Family Eldercare

Job title: Peer Support Specialist Reports to: Integrated Services Senior Unit Supervisor
Program: Integrated Services Work Location: Multiple Locations
Position Status – Full-time
FLSA Classification – Non-Exempt Salary Range – $25.52-26.52/hour

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides individualized and flexible supportive services to Permanent Supportive
Housing (PSH) clients experiencing barriers to housing stability because of mental health and/or substance use.
The main role of the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is to assist clients who are currently or have previously experienced
homelessness and are dealing with mental, physical health, and/or substance use challenges in achieving their desired
goals. Services are provided in a person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally and linguistically appropriate
manner. The PSS serves as a role model for recovery, sharing their own experiences to inspire hope and engaging
clients through education, advocacy, and outreach activities.
The PSS collaborates with clients to overcome obstacles in their journey towards long-term housing stability by
addressing barriers related to experience, power dynamics, and understanding. They possess a strong understanding
of the recovery process and have completed training as a recovery coach or peer support specialist through an
organization approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and certified by the Texas Certification
Board.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Utilize personal experiences, professional expertise, and training to offer peer support services to clients facing
challenges with housing stabilization and retention. The PSS focus is on addressing housing obstacles stemming from
mental health and/or substance abuse issues, with a goal of facilitating recovery from homelessness. Our approach is
grounded in principles of hope and client empowerment. The PSS will:
• Develop positive relationships with clients.
• Share personal experiences of recovery in a positive and motivational way.
• Provide information on available resources and make appropriate referrals.
• Help clients identify their strengths and explore ways to empower themselves.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with service providers, housing agencies, and employers.
• Work collaboratively to create recovery strategies tailored to each client’s needs.
• Encourage clients to connect with support services and resources.
• Assist clients in becoming part of their chosen recovery community.
• Develop and facilitate workgroups at onsite PSH locations.
• Collaborate with clients and case managers to create personalized service plans that utilize their strengths,
aiming to promote long-term housing stability in safe and supportive environments.
• Maintain well-organized client files, accurately document work in a timely fashion in adherence to data
standards and program requirements.
• Assist clients in applying for and enrolling in public benefit programs.
• Develop an understanding of local housing resources, social service organizations, and government benefits
and entitlements.
• Identify, refer to, and collaborate with internal & external partners to design and support individualized and
client-centered outreach efforts, and transition and exit plans.
• Engage in teamwork functions and cooperate to provide a professional work environment, staff cases, address
program needs, and review community resources.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and agency activities.
• Perform other tasks and special projects as assigned.
Competencies:
Any combination of the suggested education and experience will be considered for this position. In addition, the
following will be considered:
• Commitment to Housing First and Trauma Informed Care principles and ending and preventing homelessness
and housing instability.
• Bilingual and/or American Sign Language is a preferred skill.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude and
providing exemplary customer service
• Ability to exercise sound judgement, diplomacy, and maintain good working relationship across the
organization and with community collaborators.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including SharePoint
• Knowledge of community-based services and resources -AND/OR public benefits programs.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
• Previous employment as a Peer Support Specialist or similar role is preferred.
• 1 year experience working with marginalized populations which must include people experiencing
homelessness is required.
• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Completion of a Recovery Coach or Peer Support Specialist training facilitated by an entity both recognized by
the Texas Health and Human Service Commission and certificated under the Texas Certification board is
required.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
• Work occurs in the office setting, client residence, shelters, supportive housing locations, other locations, and
remotely.
• Direct interactions with clients, including frequent contact with clients who are currently or formerly
unhoused, have a mental health diagnosis and/or substance use disorder, and/or have experienced trauma.
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other
federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and
local standards.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull up to 20 lbs; but Family Eldercare will consider reasonable
accommodation as needed.
Acknowledgement and Review:
By signing this job description, I acknowledge that I meet the qualifications, and am able to perform all job functions,
duties, and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations. I further understand that I am
responsible for promptly and effectively communicating in writing to the Company any need for accommodation. I
acknowledge that I have read, understand, and may receive a copy of this Job Description. I further understand that
Family Eldercare reserves the right to modify any Company policies, procedures, and processes based on
organizational needs.