Peer Support Specialist II (Part-Time)- NJ Hopeline (Multiple Vacancies)

Company: Rutgers University
Location: Piscataway
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Posting Summary Rutgers The State University is seeking a Peer Support Specialist II within the 988 Lifeline Services of Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare. The Peer Support Specialist provides engagement, support, and assessment for callers that meet quality and quantity standards. Performs functions in support of the Unit’s mission of providing streamlined, prompt, and “customer friendly” services. Receives telephone, chat and/or text requests for service, undertakes assessment of the service need of the client, and responds by offering peer support and appropriate referrals or disposition. Demonstrates competency in recognizing the unique needs of clients and applying relevant assessment and support skills with regard to a wide range of issues. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Interacts with client in a therapeutic manner. Uses his/her own experiences with recovery as a vehicle to establish rapport and relationship building with the client. Models for callers good communication skills, recovery-oriented living skills, effective coping skills, and self-help strategies as observed by supervisor and as indicated by feedback from clients and team members. Assist clients in identifying their personal recovery goals, assists in setting objectives for each goal, and determines interventions to be used based on the client’s recovery/life goals. Develops and maintains a relationship with clients so that he/she can identify emotional, psychiatric or behavioral changes which may require further intervention or treatment. Helps the client effectively address the problem, and/or refers the client to the appropriate clinical staff as observed by supervisor and as indicated by feedback from clients, third parties, and team members. Advocates for appropriate resources for client based on assessed needs as measured by supervisory observation. Overview Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care ( UBHC ), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education. UBHC , one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers. In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in a social or mental health setting preferred. Peer training certification preferred.

Keywords: Rutgers University, Clifton , Peer Support Specialist II (Part-Time)- NJ Hopeline (Multiple Vacancies), Seasonal Jobs , Piscataway, New Jersey