Certified Peer Support Specialist

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data, and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) uses personal lived experience and recovery to support, engage, and empower individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges. This role is a key connector between members, clinical teams, and providers-helping bridge communication, build trust, and promote recovery-oriented care.

CPSS professionals model hope, resilience, and self-determination, while providing education, support, and guidance rooted in traumainformed, evidence-based peer practices. This position also plays a vital role in facilitating training programs for members, providers, and community partners.

Schedule: 20 hours per week: Tuesday & Thursday 8am-5pm, Wednesday 8am- 12pm

Location: Onsite - 12921 S Vista Station Blvd, Draper, UT 84020

Primary Responsibilities:

Peer Engagement & Recovery Support

• Use lived experience and recovery principles to inspire hope, build rapport, and support members in identifying strengths and setting self-directed recovery goals
• Connect with members as appropriate, including during transitions such as hospital discharge or when additional support is needed
• Provide peer support at critical moments in the treatment process, ensuring members feel heard, respected, and empowered
• Assist members and families in navigating services, understanding their rights, and making informed decisions about their care

Clinical & Provider Collaboration

• Work closely with clinical teams and providers to help improve member engagement, communication, and care coordination using the recovery model
• Participate in treatment planning when requested by the team and or members
• Identify members who may benefit from peer support and work with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate appropriate referrals
• Serve as a liaison between Optum, members, and community partners

Training, Education & Facilitation

• Assist in developing and facilitating multiple training programs, including:
  • Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) training
  • Enhancement and continuing education trainings
  • Suicide prevention trainings
  • Other peer- and recovery-related training initiatives
• Demonstrate strong ability to create professional, engaging presentations and training materials

Advocacy & Systems Navigation

• Help members connect to treatment providers, community resources, and natural supports
• Advocate for members' needs across healthcare, housing, employment, legal, and community systems
• Provide support with grievance or appeals processes when requested
• Communicate benefits and resource information to members, families, and community organizations

Documentation & Team Participation

• Maintain accurate, thorough, and timely documentation
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training and development
• Support internal initiatives, workgroups, or committees as assigned
• May serve as a resource to peers and may coordinate activities of others as needed

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work may occur in clinical settings, community locations, or remotely
• Travel may be required to hospitals, provider offices, community events, or trainings
• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods is required

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Active state-recognized Certified Peer Support Specialist certification
• 2+ years of Prior Authorization processing experience in an insurance or pharmacy setting
• 2+ years of experience working as a CPSS
• 1+ years of experience in facilitating training
• Advance level of proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery
• Have recent CPSS experience (within the previous 12 months)
• Reliable transportation, valid and unrestricted driver's license, and staterequired insurance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Trainer Certification
• 2+ years of experience as a trainer
• Knowledge of Medicaid systems
• Familiarity with traumainformed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented systems of care

Soft Skills:

• Working knowledge of community resources
• Demonstrated understanding of recovery and resiliency principles
• Proven ability to create and deliver professional presentations
• Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain boundaries and confidentiality

*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $20.38 to $36.44 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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