Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania·Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Peer Education Specialist implements and manages the Peer Helpers program by facilitating sexuality education, mentoring youth, and conducting community outreach. They are responsible for developing curricula, maintaining relationships with students and community partners, and ensuring program goals are met through administrative and educational activities.
Full Time FLSA Status: Non-exempt Reports To: Peer Education Manager Salary: $25.50 per hour Bargaining
Unit: Yes
Amount of Travel Required: 50%-75% Job Type: Regular Positions Supervised: None Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm The Peer Education Specialist implements Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania’s (PPWP) 34- year peer education program, Peer Helpers, a long-term teen education/mentoring program to reduce teen pregnancy and ensure school completion through structured education programming, peer helping, recreation, and community service. The Peer Education Specialist builds relationships with youth over the course of a student’s middle and high school career and nurtures youth empowerment by engaging students in important conversations around topics like decision-making, communication, relationships, identity, gender, personal values, consent, contraception, STD prevention, etc. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reasonable Accommodations Statement To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Committed to the goals, mission, standards and objectives of Planned Parenthood by fostering a positive environment to serve as a resource in teaching sex ed topics to varying audiences in an age-appropriate, trauma-informed way. Organizes, develops and implements lessons and activities based on sexuality topics of the Peer Education Program (i.e., relationships, consent, STIs, contraception) to engage youth in the classroom using curricula tailored to the specific needs of the community. Demonstrates effective teaching and presentation techniques with health classes inside Peer Helpers schools and follows and implements PPWP’s “Life Skills” curriculum (instruction to comprehensive sexuality education series). Encourages and engages Peer Helpers by providing them with opportunities, activities and support to develop, apply and share their leadership skills with the community, which includes implementing (planning, organizing, teaching and reporting) in accordance with goals outlined by funding sources and supervisors. Participates in community education and outreach events as assigned, with particular emphasis on Peer Education and Life Skills. Cultivates and maintains a respectful and supportive safe space for staff and students to work and learn healthy behaviors. Engages in respectful, professional communication with all teens, parents and school/community leaders from diverse communities and strong public speaking skills. Able to resolve conflicts quickly when they arise. Remains current and reads literature in the field concerning peer education, peer mentoring, adolescent development, human sexuality, family planning, and behavior change/risk-reduction. Attends workshops and/or seminars on peer education, teen pregnancy, human sexuality and family planning as assigned to contribute towards the mission of the program. Provides outstanding customer service and is expected to be available throughout the workday for communications . Maintains regular communication with the Peer Education Manager on students and curriculum. Assist in completion of departmental goals; complete administrative paperwork and other duties as assigned in a timely and accurate manner. Accurate and timely completion of job responsibilities and assigned tasks. Administration of the Peer Education Program using curricula tailored to the specific needs of the community. Cooperative effort to take initiative, work independently and as part of a team in an effective and timely manner. Maintain regular communication with the Peer Education Manager. Any duties as assigned. SKILLS & ABILITIES Education: Highschool Diploma or equivalent Experience: Minimum of two years’ experience and/or training working with underserved youth and/or risk-reduction programs. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong knowledge of and who have a good standing with local communities with our education programming.
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Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of experience working with underserved youth or risk-reduction programs. The role requires the ability to travel frequently, maintain Pennsylvania Act 33/34 clearances, and possess strong public speaking and organizational skills.
Market context
In Pennsylvania, Peer Education Specialist roles often attract candidates with experience in youth outreach, prevention, or community-based education. These positions can be competitive because employers look for strong public speaking, organization, and the ability to secure Pennsylvania Act 33/34 clearances. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your experience with underserved youth or risk-reduction programs before applying.
