The Central Health Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing non-clinical, recovery-oriented peer support services individuals that is grounded in the intentional use of lived experienced to promote engagement, selfadvocacy, and connection to services.

The Peer Support Specialist applies empowerment-based and recovery-oriented approaches to support individuals in identifying self-defined goals, reducing harm, navigating behavioral health and community-based resources, and building skills that support wellness and recovery. Services are delivered in collaboration with multidisciplinary care teams while maintaining clear peer role boundaries and upholding the value of lived experience as a unique form of expertise. Peer support services are provided in alignment with nationally recognized standards established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), grounded in harm reduction and trauma informed principles, and in accordance with applicable statewide standards and certification requirements overseen by the Texas Certification Board.

The Peer Support Specialist participates in reflective supervision, completes required documentation in Electronic Medical Record using approved peer support templates, and adheres to organizational policies and ethical standards. This position reports to the Peer Services Supervisor. Services will be delivered at a Central Health and / or partner location.

Essential Functions

Direct Peer Support Service Delivery: Provide non-clinical, recovery-oriented peer support services using lived experience to promote engagement, self-advocacy, and connection to behavioral health and community-based resources in alignment with peer support principles and role boundaries. The person in this position must meet eligibility requirements for MHPS or RSPS certification, including lived experience in recovery as defined by the
Texas Certification Board.
• Provide non-clinical, recovery-oriented and trauma-informed individual and group peer support services grounded in lived experience and support peers in identifying self-directed goals and pathways to wellness.
• Promote engagement, self-advocacy, and empowerment through mutual support by encouraging peers to explore strengths, practice decision making, build confidence and participate actively in their own care.
• Support peers in connecting with behavioral health, social service, and community-based resources.
• Deliver services in alignment with peer support principles, ethics, and clearly defined role boundaries.

Participation in Supervision & Professional Development: Actively participate in reflective supervision, coaching, and required trainings; engage in self-reflection and skill development; and apply supervisory feedback to strengthen ethical practice, boundaries, and service quality.
• Actively participate in reflective supervision, coaching, and required trainings; apply supervisory feedback to strengthen ethical practice, role boundaries, and overall service quality.
• Engage in ongoing self-reflection and professional skill development to enhance effectiveness, maintain role clarity and support personal well-being.

Service Coordination and Team Collaboration: Collaborate with multidisciplinary care teams to support coordinated, person-centered care; communicate relevant non-clinical information appropriately; and maintain clear peer role boundaries when working alongside clinical providers.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary care teams to support coordinated, person-centered care through active participation in meetings, case reviews and care planning discussions; offer insights based on lived experience and ensure that peer-informed perspectives are integrated into service delivery.
• Share relevant non-clinical information appropriately to enhance continuity of services, ensuring information shared aligns with peer support scope and confidentiality expectations.
• Maintain clear peer role boundaries and uphold the distinct function of peer support when working alongside clinical providers.

Documentation & Compliance: Complete timely, accurate documentation of peer support services in the electronic medical record using approved peer support templates; adhere to organizational policies and peer documentation guidance; and support service tracking and reporting requirements.
• Accurately document peer support services in electronic medical record using approved templates, ensuring entries are timely and complete.
• Follow organizational policies, peer documentation guidelines, and ethical standards in all record-keeping.
• Maintain records that support service tracking, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives.

Ethical Practice & Role Fidelity Uphold peer support ethics, confidentiality, and appropriate use of lived experience; recognize and respond to role drift; and escalate concerns, boundary issues, or safety needs to the Peer Support Supervisor in accordance with established procedures.
• Uphold peer support ethics, confidentiality standards, and appropriate use of lived experience to model recovery, foster trust, and maintain the integrity of the peer role.
• Recognize and respond to role drift to maintain the integrity of the peer role.
• Escalate concerns, boundary issues, or safety needs to the Peer Support Supervisor in a timely manner, following established organizational procedures to ensure safe, high quality and ethically aligned service delivery.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

High School Diploma or equivalent (higher degree accepted)

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

2 years Document experience delivering Peer Support Services

Ability to self identify as having lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and willingness to share personal recovery story

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

Experience in Peer Support group facilitation

Proficient in Spanish

REQUIRED LICENSURE/CERTIFIACTIONS:

Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) OR Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS)