Peer Specialist I (Safe Harbor- Addiction Medicine Program)

UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor improves access to mental health and substance use resources for people in Erie County. Safe Harbor provides a direct link to research-based care for many behavioral health conditions at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, including addiction medicine services.

Peer Specialists I are individuals with lived experience who provide non-clinical support as a fully integrated treatment team member and educator for staff. Peer Specialists I are role models of recovery values and principles by helping to identify and remove barriers and triggers to treatment for individuals receiving services from inpatient or outpatient programs. The hire for this position will be responsible for supporting individuals in recovery in the community who work alongside those struggling with substance abuse on a peer-to-peer basis. These services are available to all individuals at all stages of recovery.

The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 9a-5p, with some flexibility required for select special events.

Responsibilities:

• Provide feedback as appropriate to client, family members, and clinical staff Assist clients/patients in recovery management including identifying recovery goals, barriers to achieving goals, and strategies to meeting goals.
• Assist clients/patients in identifying natural supports and resources in the community and educate individuals on how to utilize them in the recovery process.
• Advocate for clients/patients by actively participating in staff meetings, treatment team meetings, etc. and appropriately voicing the clients'/patients' viewpoint and recovery goals while maintaining alignment with the team.
• Accompany clients/patients to various community engagement and reintegration activities as appropriate; provide follow-up services to clients/patients in a 1:1 or group setting, by phone, virtually, or by mobile visits; facilitate recovery and wellness related groups; provide individual support. Monitor progress with completing goals and provide feedback as appropriate to clients'/patients', family members, and clinical staff.
• Utilize crisis support to help individuals develop and use action plans for prevention and recovery, wellness recovery action plans, mental health advanced directives, and other crisis and crisis prevention plans
• Maintain all required paperwork and documentation in a timely manner, as directed by Supervisor.