What are the responsibilities and job description for the Extra Help - Peer Support Assistant - Hospital General Psychiatric Nursing position at University of Illinois Chicago?
Extra Help - Peer Support Assistant - Hospital General Psychiatric Nursing
Extra Help - Peer Support Assistant - Hospital General Psychiatric Nursing
This Position is temporary and limited to 900 hours.
Hiring Department: Hospital General Psychiatric Nursing
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1041956
Hours per Week: 8
# of Positions: 3
Workplace Type: On-Site
Posting Close Date: Monday, July 27, 2026
Salary: The rate of pay for this position is $22.00 per hour.
About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)
The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a Joint Commission-accredited tertiary care hospital and outpatient clinics, and the Mile Square Health Center network of federally qualified health centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity. Learn more: https://hospital.uillinois.edu/about-ui-health
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Position Summary
Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or designee, the Extra Help Peer Support Assistant delivers patient care utilizing the Relationship-Based Care model as a framework with the primary responsibility to provide ongoing and continuous observation, and monitoring to patients who may pose a threat of harm. Through therapeutic relationships with patients, families, self and colleagues, the Extra Help Peer Support Assistant functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides patient care and fulfills unit and organizational goals.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Provides one-to-one observation and patient safety support across inpatient units, and monitors patients with psychiatric, safety, or non-behavioral health risks (e.g., fall risk, cognitive impairment).
- Completes assigned duties relating to one-on-one peer assistance and supports the patient through continuous observation of patient or when not providing ongoing and continuous observation, perform Q/15-minute behavioral observation checks or camera observation.
- Develops a rapport and builds therapeutic relationships with clients/peers to create a safe space where clients/peers can be open and honest about their struggles; provides support to clients/peers on a variety of subjects by offering an open perspective and dialogue.
- Provides feedback to RN while completing routine assignments to enhance throughput from the emergency room to the psych department.
- Documents patient information in EHR (nursing care provided, intake and output).
- Demonstrates a commitment to UI Health values through teamwork and effective communication to achieve quality outcomes, patient safety, customer satisfaction and a clean, safe and therapeutic environment.
- Collaborate with other staff to identify, promote, and provide positive learning experiences for staff and students.
- Functions as a behavioral health sitter and floats between units within the UI Health Hospital System
- Other duties as assigned
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- One (1) year (12 months) of "lived" experiencei in sustained recovery and re-entry in the area(s) of specialization inherent to the position.
- Incarceration
- Chronic health management (diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.)
- Mental/behavioral health management
- Substance abuse (illicit drug or alcohol dependency)
- Based on position and institutional requirements, possession of a valid and current (appropriate) State of Illinois driver's license and proof of insurance at the time of appointment.
i Note: This experience may include personal experience as a parent, guardian, or a loved one you have supported through such a journey.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to engage and establish rapport with people from varied ethnic/social/economic backgrounds and health challenges.
- Ability to build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among others.
- Basic computer skills with the ability to become proficient in the EHR with on-the-job training
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
To apply, visit https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/20450?c=uic
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The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
The University of Illinois Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity
institution/employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disability status, height, weight, or marital status in employment or the provision of services.
Salary : $22