Peer Support Specialist

Retrospective Wellness LLC; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Retrospective Wellness LLC is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to provide person-centered, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented services to adults with mental health or substance use conditions. You will share lived recovery experiences, mentor clients, and support individualized recovery plans.

The role emphasizes empowerment, mutual respect, and ethical confidentiality in diverse community and clinical settings.

Qualifications

• Certified Peer Support Specialist with additional Mental Health Peer Specialist or Recovery Support Specialist certification.
• Must be at least 18 years old and have lived experience with mental health or substance use.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Pass criminal history and registry checks as required by state regulations.
• Complete required certification training: orientation, self-assessment, core training, and supplemental training.

Responsibilities

• Provide recovery and wellness support, including sharing relevant recovery experiences and assisting in recovery planning.
• Serve as a mentor and role model, guiding clients toward community resources and services.
• Offer advocacy support, helping clients navigate urgent situations while upholding rights and self-advocacy.
• Assist with skill development, including problem-solving and coping strategies.
• Collaborate with behavioral health providers for coordinated, person-centered care.
• Maintain mutual, trust-based relationships and document services per requirements.
• Uphold confidentiality, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care.

Skills

Communication

Active listening

Relationship building

Recovery principles

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Peer Support Specialist certification

Mental Health Peer Specialist certification

Job description

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.