Peer Support Specialist II - Part Time

Position Details

Peer Support Specialist II – Part Time

Job Category:
Staff & Executive – Healthcare

Department: UBHC – NJ Hopeline

Position Status:
Part Time

Working Hours:

16 hours per week (Evening shift)

Work Arrangement:
Eligible for remote work.

Salary: $28.30 per hour

Benefits include medical, prescription drug, dental coverage, paid vacation, holidays, leave programs, retirement benefits, educational benefits, life insurance, and employee discounts.

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC) offers comprehensive behavioral health and addiction services across New Jersey, serving all ages. It is one of the largest providers in the country, operating 15 sites.

The Peer Support Specialist provides engagement, support, and assessment for callers to the 988 Lifeline Services within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. Responsibilities include receiving requests via telephone, chat or text, assessing needs, offering peer support and referrals, documenting interactions, acquiring familiarity with resources, and maintaining professional communication.

• Interact with clients in a therapeutic manner.
• Ensure all service requests are handled effectively and caller‑friendly.
• Assess service requests and referrals, responding per procedures.
• Assess client's condition to make or authorize appropriate disposition.
• Respond professionally to inquiries from professionals, agencies, and other parties.
• Manage call, chat or text completion and documentation for disposition.
• Document assessments, interventions, and client interactions timely and in accordance with policies.
• Acquire knowledge of other providers and resources to facilitate client support and guidance.

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Four (4) years of full‑time experience in the mental health care field.
• Self‑identified current or former user of mental health or co‑occurring services with at least one year of experience supporting others.

• Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery model.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Willingness to learn and teach.
• Comfort using or learning computer systems for recording services.

• Bachelor's Degree in a social or mental health setting preferred.
• Peer training certification preferred.

• Frequent prolonged sitting.
• Frequent listening and talking in groups and on the telephone.
• Lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Handling phone requests under time and decision‑making pressure.
• Generally pleasant working conditions in a clean, well‑lit, quiet to moderately loud setting.
• Crisis intervention is a common occurrence.

Hourly wage: $28.30. Salary ranges:
Minimum $28.30, Mid $28.80, Max $29.66. Compensation may vary based on qualifications, experience, market benchmarks, and internal equity. Benefits include medical, prescription drug, dental coverage; paid vacation, holidays, leave; retirement benefits; educational benefits; life insurance; employee discount programs.

Position may be fully remote.

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of any protected category. For additional information see the Non‑Discrimination Statement at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-statement