SUD Peer Support Specialist

SUD Peer Support Specialist

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Substance Use Services and within federal, state, and local guidelines, the Substance Use Services Peer Support Specialist performs routine human services support work focused on substance use recovery, harm reduction, and community engagement.

This position is funded through the CORE Grant and is embedded within both clinical substance use services and community-based outreach efforts. The Peer Support Specialist contributes as a member of the Substance Use Disorder treatment team to facilitate recovery, enhance engagement, and reduce barriers to care for individuals impacted by opioid use disorder and co-occurring conditions.

The Peer Support Specialist serves as a role model for recovery, utilizing lived experience to provide peer recovery coaching, outreach, navigation, and support across clinical and non-traditional community settings. Work is performed under moderate supervision with limited latitude for independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience
• High School diploma or High School equivalency certificate required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience receiving substance use services.
• Self-identify as a person with lived experience in recovery from substance use disorder, with demonstrated stability in recovery.
• Demonstrated experience actively managing personal recovery and wellness.
• Desire and ability to use lived experience to support others in recovery.
• Willingness to publicly identify as a person in recovery for the purpose of education, role modeling, engagement, and hope-building.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, justice involvement, or complex social barriers preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications
• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.
• Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must obtain a Texas driver's license within thirty (30) days of employment.
• Successful completion of all required position-specific training within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Peer Support Certification must be obtained within one hundred twenty (120) days of hire.
• Completion of required CORE Grant and outreach-related training, including harm reduction and trauma-informed fieldwork.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of substance use recovery principles, harm reduction strategies, and peer support models.
• Knowledge of community resources, detoxification services, residential treatment, MAT providers, and recovery supports.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication, including documentation in electronic health records.
• Ability to engage individuals in non-traditional settings with empathy, respect, and cultural humility.
• Ability to navigate complex systems and support individuals in accessing care, transportation, documentation, and basic needs.
• Understanding and application of Trauma-Informed Care and harm reduction principles.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and additional duties may be assigned.

Peer Recovery Support and Treatment Integration
• Assist with Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) groups and provide one-on-one peer recovery coaching.
• Support individuals during key recovery transitions such as detox discharge, treatment entry, or sober living placement.
• Use lived experience to promote hope, engagement, and sustained recovery.

Community Outreach and Harm Reduction
• Conduct outreach in non-traditional settings including encampments, shelters, food pantries, libraries, emergency departments, jails, and community events.
• Distribute harm reduction supplies such as naloxone, hygiene kits, and recovery resources.
• Provide field-based engagement and crisis support in coordination with licensed substance use staff.

Navigation and Wraparound Support
• Assist individuals with accessing transportation, medical and intake appointments, identification documents, housing resources, food, clothing, and communication tools.
• Accompany individuals to appointments as needed to support engagement and follow-through.
• Serve as a bridge between clinical services, community partners, and individuals receiving services.

Wellness and Recovery Planning
• Support individuals in identifying recovery goals and developing wellness strategies.
• Provide education on recovery, self-advocacy, and available community supports.
• Connect individuals to digital mental wellness tools, including Credible Mind, as part of recovery planning.

Documentation and Compliance
• Maintain productivity standards established by program leadership.
• Ensure all documentation for services rendered is completed and submitted within two (2) business days.
• Maintain compliance with all HHSC, Medicaid, CCBHC, and grant-related requirements.

Professional Conduct and Safety
• Serve all individuals without regard to background or history, prioritizing dignity and respect.
• Model recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and harm reduction principles in all interactions.
• Participate in crisis response coordination, including linkage to Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, or other emergency services as appropriate.
• Participate in debriefings following crisis events and adhere to all safety protocols.
• Participate in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.