Peer Support Specialist

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist provides person-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented services to adults (21+) living with mental health and/or substance use conditions. Utilizing their own lived recovery experience, the Peer Support Specialist offers mentoring, advocacy, recovery planning support, and skill-building assistance.

This role emphasizes mutuality, respect, and empowerment, fostering hope and supporting individuals in achieving the goals outlined in their individualized recovery plans.

Key Responsibilities

Provide recovery and wellness support services, including sharing relevant recovery experiences, promoting self-directed care, and assisting in recovery planning. Serve as a mentor and role model, demonstrating positive coping skills and guiding individuals toward meaningful community resources and services. Offer advocacy support, helping individuals navigate stressful or urgent situations while ensuring their rights are respected and encouraging self-advocacy.

Assist with skill development, including problem-solving strategies, coping mechanisms, and tools for overcoming barriers to recovery. Collaborate with behavioral health service providers and treatment teams to ensure a coordinated, person-centered approach to care. Maintain mutual, trust-based relationships with individuals, supporting them in achieving recovery goals through individual or group sessions.

Document services in compliance with program and state requirements. Uphold ethical standards of confidentiality, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care.

Qualifications

Must be certified as a Peer Support Specialist with supplemental certification/training as a Mental Health Peer Specialist or Recovery Support Peer Specialist According to Texas Administrative Code (1 TAC §354.3155 & §354.3201) certification and eligibility requirements, include: Must be at least 18 years of age. Have lived experience with a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both.

Hold a high school diploma or GED. Demonstrate current self-directed recovery and willingness to appropriately share personal recovery experiences with clients. Pass criminal history and registry checks as required by state regulations. Complete required certification training, including: Orientation Self-assessment activities Core training by a certified training entity Supplemental training in either: Mental Health Peer Specialist or Recovery Support Peer Specialist Skills & Competencies Strong communication and active listening skills.

Ability to establish supportive, non-judgmental, and respectful relationships. Knowledge of recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and peer support ethics. Problem-solving skills and ability to adapt strategies to support client needs. Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity. Work Environment Peer Support Specialist services are provided in both individual and group settings.

This position requires flexibility, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to support clients in diverse community and clinical settings.