Current UPMC employees must apply in HR Direct.

Peer Specialist (casual)

Job ID: 6592771194
Status: Casual
Regular/Temporary: Limited
Shift: Day Job
Facility: UPMC McKeesport
Department: 5C Behav Health
Location: 1500 Fifth Avenue, Mckeesport, PA
Union Position: No
Salary Range: $ 17.44-26.44 USD

UPMC McKeesport is currently hiring a casual Peer Specialist to join our team of Behavioral Health professionals! 

Whether you’re looking for a collaborative team setting, excellent work-life balance or experience with an industry leader, our Peer Specialist opportunity offers many ways for you to get involved! 

UPMC McKeesport is currently seeking a casual Peer Specialist to work various shifts.  The role does offer flexible work hours including 4/8 hour shifts and options to work weekends/holidays.

Candidates will be placed into the appropriate job title/salary grade based on experience and education.

Apply today to see where your career can go!

Purpose:
Peer Specialists are individuals with lived experience who provide non-clinical support as a fully integrated treatment team member and educator for staff. Peer Specialists 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.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide peer support services to consumers in the program setting, community, or in the consumer’s home–as directed by Supervisor.
  • Accompany consumers at various community support meetings or events whenever it is appropriate and provide follow-up services to consumers in a 1 to 1 setting, by phone, or by mobile visits.
  • Advocate for consumers and for the recovery message by actively participating in staff meetings, treatment team meetings, etc. and appropriately interjecting the consumer viewpoint and recovery goals.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and application of Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Personal Medicine, and Mental Health Advanced Directives documents and being able to share own recovery experience.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries, as described peer orientation trainings.
  • Assist consumers in identifying natural supports and resources in the community and educate consumers on how to utilize them in the recovery process.
  • Monitor consumer progress with recovery goals and provide feedback as appropriate to consumer, family members, and clinical staff.
  • Assist consumers in recovery management, including identifying recovery goals, barriers to achieving these goals and strategies to meeting goals.
  • Maintain all required paperwork and documentation in a timely manner, as directed by Supervisor.
  • Teach problem solving and social skills to consumers individually or in a group setting, through role modeling, coaching, and skill building in such areas as money management, transportation use, time management, etc.

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Specialist certification is preferred.
  • Have lived experience and a self-disclosed primary mental health diagnosis, having experienced the recovery process, and willing to share experiences to the benefit of consumers served.
  •  Basic understanding of mental health and co-occurring disorder conditions or substance use that interfere with the activities of daily living and mental health wellness.
  • 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 consumers, families, and to interested stakeholders that peer support is a non-clinical service to promote recovery wellness.
  • Entry-level competency using a computer, including email use and Microsoft Word

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
  • Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

CAREER GROWTH

Grow Your Nursing Career

Spanning over 20 clinical specialties and more than 50 unique nursing roles, every nurse at UPMC can achieve and advance their goals with the My Nursing Career Ladder. Whether you’re looking to progress to an elevated role or continue your education, UPMC equips nurses with the resources, feedback, leadership, and benefits to help you succeed and achieve your career goals. Here’s how a few nurses have grown their careers through the years at UPMC:

Clyde C.

As a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Muncy, Clyde is a great example of someone who has taken advantage of UPMC’s My Nursing Career Ladder to grow his career while remaining in the same hospital location.

Clyde’s Career Journey:

⦁ 2017: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2022-present: Professional Staff Nurse, Expert – UPMC Muncy

Male nurse stands in front of hospital, smiling at the camera.

Michelle B.

In her current role as a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Presbyterian, Michelle cares for patients with chronic and ongoing health issues as part of a Medical-Surgical unit. Michelle enjoys the daily change that Med-Surg nursing brings, and has found a career path that is interesting, meaningful, and full of opportunity.

Michelle’s Career Journey:

⦁ 2019: Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2020: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2021: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2023: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Expert – UPMC Presbyterian

Michelle, a blonde nurse, smiles at the camera outside of a hospital setting.

Jouli H.

Born in Syria, Jouli H. had a childhood dream of becoming a nurse. After moving to the United States and initially pursuing a different career, Jouli decided to return to school when she turned 30, returning to the hope and dream she had as a little girl. After attending UPMC Mercy School of Nursing, Jouli has continued her UPMC career journey, even becoming a mother along the way.

Jouli’s Career Journey:

⦁ 2020: Staff Nurse – UPMC Mercy
⦁ 2020: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Mercy
⦁ 2021: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Mercy
⦁ 2022: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Casual – UPMC Mercy
⦁ 2023: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Casual – UPMC Mercy

Jouli wears blue scrubs in a hospital room, looks at camera with a soft smile on her face.

INSURANCE SERVICES DIVISION OF UPMC

Advance Your Future

A career with UPMC means more than just caring for patients – when you’re a part of UPMC Insurance Services Division, it means caring for more than four million insurance members, too. UPMC Insurance Services Division offers a full range of health insurance products and services to our network across the country, providing peace of mind, better health, and financial security to our members, along with limitless career opportunities and a rewarding mission to those on our team.

About UPMC Insurance Services Division

As an integrated health care provider-insurer, UPMC goes beyond patient care to provide insurance products and services to millions of members. Our team partners with UPMC and community network providers to deliver knowledge and expertise that provides the highest quality care at the most affordable price, supporting our members through service, communication, and more.

Fast Facts:

  • We provide insurance products and services to over more than four million members.
  • UPMC’s Insurance Services Division offers a full range of health insurance options including UPMC Health Plan, Workpartners, UPMC for Life, UPMC for You, UPMC for Kids, UPMC Community HealthChoices, and Community Care Behavioral Health.
  • UPMC Health Plan is among the nation’s fastest-growing health plans.

