Program Manager - Peer Services

Job Category : Program Services Coordinator Requisition Number : PROGR002217 Posted : September 17, 2026 Full-Time On-site Locations Showing 1 location Austin, TX 78702, USA Description LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a Program Manager to join our Peer Services team! The Program Manager coordinates and provides direct supervision of a team of community-based peer support specialists that are trained in the effective use of lived experience and recovery to support youth and young adults, ages 16-26, who have experienced homelessness, systems involvement, mental health challenges, substance use, and/or trauma. The program manager ensures good program outcomes by providing training, supervision, and data oversight; implementing quality improvement plans; monitoring client outcomes; and working side-by-side with team members through field mentoring. The program manager ensures the team is actively engaged in the community and equipped to support clients in navigating community resources and internal supportive service opportunities at LifeWorks. This full time, exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $62,245 - $87,904 depending upon experience. Benefits are also included. 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

Coordinates and assists in the development, delivery, and management of program services. Promotes a healing- and person-centered culture that uplifts the dignity and strengths of clients at all times. Responsible for the hiring, orientation, training, supervision, evaluation, and dismissal of direct reports in accordance with Agency policies and procedures. Reviews individual client outcomes with direct reports during supervision. Ensures direct reports provide appropriate support to clients and offer and utilize program resources efficiently. Holds staff accountable for meeting individual and program performance objectives by coaching, planning, monitoring, and appraising job results. Enforces and complies with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure and accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency. These requirements may pertain to data, paperwork, training, processes, and procedures, among other things. Is readily available and provides guidance and case consultation to staff on a daily basis. Builds team’s strength in de-escalation and mediation to effectively manage highly complex crisis situations. Completes file reviews and ensures that direct reports collect and enter required data in agency and funder databases in a timely, complete, and accurate manner. Updates training materials, assists with delivery of training, and tracks all staff training records and due dates. Maintains current knowledge of best practices in a range of philosophies and modalities, for example housing first approaches, harm reduction, and positive youth development. Acts as a liaison to other programs internally and establishes and maintains relationships with partner organizations, service providers, referral sources, and other external stakeholders in the community. Provide temporary coverage and direct client services during staffing transitions or outages. Assists with the compilation, analysis, and reporting of program outcomes on an as-needed basis. Assists Program Director and/or VP of Mental Health and Wellbeing and department staff with coordinating client files and other materials for funders, monitoring visits, and internal and/or external audits. Represents the program at leadership meetings and communicates agency and leadership decisions to their team, as appropriate. Provides community training, presentations, and outreach activities, as appropriate. Prepares for and actively participates in supervision meetings and all other required meetings or trainings. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field with and (3) years’ experience; or Equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred minimum (1) year of supervisory experience. Requires having maintained their own recovery for the last two 2-year period. Experience with databases; proficient level of experience with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

Ensures Accountability and Results – Holds self and others accountable to meeting commitments and achieving outcomes; delivers timely and clear feedback that is timely, equitable, clear, and supportive in nature. Amplifies Talent – Engages and motivates staff; supports their growth and development; promotes a climate of collective success. Integrates Diverse Perspectives – Recognizes the value that different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences bring to an organization; actively seeks out and considers different viewpoints; incorporates diverse perspectives into work and actions. Demonstrates Self-Awareness – Uses a combination of feedback and reflection to gain and apply productive insights toward personal strengths and areas of opportunities; demonstrates a willingness to adapt leadership style to better engage, influence, and relate to staff. Client Focused – Builds strong client relationships and delivers client-centered solutions. Instills Trust – Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, humility, and authenticity. Makes Quality and Sound Decisions – Applies sound judgment in decision making process; makes collaborative, equitable, measured, and timely decisions that support the mission of the organization. Drives Vision and Purpose – Paints a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates and inspires others to action and shared alignment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess or be able to obtain a valid driver's license within 30 days. Possess or acquire standard First-Aid and CPR Certification as required by individual program. Requires a certification as a Peer Specialist or Peer Recovery Support Specialist and able to obtain supervisor certification within 6 months. Currently certified as a peer and peer supervisor, preferred.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS

With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love. We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve. A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr lifeworksaustin.org