of community and social service resources
• Crisis de-escalation fundamentals
• Recovery and wellness planning
• Boundaries and ethics in peer services
• Group facilitation
• Basic computer and EHR navigation
• Care coordination support

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401k

• Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or eligibility to obtain within specified timeframe
• Completion of state-approved peer specialist training
• Background checks and clearances as required by Pennsylvania law and UPMC policy
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred
• Valid driver’s license if role includes community-based outreach