Peer Support Specialist; Drop In Center - Part Time Relief

Peer Support Specialist – Relief (Part‑time)

Life Works of Austin, TX is looking for a part‑time relief Peer Support Specialist to join our Peer Services team at our Peer‑Led Drop‑In Center. The role utilizes lived experience and training to provide support services and education to individuals through group facilitation, individual mentorship, community collaboration, and alternative activities using a trauma‑informed, strength‑based model to promote recovery and wellness.

Location:

South Site, 3700 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, USA.

Schedule:

Part‑time, non‑exempt, up to 19 hours per week. Fixed shift 12:00‑8:00 pm Saturday, with additional shifts available on an as‑available basis.

Compensation:
Starting rate of $22.75 per hour paid biweekly.

• Provide client‑centered, healing‑centered peer support services to diverse individuals with experiences of chronic homelessness, system involvement, mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, etc.
• Promote recovery, resilience, and accountability to help clients initiate or achieve long‑term recovery to enhance quality of life.
• Meet with individual clients to establish a safe, healthy relationship for learning, problem‑solving, and community activity participation; assist clients in building a support network, making referrals and coordinating services.
• Facilitate regular support groups and social activities on site and within the community through program curricula, experiential activities, presentations, discussions, field trips, and skill‑based activities.
• Engage in outreach opportunities to connect with individuals unfamiliar with Life Works services.
• Plan, develop, and deliver recovery‑related presentations and outreach on topics such as harm reduction, substance use and disease prevention, mental‑health promotion, trauma, community resources, relationship‑building, and coping strategies.
• Advocate for clients internally and externally to ensure needs are recognized, represented, and addressed.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with agency staff, referral sources, community organizations, and other service providers.
• Maintain accurate online documentation of client services and contacts in the agency database and document client progress toward recovery goals.
• Comply with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure, and accrediting bodies, including data, paperwork, philosophical, and procedural requirements.
• Perform additional recovery support duties such as transporting clients, resource navigation, and instrumental support.
• Maintain approved non‑clinical supervision and continuing education.
• Use crisis intervention and de‑escalation techniques to assist clients in mental or emotional crisis.

• A GED or high school diploma and at least 2 years of related individual and group peer support experience.
• State certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS).
• Lived experience with trauma and substance use or mental health challenges, with a record of maintaining own recovery over the past 2 years.
• Experience with databases; proficient use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.