Peer Support Services Specialist (San Marcos region) McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics (HEROES)

About the role

This position is based in the San Marcos region and supports the Center for Behavioral Emergency and Addiction Research’s Heroes Program in Houston, Texas. The role is funded by grants comprising 50% or more of the funding, and continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding; employment may end by the end of January 2027.

Responsibilities

• Provide assertive outreach, navigation to care, direct peer support, and education surrounding substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery in a clinical research environment.
• Assist with direct patient-related peer support services for social determinants of health to individuals enrolled in HEROES and other clinical research programs.
• Assist with outreach schedule, mutual support groups for peer-education and family support, marketing and organization of all peer-related activities.
• Conduct outreach to individuals' homes and other places.
• Deliver group services to multiple people, both virtually and in-person.
• Follow guidance to ensure the peer support team remains aligned with the overall message and purpose of the program.
• Follow UTHealth program regulations, guidelines and practices.
• Cooperatively assist with other job duties as assigned to support the provision of quality services to consumers; remain available to team members in crisis situations; and support the clinical/research team where necessary.

Requirements

• Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) by Texas Certification Board (TCB) required, or
• Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) by Texas Certification Board (TCB) required, or
• Re-Entry Peer Specialist (JI-RPS) by Texas Certification Board required, or
• Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS) by Texas Certification Board required, or
• Equivalent certification by Texas Certification Board required
• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• 1 year of experience providing peer recovery support to youths or adults required

Skills

• Basic computer skills (email, word processing, Excel, etc.)

Physical Requirements

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive

This position is security-sensitive pursuant to Texas Education Code 51.215 and Texas Government Code 411.094. Personnel in such positions will be routinely reviewed to determine whether criminal history or connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant or employee from maintaining the security or integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code 117.001(2). A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. 791.4.

Residency Requirement

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical premiums for full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, vacation and sick time totaling approximately 37–38 days per year)
• Longevity pay (monthly payments after two years of service)
• Retirement/pension plan
• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, and cell phones
• Resources for child and elder care