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.