The Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) – BRIDGE Program provides non-clinical, non-medical
peer support to individuals hospitalized at UNC Pardee Hospital and to participants following discharge
into the community.
This position is grounded in lived and living experience, harm reduction, and participant self-
determination. The CPSS works as part of the HOPE Coalition / UNC Pardee Hospital BRIDGE Program,
in close collaboration with hospital social work staff, while maintaining a clearly defined peer role and
ethical boundaries.
Once an individual signs a Release of Information (ROI) and engages with BRIDGE, they are referred to
as a HOPE Coalition participant. Peer support is voluntary, relationship-based, and participant-led.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
- Provide individual, non-clinical peer support to participants during hospitalization and following
discharge - Offer emotional support grounded in lived experience and mutuality
- Support participant self-determination and participant-led goal setting
- Facilitate warm handoffs to community resources, including MOUD providers, harm reduction services, and basic needs supports (housing, food, transportation)
- Support non-clinical discharge planning in collaboration with hospital social work staff
- Provide post-discharge follow-up (phone, text, in-person, or outreach)
- Provide overdose education and distribute naloxone outside of hospital settings only
- Advocate with participants to amplify their voice
-
Maintain ethical boundaries consistent with the NC CPSS Code of Ethics and Conduct
Participate in supervision and maintain personal wellness and recovery Documentation and Data Responsibilities:
- Complete required BRIDGE intake documentation following participant consent (ROI)
- Accurately document non-identifying participant information using hospital-approved data systems
- Track MOUD connections, naloxone distribution, and other material supports provided to participants
Protect participant confidentiality and comply with all applicable privacy and data security requirements Scope of Practice and Role Boundaries:
The CPSS does not:
- Provide medical or clinical advice
- Perform duties outside the CPSS scope of practice
- Override participant choice or autonomy
- Physically intervene in crisis situations
The CPSS operates within clearly defined peer support boundaries and consults supervision when ethical or role questions arise.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Current North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) certification
- Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges and recovery
- Ability to maintain ethical boundaries in a hospital-based setting
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment while maintaining peer role integrity
Preferred:
- Experience working in hospital, emergency department, or acute care settings
- Knowledge of harm reduction principles and community-based recovery resources
Work Environment:
- Hospital-based setting (UNC Pardee Hospital PATHS Unit)
- Community-based settings, including natural environments
- Community-based follow-up and outreach
- Monday–Friday schedule with flexibility based on participant need
Job Type: Full- Time
Pay Range:
$20 - $25 per hour
Schedule:
Day shift-Monday to Friday
Work Location:
In person at both Pardee
PATHS unit and the RCC