Family Peer Support Specialist

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a Family Peer Support Specialist to join our Community Based Peer Support team! A Family Peer Support Specialist provides peer support services and education to expecting and/or parenting individuals via group facilitation, individual mentorship, community collaboration, and the provision of alternative activities. The Family Peer Support Specialist utilizes a trauma-informed, strengths-based model of support to foster and promote recovery and wellness with each client served.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate of $22.00/hr., and benefits; 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promotes recovery, resiliency, and accountability to help others initiate or achieve long-term recovery to enhance quality of life, health, and wellness.
• Meets with individuals, as needed, to establish a safe, healthy relationship for learning, problem-solving, and participating in community activities; assists with building a network of support; makes referrals and coordinates individuals’ services, as appropriate.
• Facilitates support groups in community sites through the implementation of program curricula, experiential activities, presentations and discussions, field trips and/or skill-based activities.
• Plans, develops, and provides recovery-related presentations and outreach on a variety of topics, such as substance use and disease prevention/intervention, health/mental health promotion, trauma and recovery, community resources, relationship-building, and coping strategies.
• Advocates for individuals within the community, as well as internally, to ensure that individuals’ needs are being recognized, represented, and addressed.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with agency staff and community contacts such as referral sources, recovery community organizations, peer-run programs in non-recovery organizations, and other service providers.
• Maintains up-to-date online documentation of client services and contacts by frequently entering into agency database.
• Assesses and documents individuals’ progress toward recovery goals.
• Maintains approved non-clinical supervision and continuing education.
• Uses crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to assist individuals in mental or emotional crisis, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Requires a GED or HS Diploma and 2 years of related individual and group support experience.
• Requires obtaining certification as a qualified Peer Supporter within 9 months of hire.
• Requires lived experience with 1) trauma and 2) substance use and/or mental health challenges.
• Record of maintaining own recovery over the past 2-year period.
• Requires lived experience with parenting during recovery.
• Experience with databases; proficient level experience with Microsoft Office including, Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Visit our website to apply!