Peer Support Spec

Position: Peer Support Spec 2 - 1746
Minimum Starting Hourly Rate: $16.11

Maximum Starting Hourly Rate - Dependent on Qualifications Benefits Health Dental Vision Life  Insurance Generous Paid Time Off - 7.69 hrs. per pay period
10 Observed Company Paid Holidays8 Hours Annual Volunteer Time Off Retirement Plan w/ 6% Employer Contribution Employee Assistance Program Due to the nature of Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) services, employees must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet operational and client care needs. Work schedules may change with little or no advance notice and may require employees to provide coverage outside of their regularly assigned shift, including on-call responsibilities.

Employees may be required to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and additional shifts as needed to ensure continuous crisis response services.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION This is a grant-funded position, and employment is contingent upon continued funding.

The Peer Support Specialist (PS) is an active member of a multidisciplinary team and provides recovery-oriented peer support services to individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. Under the supervision of a peer support supervisor, the PS serves as a role model by demonstrating personal recovery and effective coping strategies and acts as a consumer advocate by providing information, support, and encouragement in a non-clinical capacity.

The PS uses lived experience to engage individuals across all stages of recovery, including outreach, engagement, stabilization, and sustained recovery. Through peer mentoring and supportive relationships, the PS assists individuals in developing independence, increasing self-sufficiency, and achieving self-directed recovery goals. Services include both face-to-face and non-face-to-face interventions, along with required documentation of all services provided in accordance with regulatory standards.

This position supports a variety of programs within the Behavioral Health Division and may provide services across multiple service settings based on organizational needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery support services by establishing trusting relationships that promote hope, resilience, and engagement in services. Using lived experience, the position delivers recovery education and supports individuals in developing empowerment and self-advocacy skills through individual and group interactions. The role facilitates skills training focused on coping strategies, problem-solving, wellness management, and reducing negative self-talk, while modeling recovery-oriented behaviors and the effective use of lived experience.

The position assists individuals in identifying strengths, setting recovery goals, and developing person-centered recovery plans. It supports individuals in monitoring progress toward goals and encourages self-direction and personal responsibility in the recovery process. Advocacy is promoted by educating individuals about their rights, available services, and recovery resources, and by supporting navigation of behavioral health systems and community-based services.

The role connects individuals to community resources, including housing, employment, education, healthcare, and social supports, and may assist with accessing these services as appropriate. It supports community integration and the development of natural support systems that contribute to long-term recovery.

As a member of a multidisciplinary team, the position collaborates with clinical and non-clinical staff to support coordinated, person-centered care. Responsibilities include participation in team meetings, supervision, and staffing, as well as communicating relevant observations and updates within the scope of the peer role.

The position is responsible for completing timely, accurate, and compliant documentation of all services provided in accordance with Center requirements, Texas Administrative Code, and applicable Medicaid standards, while maintaining confidentiality and adherence to all policies and regulations.

Professional responsibilities include the appropriate use of lived experience to inspire hope and model recovery, while maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards. The role requires professionalism, reliability, and accountability, including regular attendance, dependability, and punctuality.

The position recognizes signs of crisis, relapse, or decompensation and responds appropriately within scope, including…