Opportunities on Our Team

We’ve got a job that’s just right for you! UPMC Insurance Services Division team offers a vast array of career paths and opportunities, from career areas like customer service, data analytics, and information technology and even patient care roles like social work, nursing, and care management.

Whether in non-clinical or patient-facing roles, our team impacts patients and members by providing quality experiences before, during, and after their care, building relationships in a unique and meaningful way.

Recognized for Excellence

Be a part of an award-winning team! UPMC Insurance Services Division has been recognized for outstanding care and service with awards that include:

  1. U.S. News and World Report named UPMC for Life a “Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage” in Pennsylvania for 2024.
  2. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has named UPMC Health Plan an “Equality 100 Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion” for 2023–2024.
  3. UPMC for Life ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction* among Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania by J.D. Power.
  4. The Ethisphere Institute named UPMC as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the sixth consecutive year.

*Results are based on award-eligible plans in Pennsylvania by J.D. Power. For J.D. Power 2024 award information visit, jdpower.com/awards.

Jump-Start Your Career

Looking to launch a career with longevity and opportunity? With countless entry-level opportunities for recent graduates, along with tools and resources that empower you as you learn and grow, UPMC Insurance Services Division is the perfect place to get a career started.

Interested in taking your career to new heights? Our career paths and advancement opportunities will provide you with chances to achieve your goals at every step.

BENEFITS AND LIFE AT UPMC

Why Work Here

We know that you have many options when choosing where to build your career. So why choose UPMC? We can think of a few reasons.

Work-Life Balance

Finding the ideal balance to manage the important elements in your life.

Development & Opportunities

Enhancing your career through continued learning opportunities and/or advancement.

Compensation

Receiving competitive pay for the work that you do – base pay, merit, and premium pay.

Performance & Recognition

Rewarding performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC.

Benefits

Providing assistance and security to meet the current and future needs of you and your family.

Work-Life Balance

Finding the ideal balance to manage the important elements in your life.

Development & Opportunities

Enhancing your career through continued learning opportunities and/or advancement.

Compensation

Receiving competitive pay for the work that you do – base pay, merit, and premium pay.

Performance & Recognition

Rewarding performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC.

Benefits

Providing assistance and security to meet the current and future needs of you and your family.

Benefits that Matter to You

We’re committed to providing benefits that meet your needs and support your well-being in all areas of life.

  • Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
  • Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
  • Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
  • Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
  • Employer-paid life insurance

Benefits that Matter to You

We’re committed to providing benefits that meet your needs and support your well-being in all areas of life.

  • Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
  • Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
  • Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
  • Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
  • Employer-paid life insurance

Benefits that Matter to You

We’re committed to providing our employees with benefits that meet their needs and support their well-being in all areas of life.

  • Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
  • Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
  • Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
  • Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
  • Employer-paid life insurance

Support for You – and Your Family

Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.

  • Two weeks of paid parental leave
  • Family planning resources
  • Tuition assistance for dependents
  • Comprehensive health care for dependents
  • Emergency child and elder care options
  • Flexible work arrangements

Support for You – and Your Family

Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.

  • Two weeks of paid parental leave
  • Family planning resources
  • Tuition assistance for dependents
  • Comprehensive health care for dependents
  • Emergency child and elder care options
  • Flexible work arrangements

Support for You – and Your Family

Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.

  • Flexibility to choose the shifts and work arrangements work best for your lifestyle
  • Two weeks of paid parental leave
  • Family planning resources
  • Comprehensive health care for dependents
  • Emergency child and elder care options

A Culture That Cares

At UPMC, you can find a home among people who share your passions and care about who you are.

A Culture That Cares

At UPMC, you can find a home among people who share your passions and care about who you are.

A Culture That Cares

UPMC is a place where you can find a home, no matter your gender, race, sexual orientation, age, or culture, and where you can meet people who share your passions and care about you.

Tools to Reach Your Potential

Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.

  • Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
  • Ongoing learning via LinkedIn Learning
  • Accelerated career pathways for growth
  • Robust instructor-led education and learning pathways

Tools to Reach Your Potential

Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.

  • Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
  • Ongoing learning via LinkedIn Learning
  • Accelerated career pathways for growth
  • Robust instructor-led education and learning pathways

Tools to Reach Your Potential

Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.

  • Unlimited educational possibilities, including no-cost BSN and MSN programs
  • Robust career ladders for every nurse – no matter your specialty, location, or career stage
  • Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
  • Ongoing learning opportunities

Expansive Opportunity

Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.

Expansive Opportunity

Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.

Expansive Opportunity

Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.

* Note: Benefits described may not be applicable to all staff.

Read More about Nursing at UPMC

Keshon, a younger male nurse, wears blue scrubs outside a hospital, looks at camera with a soft smile on his face.

Through tuition assistance and mentorship by coworkers, Keshon launched his nursing career in his hometown of McKeesport.

Jouli wears blue scrubs in a hospital room, looks at camera with a soft smile on her face.

Since growing up in Syria, Jouli H.’s story has been one that inspires all of us to remember how empowerment can truly change someone’s life.

Collage of four photos of medical-surgical nurses, all smiling.

We asked our nurses to shed some light on what Med-Surg nursing means to them. Get to know Med-Surg nursing – in four words – from UPMC nurses!

Read More about UPMC Insurance Services Division

Collage of four photos of medical-surgical nurses, all smiling.

In UPMC Insurance Services Division, analysts work to understand, innovate, and improve the products and services UPMC provides.

Young man smiles at camera in a studio setting.

Eddie S. shares how his passion for football, fishing, and friendship shapes his life and his career with UPMC Health Plan.

Veteran outside hiking.

We asked our nurses to shed some light on what Med-Surg nursing means to them. Get to know Med-Surg nursing – in four words – from UPMC nurses!

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