Peer Support Specialist

MTC Corrections•Henderson, TX

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides emotional support, mentorship, and resources to help individuals navigate recovery. The role performs moderately complex substance abuse counseling work through education and involves planning, coordinating, and supporting staff on duty while working with Community Counselors. The specialist uses lived experience and knowledge of trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented practices to support people experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, in compliance with Management & Training Corporation and Texas Department of Criminal Justice directives. The position is at the East Texas Treatment Facility in Henderson, Texas. The schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, with 8-hour days. Pay is $17.85 per hour.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited senior high school or equivalent, or GED.
Experience using Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software.
A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, unless waived by management.
Basic computer skills for documentation and record-keeping.
Lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and training to support people facing those challenges.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented practices.

Responsibilities

Build trust and supportive relationships by sharing lived experience of recovery and offering hope.
Engage with individuals experiencing mental health or substance use issues in a way that helps them feel understood, accepted, and not judged.
Help individuals set and achieve recovery goals through guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
Connect individuals with information about community resources, treatment options, recovery services, and other supports.
Advocate for individuals receiving services, supporting their voice in recovery planning and access to appropriate care.
Recognize signs of distress and connect individuals in crisis with appropriate services or professionals.
Maintain accurate and timely records of interactions, services provided, and progress notes in accordance with organizational policies.
Participate in ongoing training and education on peer support and recovery services.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and promote communication and the proper flow of relevant information between administration, staff, and inmates.
Promote positive social skills, intervene when inappropriate behaviors are observed, and provide staff with regular feedback about social-skills procedures and intervention techniques.
Maintain accountability of inmates and adhere to safety practices.
Perform other duties as assigned within the incumbent’s capabilities, as determined by management.