Mental Health Peer Specialist

Lakes Regional Community Center•Mount Pleasant, TX

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) provides recovery-oriented behavioral health services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges in Titus County and surrounding communities. Utilizing their lived experience of recovery, the MHPS serves as a mentor, advocate, and source of hope while supporting individuals in achieving recovery goals, increasing independence, and improving overall quality of life. The MHPS will engage individuals in a variety of settings, including behavioral health clinics, community locations, correctional settings, hospitals, homes, and other partner locations as appropriate. Services focus on promoting recovery, reducing barriers to care, improving functioning, increasing engagement in treatment, and supporting successful community integration. The MHPS will empower individuals to take an active role in their recovery journey while fostering hope, self-determination, resilience, and long-term stability. Individuals with lived experience of mental health recovery, substance use recovery, and/or involvement with behavioral health services are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must meet all qualifications required for a Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) under Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) standards and maintain all required certifications and training in accordance with agency policy.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Certified Peer Specialist (Mental Health or Recovery) or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire
Lived experience with recovery from mental health or substance use challenges and willingness to share that experience to support others
Valid Texas driver’s license and reliable transportation
Ability to pass required background checks and obtain clearance to work within the jail facility
Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow agency and jail safety procedures

Nice To Haves

Experience providing peer support or working in behavioral health, recovery, or reentry services
Knowledge of community resources related to behavioral health treatment, housing, and recovery supports
Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
Individuals with lived experience of involvement in the criminal justice system who are in stable recovery are encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Providing one-on-one peer support services
Facilitating recovery-focused groups
Delivering Skills Training and Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services (PSR)
Assisting individuals in developing wellness and recovery plans
Supporting crisis prevention efforts
Connecting individuals to housing, employment, education, transportation, healthcare, and other community resources
Assisting individuals in identifying personal strengths, developing coping skills, improving independent living skills, enhancing social and interpersonal functioning, increasing self-advocacy, and building natural support systems
Providing Skills Training and Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services designed to improve daily living skills, symptom management, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, medication adherence, community integration, and overall functioning
Maintaining an assigned caseload and provide services in accordance with agency standards, funding requirements, and applicable state regulations
Timely completion of documentation
Participation in treatment planning
Coordination of care activities
Maintenance of service records
Adherence to productivity expectations and program requirements
Working collaboratively with behavioral health providers, case managers, justice system partners, hospitals, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure continuity of care and support positive outcomes
Assisting with outreach and engagement activities
Participating in multidisciplinary team meetings
Supporting program initiatives designed to improve access to services and long-term recovery
Maintaining professional boundaries
Demonstrating cultural competency
Upholding confidentiality standards
Completing required documentation in accordance with agency, state, and funding requirements
Adhering to all organizational policies and procedures

Benefits

Employer-Cost Sharing of Health Insurance (Plus 50% of Elected Dependent Coverage)
Employer-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
Employer-Paid Term Life Insurance
Employer-Match Retirement Contributions (Up to 5% of Base Salary)
Optional Dental, Vision, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
13 Paid Holidays per Year
2 Weeks of Paid Vacation Leave per Year with Graduating Accrual Rate
2+ Weeks of Paid Sick Leave per Year
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Tuition discounts for select Colleges