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The Peer Specialist will be working on a trial that will be administered at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital's (WPH) within the Community Treatment Team (CTT) program and will travel to outpatient locations as needed. The Peer will offer support, encouragement, and guidance based on their own lived experience of recovery. They will help participants understand the research study, navigate the process, engage in treatment and adhere to it, as well as advocate for their needs.

This position is grant funded.

Responsibilities:

+ Help connect participants with various community resources, including education, housing, employment, and other support services as indicated.

+ Depending on the research study, the candidate may assist in data collection, contributing to the research team's efforts.

+ Work closely with research teams to ensure the ethical and responsible conduct of the study, particularly in relation to the needs of vulnerable populations.

+ Collaborate effectively with the sites involved in the provision of quality care and the implementation of research goals. Collaborates weekly with the study protocol staff regarding recruitment, data collection, and medical status and safety monitoring of study subjects.

+ Participate in regular meetings with the team including the PI and Research Coordinator and Research Specialist.

+ Assist study team in all levels and phases of the research project.

+ Performs other administrative and study related duties as assigned.

+ High School Diploma or equivalent.

+ Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Specialist certification is preferred.

+ Two years of work experience in a research project and/or related clinical setting 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.

+ Familiar with computers and Office 365 (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook).

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

+ Act 34 with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran