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University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Family Peer Specialist

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

This part-time, hybrid position is for a Family Peer Specialist (FP) who will be a core member of the Pediatric Anxiety Treatment Center at Hall Mercer (PATCH). The purpose of the FP is to provide support to families seeking or receiving services for their child at PATCH from the perspective of a peer with lived experience.

Job Description

This part-time, hybrid position is for a Family Peer Specialist (FP) who will be a core member of the Pediatric Anxiety Treatment Center at Hall Mercer (PATCH). The purpose of the FP is to provide support to families seeking or receiving services for their child at PATCH from the perspective of a peer with lived experience. “Lived experience” may include but it is not limited to an individual who has been directly affected by or connected with a family member who has or had a child with anxiety or related disorder or is the parent of a child with an anxiety or related disorder. This may include empowering families to meet their goals, striving to maintain their own wellness, and educating and collaborating with families to identify and access resources and navigate systems. An FP in this position will provide one-on-one or group consultation to parents and other caregivers who express interest in the PATCH program, or who are in a parent/caregiver role to children receiving services at PATCH. The FP will have an opportunity for some remote work and may require travel to Penn Medicine clinics and other community settings as needed. An FP in this position will support PATCH families by drawing on their own lived experience. The FP will work collaboratively with the PATCH administrative team and advocate for families seeking or receiving services at PATCH. The FP will meet routinely with PATCH staff for supervision and guidance.

The target population are families seeking or receiving services for their children with anxiety or related disorders (e.g., obsessive-compulsive disorder, trichotillomania, tic disorder).

The FP will be expected to complete or have obtained valid PA state criminal, FBI, and child abuse clearances.

Must have lived experience parenting a child who has experienced significant anxiety or related disorders (e.g., obsessive-compulsive disorder, trichotillomania, tic disorder) and supporting their child in seeking and obtaining professional behavioral health treatment services. Knowledge of behavioral health resources is strongly recommended, however specific training in Family Peer best practices will be provided upon hire.

Other qualifications:

Ability to work independently with remote supervision

Ability to work in the Philadelphia, PA area and have a vehicle or other mode of transportation to meet patients at the PATCH clinic or attend community outreach events

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting

Ability to work with patients by telephone, in-person, or over videoconferencing platform

Ability to quickly assimilate new information in a fast-paced work environment with enthusiasm

Well organized and demonstrates skill in prioritizing competing job duties.

Ability to utilize computer software (Word, Outlook, Excel)

Must have access to stable high-speed Internet capable of supporting multiple virtual meeting platforms in an environment suitable to maintain patient confidentiality.

Special interest in those who have previous experience working in community-based research or in under-resourced settings.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$7.25 - $26.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements Background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.