Peer Support Specialist

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians, and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.

OUR VISION
Our vision is to be the nation's leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.

OUR MISSION
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research.

Patient Care: We will promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We will prepare tomorrow's health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.

Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.

This position serves as the Peer Support Specialist ( PSS) with the Encompass First Episode Psychosis ( FEP) Program at the UNC Center for Excellence for Community Mental Health. The Encompass Program aims to provide exceptional care and treatment to adolescents and young adults from 15-30 years of age with recent onset psychosis, or individuals at risk for psychosis in Wake County and beyond. The Encompass Program is a coordinated specialty care clinic. Utilizing a team approach, Encompass provides wrap-around services to a diverse group of clients from various socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

The Peer Support Specialist is a fully integrated member of the Encompass FEP team, whose lived experience with mental illness and behavioral health services provides expertise that training and education cannot replicate. The PSS provides highly individualized services in both office and community settings to promote self-determination and shared decision-making abilities for FEP participants. Primary responsibilities include the provision of both formal and informal peer support services such as the facilitation of Wellness Recovery Action Planning, Wellness Management and Recovery and other manualized interventions, supporting individuals in pursuing personal recovery goals, and increasing community participation and socialization opportunities.

This position is located in Raleigh, NC but the candidate will be comfortable travelling to Franklin, Vance, Granville, Wake, Johnston, Durham and Cumberland counties.

Associate's degree in a related Human Services discipline and two years of experience related to the area of assignment, or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

- Must be a NC Certified Peer Support Specialist ( CPSS). A Peer Support Specialist is an individual with lived experience of behavioral health issues who is in recovery and uses their experiences to provide support to others
- Must have a valid NC Driver's license and satisfactory driving record. Driving a state vehicle may be required.
- Must be dependable.
- Must have good written and oral communication skills.
- Must work well on a team.

- Experience working with individuals experiencing psychosis preferred.
- Experience in community-based settings preferred.

Not Applicable.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.