Re-Entry Certified Family Partner

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Special Projects and with federal, state, and local guidelines performs routine human services support work. Work involves providing information to individuals currently or recently incarcerated or involved in the criminal justice system.

Contributes as a member of the Re-entry Project in a peer support capacity to facilitate recovery and enhance wellness. Serves as a role model for recovery, for staff and consumers. Supports people using services to develop self-help skills. Provides practical support for people using services to access and utilize community support networks, such as transportation support, accompaniment, etc. Educates people about the range of available services in and beyond the agency.

Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This is a grant-funded position through the Department of Justice (DOJ) for three (3) years with an anticipated end date of August 31, 2026.

This position works within the Denton County Jail assisting incarcerated individuals with mental health issues and substance use issues or individuals dual-diagnosed.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

· High School diploma or High School equivalency certificate.

· Received a minimum of one-year mental health services.

· History of incarceration and/or significant involvement with the criminal justice system.

· Received a minimum of one-year mental health and/or substance use services.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

· Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

o Individuals with an out of state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.

· Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Position Title:

Jail Peer Support Specialist Grant Funded: ? Yes ? No

Department:
Clinical Services PAL: DOJ Grant

Reports to:

Program Manager of Special Projects

FTE Status: FT Work Model:
In Person

Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8-5 pm ? Exempt ? Non-Exempt

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Self-identify as an individual who has direct personal experience living in recovery from mental health challenges, or substance use.

· Been previously incarcerated and/or have significant involvement with the criminal justice system.

· Act as an advocate for individuals with active mental illnesses who are being released from incarceration, with an understanding that these individuals may not be capable of participating in their own defense due to their illnesses.

· Have significant experience working on your own recovery and an ability to manage your own wellness.

· Have a desire to use your experiences to help others with their recovery.

· Be willing to publicly identify as a person living in recovery for the purpose of educating, role modeling, and providing hope to others about the reality of recovery.

· Be able to educate on legal processes and increase mental health functioning to help restore competency so that legal proceedings and knowledge of social services can resume.

· Have a primary diagnosis of a mental health condition or dual diagnosis, rather than just a substance abuse diagnosis, or have experienced emotional distress which significantly disrupted one's life.

· Ability to display regular and reliable attendance.

· Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Support the process of Person-Centered Planning with individuals current or recently involved with the criminal justice system:

o Using one's story as the cornerstone skill, educate people about the reality of recovery, support people to envision the possibility of…