Peer Specialist I (Safe Harbor Behavioral Health)

Are you passionate about using your lived experience to inspire hope and promote recovery in others? Join our dynamic behavioral health team at Safe Harbor Behavioral Health as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and make a real difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.

In this vital role, you’ll provide peer support through our Traditional Outpatient Program or our groundbreaking Early Onset Psychosis Program (EORP)—the only program of its kind in Northwestern Pennsylvania. EORP offers specialized care for individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis, and you’ll be at the forefront of delivering compassionate, person-centered services.

What You'll Do: 

• Collaborate closely with clinicians, psychiatrists, medical professionals, and blended case managers to support individuals, families, and groups.
• Deliver peer services in both office-based settings and in the community, tailored to the unique needs and frequency of each client.
• Participate in twice-weekly team meetings to coordinate care plans and consult on cases.
• Use your personal recovery journey to empower others, promote wellness, and build meaningful connections.

What You Bring:

• A strong commitment to recovery and lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges.
• Must be 18 years or older and certified as a Certified Peer Specialist through the Pennsylvania Certification Board.
• Completion of the Pennsylvania attestation form identifying yourself as a peer.
• Previous experience in human services is preferred but not required—we’ll provide comprehensive training to help you thrive in this role!

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a supportive, mission-driven team focused on innovation and recovery.
• Gain valuable training and professional development opportunities.
• Play a key role in a one-of-a-kind program making a lasting impact in the Erie community.

If you are ready to turn your lived experience into a powerful tool for change, we want to hear from you! Apply today! 

Responsibilities:

• Educate others on recovery and model its possibility. 
• Provide peer counseling focused on safe, simple coping skills
• Share resources on community supports, roles, and social connections. 
• Empower individuals through advocacy, righted education, and self-help tools. 
• Use self-disclosure strategically to inspire hope and action. 
• Lead WRAP planning in both individual and group settings. 

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Specialist certification is preferred.
• 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. 

  Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
• Driver's License
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran