Peer Support Specialist (Drop-In Center) - Full Time

LifeWorks Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 24 days

11 paid holidays

Medical plan with HSA

Retirement match 50%

Job summary

LifeWorks Austin is seeking a Full Time Peer Support Specialist to join our Peer Services team. You will provide peer support, group facilitation, and education using a trauma-informed, strength-based approach to foster recovery and wellness for clients.

The role requires lived experience with trauma and substance use or mental health challenges, plus certification as a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) in Texas. We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits in an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• GED or HS Diploma required with 2 years of peer support experience.
• State certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS) required.
• Lived experience with trauma and substance use or mental health challenges.

Responsibilities

• Provide client-centered, healing-centered peer support services to diverse individuals.
• Promote recovery, resiliency, and accountability to support long-term recovery and wellbeing.
• Meet with clients to establish safe relationships and coordinate services; make referrals as needed.
• Facilitate on-site and community-based group sessions and social activities.

Skills

Peer support

Trauma-informed

Lived experience

MS Office

Education

GED or HS Diploma

Texas Peer Support Certification (PSS)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a Full Time Peer Support Specialist to join our Peer Services (Drop-In Center) team! A Peer Support Specialist utilizes their lived experience and training to provide support services and education to individuals via group facilitation, individual mentorship, community collaboration, and the provision of alternative activities. The Peer Support Specialist utilizes a trauma-informed, strength-based model of support to foster and promote recovery and wellness with each client served.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $22.00 - $27.96 hourly depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

Responsibilities

• Provide client-centered, healing-centered peer support services to diverse individuals who may have experienced chronic homelessness, systems involvement, mental health challenges, substance use challenges, a history of trauma, etc.
• Promote recovery, resiliency, and accountability to help others initiate or achieve long-term recovery to enhance quality of life, health, and wellness.
• Meet with individual clients, as needed, to establish a safe, healthy relationship for learning, problem-solving, and participating in community activities; assists clients in building a network of support; makes referrals and coordinates client services, as appropriate.
• Facilitate regular support groups and social activities, on site and/or within the community, through the implementation of program curricula, experiential activities, presentations and discussions, field trips and/or skill-based activities.
• Participation in outreach opportunities to effectively engage with individuals who may be unfamiliar with LifeWorks services and supports.
• Plan, develop, and provide recovery-related presentations and outreach on a variety of topics, such as harm reduction, substance use and disease prevention/intervention, health/mental health promotion, trauma and recovery, community resources, relationship-building, and coping strategies.
• Advocate for clients within the community as well as internally to ensure that client needs are being recognized, represented, and addressed.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with agency staff and community contacts such as referral sources, recovery community organizations, peer-run programs in non-recovery organizations, and other service providers.
• Maintain up-to-date online documentation of client services and contacts by frequently entering into agency database. Document client progress toward recovery goals.
• Comply with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure and accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency. These requirements may pertain to data, paperwork, philosophies, processes, and procedures, among other things.
• Additional duties as they relate to recovery support, including but not limited to, transporting clients in personal vehicles, resource navigation, and instrumental support.
• Maintain approved non-clinical supervision and continuing education.
• Use crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to assist clients in mental or emotional crisis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Requires a GED or HS Diploma and 2 years of related individual and group peer support experience.
• Requires obtaining state certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS).
• Requires lived experience with 1) trauma and 2) substance use or mental health challenges. Record of maintaining own recovery over the past 2-year period.
• Experience with databases; proficient level experience with Microsoft Office including, Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred Education And Experience

• Holds Peer Support Specialist (Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist) Texas Certification.
• 1+ years’ work experience as a Certified Peer Specialist/Peer Supporter.
• Completed Youth and Young Adult Peer Support Training.

Core Competencies And Skills

• Client Focus - Builds transformational relationships with clients and delivers mission-centered solutions.
• Collaborates and Adapts - Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives and fulfill our mission; adapts one’s approach and demeanor to meet the shifting demands of different situations.
• Honors Differences - Embraces different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds by being open to others’ opinions, ideas, and experiences; develops an inclusive culture that creates solutions to meet the needs of our clients.
• Nimble Learning - Actively learns from successes, failures, and others’ experiences, and shows a willingness to pivot and try new things.
• Builds Trust - Gains the confidence and trust of others through integrity, dependability, and authenticity.
• Action Oriented - Takes initiative, shows resourcefulness, and directs focus and energy on mission-critical opportunities, challenges, and changes.
• Maintains a personal commitment to own mental health/substance use recovery.
• Ability to share lived experiences in a helpful, inspirational way; model healthful behaviors.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Required to possess a valid driver's license and have access to a personal reliable vehicle with valid auto insurance.
• Standard First-Aid and CPR Certification as required by individual program.

About Lifeworks

With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.

We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.

A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.