Peer Support Specialist

Salary
$52,918.22 Annually
Location
Austin, TX
Job Type
Full Time
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
24-09717
Department
Innovative Justice & Program Analysis
Opening Date
01/22/2025
Closing Date
3/22/2025 11:59 PM Central

Job Summary

Peer support is an evidence-based practice in which individuals with lived experience assist others to promote wellness and overcome barriers to create a successful pathway forward a successful pathway.  The Peer Support Specialist works closely with people experiencing challenges around mental health, substance use, disabilities, incarceration, and the different iterations of the criminal legal system.  Supports individuals in reaching goals by engaging them through sharing lived experiences, providing education, supportive presence, navigation, advocacy, and/or outreach.

This role significantly focuses on those individuals who have returned from incarceration at any iteration of their reentry journey. The Peer Support Specialist would deliver peer support while helping the individual navigate systems and obstacles associated with having a criminal background.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a job classification within the Social Services job family. This classification is distinguished from other social services classes due to the requirement of lived experience, peer support certification, and adherence to the code of ethics mandated for certification.  This classification assists individuals in navigating the social, mental health, and criminal legal systems and achieving resiliency and wellness as defined by the person.  Duties also include advocating for, assisting, and supporting clients as they work toward their wellness goals. This classification may require a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the department.

This position would not be required to work over 40 hours but may have to work outside of 8am – 5pm Monday- Friday, as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide peer support for individuals involved in the criminal legal system who may be experiencing behavioral health challenges as they navigate incarceration, bond, probation, and or/diversion docket conditions.
Provide Peer Support for individuals after they are released from incarceration with their reentry process.
Help identify job leads that are second chance employers and prep client for interview.
Provide supportive presence for peers at appointments, meetings, according to the client’s preferences.
Provide supportive services during job search or job readiness activities.
Educate peers on accessing community opportunities and resources that match their interests and goals.
Assist peers in obtaining required documents for housing, employment, and other benefits.
Support and coach peers as they locate and apply for employment opportunities, educational programs, housing, or other goals as defined by the individual.
Collaborate with Social Services team OR Planners to support each person’s whole health and wellness goals.
Ensure privacy and confidentiality of information learned or received within the peer relationship.
Complete all required documentation in a timely manner.
Attend and participate in team meetings.
Assess emergency situations, notify supervisor and/or appropriate. personnel of actual or potential problems
Exhibit a nonjudgmental approach, effective listening, and positive interactions.
Participates in the development and facilitation of programs designed for participants in carceral settings or the community.
Use person-centered and trauma informed practices while servicing clients.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or G.E.D. AND one (1) year experience in social services.
Lived experience with challenges around mental health, substance use, disabilities, and/or trauma.
Lived experience with incarceration
Familiarity with, and ability to use, Capital Metro services.

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated educationandexperienceandrequiredknowledge,skills,andabilitiessufficienttosuccessfullyperformthe duties and responsibilities of thisjob.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
One or more of the following certifications:
Re-Entry Peer Specialist (JI-RPS), Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS), or Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS).

Preferred:

Valid Texas Driver’s License and own transportation.
Social services experience with a high level of client contact.
Lived experience with Incarceration

Knowledge of:

Texas Peer Specialist Code of Ethics.

Proficient in Harm Reduction principles and practices.
Local social services, organizations and programs and the resources available.
Federal, State and Local program laws and requirements.
Computer software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, etc.)
Knowledge of direct service organizations in Travis County area.
Knowledge of resources that promote opportunities for system impacted individuals.

Skill in:

Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.
Data entry and documentation of peer services delivered
Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

Work effectively and courteously under high-pressure circumstances.
Motivate others and problem solve.
Deliver services to a culturally and ethnically diverse population.
Be highly compassionate and attentive to detail.
Meet clients at various locations including but not limited to jails, camps, community, hospitals, court and homes.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Work Environment & Other Information
Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, driving, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, driving, client/customer contact, and squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: 8am – 5pm, Monday -Friday; May work some night and weekends

Location: 700 Lavaca, Suite 1530. Austin, TX 78701
Department: Innovative Justice & Program Analysis

Criminal background check, Driving, Education,

Employment verification required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Employer

Travis County
Address
700 Lavaca Street

Austin, Texas, 78701
Website
https://www.traviscountytx.gov/human-resources/jobs