Peer Support Specialist - Psych EmPath - Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center - Evening Shift - Full Time

Hours:

Shift Start Time:

11 AM

Shift End Time:

7:30 PM

AWS Hours Requirement:

8/40 - 8 Hour Shift

Additional Shift Information:

Weekend Requirements:

Every Other

On-Call Required:

No

Hourly Pay Range (Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum):

$26.130 - $32.670 - $36.590

The stated pay scale reflects the range that Sharp reasonably expects to pay for this position.  The actual pay rate and pay grade for this position will be dependent on a variety of factors, including an applicant's years of experience, unique skills and abilities, education, alignment with similar internal candidates, marketplace factors, other requirements for the position, and employer business practices.

What You Will Do

The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery‑oriented, non‑clinical peer support services to individuals receiving care in the EmPATH/Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). This role supports individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises by promoting engagement, stabilization, self‑advocacy, and connection to appropriate next levels of care. As an integrated member of the CSU multidisciplinary team, the Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience with mental health recovery to model hope, resilience, and empowerment while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. The role operates within a time‑limited crisis stabilization setting and supports Sharp HealthCare''s contracted crisis stabilization services.

Required Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a hospital setting.

Other Qualification Requirements

• California Certified Peer Support Specialist (Medi‑Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification) - REQUIRED

Essential Functions

• Peer Support and Engagement

Provides peer‑based emotional and practical support to individuals receiving services in the EmPATH/Crisis Stabilization Unit.

Engages individuals through supportive, recovery‑oriented interactions that promote emotional regulation, stabilization, and personal empowerment.

Utilizes lived experience appropriately to model coping strategies, self‑advocacy, and recovery while maintaining professional boundaries.

Builds rapport and trust with individuals experiencing acute psychiatric distress in a time‑limited crisis setting.

• Crisis Stabilization Support

Supports individuals during crisis stabilization by encouraging participation in care, engagement with staff, and use of coping strategies.

Reinforces recovery‑oriented messaging and strengths‑based approaches during periods of heightened emotional distress.

Assists individuals with basic needs and comfort measures during their stay in the CSU.

• Team Collaboration

Functions as an active member of the CSU multidisciplinary team.

Communicates relevant observations related to engagement, behavior, or safety to licensed staff in a timely and professional manner.

Participates in team huddles, shift handoffs, and unit activities as assigned.

Demonstrates flexibility in response to fluctuating census, acuity, and operational needs.

• Safety and Compliance

Follows CSU protocols, safety procedures, and care processes under the direction of licensed staff.

Utilizes crisis prevention, de‑escalation, and trauma‑informed techniques as trained.

Maintains confidentiality and adheres to patient rights, Sharp HealthCare policies, and applicable regulatory and contract requirements.

• Documentation

Completes required documentation related to peer engagement and support activities in a timely and accurate manner, in accordance with Sharp HealthCare standards and established CSU workflows.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of recovery‑oriented and peer support principles.
• Understanding of trauma‑informed and strengths‑based approaches.
• Ability to engage individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises in a calm, supportive, and non‑judgmental manner.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Cultural responsiveness and ability to support individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Basic computer skills and ability to document in electronic systems.
• Ability to manage frequent interruptions and competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Sharp HealthCare is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability or any other protected class