Peer Support Spec 2 - 1746

CENTRAL COUNTIES CENTER FOR MENTAL•Belton, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a grant-funded position, and employment is contingent upon continued funding. The Peer Support Specialist (PS) is an active member of a multidisciplinary team and provides recovery-oriented peer support services to individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. Under the supervision of a peer support supervisor, the PS serves as a role model by demonstrating personal recovery and effective coping strategies and acts as a consumer advocate by providing information, support, and encouragement in a non-clinical capacity. The PS uses lived experience to engage individuals across all stages of recovery, including outreach, engagement, stabilization, and sustained recovery. Through peer mentoring and supportive relationships, the PS assists individuals in developing independence, increasing self-sufficiency, and achieving self-directed recovery goals. Services include both face-to-face and non-face-to-face interventions, along with required documentation of all services provided in accordance with regulatory standards. This position supports a variety of programs within the Behavioral Health Division and may provide services across multiple service settings based on organizational needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
At least one year of lived experience in recovery from mental illness and/or substance use, with the ability to manage personal wellness
Certified as a Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) and/or Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS), or able to obtain certification within one year of hire
Ability to appropriately use lived experience to educate others, model recovery, and provide hope
Knowledge of the recovery process and peer support principles
Understanding of mental health symptoms and appropriate coping strategies
Ability to utilize community resources to support independent living
Ability to facilitate peer support services and skills-building activities
Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals, staff, and community partners
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
Regular attendance, dependability, and reliability are required to support business operations.

Responsibilities

Provides recovery support services by establishing trusting relationships that promote hope, resilience, and engagement in services.
Delivers recovery education and supports individuals in developing empowerment and self-advocacy skills through individual and group interactions.
Facilitates skills training focused on coping strategies, problem-solving, wellness management, and reducing negative self-talk, while modeling recovery-oriented behaviors and the effective use of lived experience.
Assists individuals in identifying strengths, setting recovery goals, and developing person-centered recovery plans.
Supports individuals in monitoring progress toward goals and encourages self-direction and personal responsibility in the recovery process.
Promotes advocacy by educating individuals about their rights, available services, and recovery resources, and by supporting navigation of behavioral health systems and community-based services.
Connects individuals to community resources, including housing, employment, education, healthcare, and social supports, and may assist with accessing these services as appropriate.
Supports community integration and the development of natural support systems that contribute to long-term recovery.
Collaborates with clinical and non-clinical staff to support coordinated, person-centered care.
Participates in team meetings, supervision, and staffing, as well as communicating relevant observations and updates within the scope of the peer role.
Completes timely, accurate, and compliant documentation of all services provided in accordance with Center requirements, Texas Administrative Code, and applicable Medicaid standards, while maintaining confidentiality and adherence to all policies and regulations.
Uses lived experience appropriately to inspire hope and model recovery, while maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards.
Demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and accountability, including regular attendance, dependability, and punctuality.
Recognizes signs of crisis, relapse, or decompensation and responds appropriately within scope, including the use of de-escalation techniques and notification of clinical staff as required.
Maintains current knowledge of recovery practices and behavioral health trends and completes all required training, certifications, and continuing education to ensure competency.
Incorporates principles of trauma-informed care, including cultural sensitivity, in all areas of service delivery.
Learns and implements trauma-informed practices within their scope of work.