The Certified Peer Specialist will serve as an advocate and mentor for Transition Age Youth (ages 14-26) with serious mental illness to help them develop community supports, navigate systems, and maintain wellness based on lived experience. Responsibilities include meeting weekly with youth to focus on wellness, coping skills, social community building, accessing opportunities, and practicing daily living skills.
Requirements summary
Applicants must be certified as a Peer Specialist (CPS) and possess a high school diploma or GED, along with maintaining a valid driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle. Candidates must also exhibit stability in personal wellness and recovery, demonstrate computer literacy, and be able to work at least 20 hours per week, including a minimum of three evenings.
high schoolAdvocacyTrauma-Informed CareRecovery SupportMentorshipPeer SupportGoal IdentificationCoping Skills DevelopmentSocial Skills BuildingDaily Living Skills EnhancementResource AccessWellness MaintenanceElectronic Health Records DocumentationEmployment Opportunities IdentificationCommunity Supports DevelopmentMental Health Systems NavigationEducational Opportunities Identification
Job description
Are you a caring, compassionate person looking to make a real difference in the life of a young person through peer support and mentorship? Bring your commitment and skill to a team that is dedicated to helping others on their journey to wellness and recovery!
Features a competitive starting salary of $17.00/hour.
All staff start at Part-time and have the potential to build to a Full-time position.
Job Overview
A Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) will serve as an advocate and mentor to Transition Age Youth (ages 14-26) with serious mental illness and/or emotional disturbance to develop community supports, navigate mental health systems and access resources, support maintenance of wellness and recovery based on personal lived experience, and INSPIRE HOPE to help youth reach their full potential and overcome obstacles in the face of life’s daily challenges. A CPS will not only assist in the identification of individualized goals but also walk the young person through the steps to achieve success with their goals.
A CPS meets at least weekly in the home and community with a focus on helping the young person maintain personal wellness and develop the use of coping skills, build social skills and a social community, identify educational and/or employment opportunities, improve functioning in their environment, and enhance and practice daily living skills.
Qualifications
Be certified as a Peer Specialist (CPS).
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Maintain valid driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle.
Able to work at least 20 hours/week including, at minimum, 3 evenings.
Exhibit stability and competency in personal wellness and recovery and use of coping skills.
Be able to reflect the culture and understand the values of the Transition Age Youth population.
Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and computer literacy.
Job Responsibilities
Participate in weekly, individual Supervision.
Engage in local travel in your own vehicle to offsite locations as required by caseload, supervision, and/or trainings.
Transport youth to various community locations, as needed.
Document session activity through electronic health records, progress notes, and program-specific paperwork by typing.
Benefits
Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid Time Off accrual
Clearance Reimbursement
Mileage and Expense reimbursement
401K plan with company match and profit sharing
Ensure program files are organized, and paperwork is completed within required deadlines.
Maintain a varied work schedule, including evenings.
Meet at least weekly with all assigned youth on an assigned caseload.
Work both individually and in teams with colleagues.
Effectively communicate and interact with youth, peers, and community representatives.
Serve as a role model and coach to guide youth toward recovery through shared experiences.
Assist youth in implementing identified coping strategies to aid with crisis support.
Support the development of community roles and natural supports
Assist with accessing and participating in community events and activities.
Cultivate youth’s ability to make informed, independent choices.
Plan and facilitate practical activities leading to increased self-worth and independence.
Model and promote skills needed for community integration and independent living.
Assist youth to develop and maintain positive personal and social support networks.
Support youth in becoming active community members. Use and implement the 5 core values of Trauma-Informed Care in all work practices - Safety, Trustworthiness, Choice, Collaboration, & Empowerment.
Benefits
and Compensation:
Part Time positions available with the potential to transition to Full Time
Starting rate of $17/hour
Annual rate increases
9 Paid Holidays paid at 4 hours each, if maintaining 20 hours per week
Paid Time Off accrual, if maintaining 20 hours per week
401K plan with company match and profit sharing
Mileage and Expense reimbursement for travel and training
Clearance Reimbursement
And of course, and most importantly, the opportunity to help shape the lives of young people through peer mentorship
Child and Family Focus is an equal opportunity and drug free employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Market context
Peer specialist roles in Pennsylvania
Certified Peer Specialist roles in Pennsylvania are often tied to behavioral health and recovery support settings, where employers look for candidates who can bring lived experience, reliability, and consistent scheduling. This role is competitive because it requires CPS certification, a high school diploma or GED, and practical logistics like a valid driver’s license, insurance, a vehicle, and evening availability. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your CPS status and schedule fit before applying.
