TJJD - Certified Peer Support Specialist I-II - Re

Agency Information: We are committed to transforming lives and building safer communities by working collaboratively, communicating openly, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Our team models accountability, transparency, and respect, taking proactive steps to ensure the physical and emotional safety of youth, staff, and the community. We strive for excellence through continuous growth, thoughtful decision making, and mission-driven collaboration, supporting one another while embracing challenges that lead to meaningful, long-term impact.

About the Role

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) provides a trauma-informed, holistic Substance Use Services (SUS) Specialized Treatment Program to youth committed to the agency who have been assessed as needing SUS treatment in addition to participating in the agency’s Texas Model core treatment programming.

The Certified Peer Support Specialist I-II - Recovery Specialist serves as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator to individuals engaged in the Substance Use Services Specialized Treatment Program. This position serves youth who have been adjudicated of felony offenses, committed to the agency by a juvenile court, and placed in a high-security correctional facility. Duties involve providing non-clinical services intended to aid youth in establishing and maintaining individual recovery from addiction. The recovery specialist promotes a recovery-based approach to youth care with an emphasis on respect, self-direction, and empowerment by providing recovery support, personal assistance, education on community resources, and other supportive services for individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD).

May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per workweek, different shift patterns, and travel occasionally.

Career Ladder

This position is in the approved TJJD career ladder for Recovery Specialists. Placement on the career ladder is dependent upon experience, education, and certification. Recovery Specialists may be promoted based on meeting the established eligibility criteria per agency policy until they reach the top level of the ladder. Progression to the highest pay level on the career ladder is dependent upon experience and performance.

Pre-Service Training Academy Requirement: Newly hired recovery specialists or rehired recovery specialists who separated more than 18 months will be required to attend the pre-service training academy. Recovery specialists who have worked for TJJD and return to employment within 18 months of their separation date are not required to attend the pre-service academy and will be placed in full-time status on their date of employment.

Levels of Work

• Certified Peer Support Specialist I - Recovery Specialists: Performs complex (journey-level) peer support work under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Does not have certification at this level but may be working towards certification.
• Certified Peer Support Specialist II - Recovery Specialists: Performs advanced (senior-level) peer support work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Has certification as a peer specialist.

Responsibilities

• Provides peer support in a positive and supportive manner through coaching, role modeling, and mentoring to assist youth in developing skills to achieve their goals.
• Maintains confidentiality and standards of ethical practice.
• Attends meetings and trainings held in the SUS department.
• Works in collaboration with transitional placement staff (Halfway House PSW, Parole, and SUS Specialized Treatment Program Specialist) to identify appropriate services, such as SUS aftercare.
• Provides peer navigation services focusing on continuity of care and connecting to aftercare providers.
• Works as part of the integrated treatment team by walking side-by-side with youth in learning and navigating the system of care.
• Conducts and facilitates required groups permitted by recovery specialists, SUS psycho-educational groups, and participates in some family contact; retrieves youth for group and returns them in accordance with Case Management Standards (CMS).
• Participates in staff development relating to the agency’s approved treatment program, group facilitation, CMS, SUS-specific training, substance abuse training, and renews annual mandatory training requirements.
• Reads, reviews, and properly applies information found in youth records related to youth health, safety, and security; provides appropriate information to the SUS staff; and complies with policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Prepares and maintains records, forms, and reports as required by CMS and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
• Assists the SUS provider during the time the youth is enrolled in treatment by identifying individual treatment goals, maintaining consistent communication with the SUS provider to ensure the youth is progressing in treatment, including participation in groups, progress, transition plans, etc.
• Performs all duties in compliance with agency safety policies and procedures:
  • Reports safety hazards and corrects hazards when possible.
  • Completes required documentation in the event of an accident/injury within requested time frames.
  • Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.