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Jobs · OTHR · Texas

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

LifeWorks Austin · Austin, TX · 4 wk ago
On-siteOTHR$22–$27.96/hrFull-time

About the Role

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a Full Time Peer Support Specialist to join our Peer Services (Drop-In Center) team! This position utilizes lived experience and training to provide support services and education to individuals via group facilitation, individual mentorship, community collaboration, and alternative activities. The role fosters recovery and wellness using a trauma-informed, strength-based model. This full-time, non-exempt position offers a competitive hourly rate of $22.00 - $27.96, depending on experience, along with comprehensive benefits.

Responsibilities

  • Provide client-centered, healing-centered peer support to diverse individuals with experiences such as chronic homelessness, systems involvement, mental health challenges, substance use, and trauma.
  • Promote recovery, resiliency, and accountability to enhance quality of life, health, and wellness.
  • Meet with clients to establish safe, healthy relationships for learning, problem-solving, and community participation; assist in building support networks and coordinate services.
  • Facilitate support groups and social activities on-site and in the community through program curricula, experiential activities, presentations, discussions, and skill-based outings.
  • Participate in outreach to engage individuals unfamiliar with LifeWorks services.
  • Plan and deliver recovery-related presentations on topics like harm reduction, substance use prevention, health promotion, trauma recovery, community resources, and coping strategies.
  • Advocate for clients within the community and internally to address their needs.
  • Develop positive working relationships with agency staff, referral sources, recovery organizations, and service providers.
  • Maintain up-to-date documentation of client services, contacts, and progress in the agency database.
  • Comply with funding, licensure, and accreditation requirements.
  • Perform additional duties such as client transportation, resource navigation, and instrumental support.
  • Maintain non-clinical supervision and continuing education.
  • Use crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to assist clients in emotional distress.

Qualifications

  • Education and Experience: GED or HS Diploma; 2 years of related individual and group peer support experience; state certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS); lived experience with trauma and substance use/mental health challenges; record of maintaining recovery for the past 2 years.
  • Technical Skills: Experience with databases; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Texas Certification as a Peer Support Specialist (Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist).
  • 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 and delivers mission-centered solutions.
  • Collaborates and Adapts: Works collaboratively to meet shared objectives; adapts to shifting demands.
  • Honors Differences: Embraces diverse perspectives and develops inclusive solutions.
  • Nimble Learning: Learns from successes and failures; open to new approaches.
  • Builds Trust: Gains confidence through integrity, dependability, and authenticity.
  • Action Oriented: Takes initiative and focuses on mission-critical opportunities.
  • Ability to share lived experiences in a helpful, inspirational way and model healthful behaviors.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • Valid driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle, and valid auto insurance.
  • Standard First-Aid and CPR Certification as required by the program.

About LifeWorks

With over 50 years of experience, 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 fulfilling life. We provide comprehensive services to vulnerable youth, ensuring access to safe housing, healing, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovation and evidence-based solutions, we achieve measurable results for our clients.

This is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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