Youth Peer Specialist (Contract)

JOB SUMMARY:
The Opioid Abatement Peer Specialist provides peer-based, non-clinical recovery support services to youth and young adults aged 13–22 impacted by opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-occurring substance use or mental health conditions. This position plays a pivotal role in implementing and sustaining the Community-based Opioid Recovery Effort (CORE) Project, which enhances access to recovery supports, sober social engagement, and family involvement. The Peer Specialist uses lived experience, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed practices to guide participants through individualized recovery planning and to connect them with community-based resources that promote long-term stability and wellness.

This position will be based primarily in Johnson County, with responsibilities extending to Ellis and Hill Counties to ensure program coordination and service delivery across the full service region.

This is a Contract Position that starts 11/16/2025 and ends 10/31/2026.
Annual salary 42,500.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Provide individualized one-on-one peer recovery coaching using a strengths-based, person-centered approach.
Assist participants in developing and achieving personalized recovery plans within 45 days of enrollment.
Use motivational interviewing (MI) to enhance self-efficacy and commitment to change.
Maintain accurate records of services and outcomes.
Facilitate weekly, age-specific peer-led recovery groups designed to build life skills, coping strategies, and relapse prevention tools.
Integrate educational, social, and wellness components into group sessions.
Participate in community outreach and awareness efforts in partnership with schools, treatment centers, and youth-serving agencies to reduce stigma and increase access to recovery services
Develop individualized Recovery Support Service Plans and document all service encounters, goals, and outcomes in a designated data base.
Collaborate with the Family Liaison to deliver family-centered recovery support and facilitate family education groups.
Build and maintain strong community linkages, including partnerships with colleges, trade schools, and Johnson County organizations to expand service delivery.
Maintain participant files with signed documentation, releases, and recovery plans for review.
Plan and facilitate community-based recovery events, projects, and service activities that promote pro-social engagement and community reintegration.
Implement culturally and linguistically appropriate recovery supports in alignment with CLAS Standards and Texas Cultural Competence Guidelines.
Participate in ongoing continuous quality improvement processes and assist with quarterly and annual reporting to funders.
Adhere to peer ethics, confidentiality standards, and trauma-informed best practices.
Represent REACH Council and the Opioid Abatement Project at community meetings, outreach events, and collaborative coalitions.
Maintain compliance with all policies and performance standards established by the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council and REACH Council.
Participate in all required trainings and certifications
Perform other duties consistent with the role and responsibilities of in accordance with program directives.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:
Strong understanding of recovery principles, peer ethics, and boundaries.
Knowledge of substance use disorder recovery processes, community resources, and justice reentry systems.
Demonstrated ability to build trust, motivate change, and foster self-directed recovery.
Proficiency in CMBHS data entry and Google Workspace preferred.
Effective oral and written communication skills, with comfort speaking before groups.
Capacity to handle sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality.
Commitment to strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally competent service delivery.
Ability to establish empathy with an individual.
Ability to work with diverse populations and cultural backgrounds.
Comfortable working independently in community settings.
Ability to focus on and reinforce positive strengths and behaviors.
A high level of energy and commitment.
Acceptance of extremely flexible working hours.
Open attitude towards pathways to recovery.
Stable personal program of recovery.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Two (2) years of experience providing recovery support or working with justice-involved or substance-affected populations.
Certified Peer Specialist (RSPS) in the State of Texas, or eligibility for certification within six months of hire.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid driver’s license and proof of current liability insurance.
Dependable transportation and phone required.
Must be able to lift and carry 50lbs.
Flexibility to work some evenings, weekends, and participate in a rotating on-call schedule.
Lived experience in recovery with a minimum of five (5) consecutive years of sustained recovery from substance use or co-occurring challenges.
Age range of approximately 25-40 years old preferred to align with program demographics and mentorship goals.
Prior experience working within or in collaboration with correctional systems and/or treatment systems strongly preferred.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

SCHEDULE:
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Flexibility required for evening or weekend events and on-call rotations.