Mental Health Peer Specialist

The Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) provides recovery-oriented behavioral health services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges in Titus County and surrounding communities. Utilizing their lived experience of recovery, the MHPS serves as a mentor, advocate, and source of hope while supporting individuals in achieving recovery goals, increasing independence, and improving overall quality of life.

The MHPS will engage individuals in a variety of settings, including behavioral health clinics, community locations, correctional settings, hospitals, homes, and other partner locations as appropriate. Services focus on promoting recovery, reducing barriers to care, improving functioning, increasing engagement in treatment, and supporting successful community integration.

Responsibilities

include providing one-on-one peer support services, facilitating recovery-focused groups, delivering Skills Training and Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services (PSR), assisting individuals in developing wellness and recovery plans, supporting crisis prevention efforts, and connecting individuals to housing, employment, education, transportation, healthcare, and other community resources. The MHPS will assist individuals in identifying personal strengths, developing coping skills, improving independent living skills, enhancing social and interpersonal functioning, increasing self-advocacy, and building natural support systems.

The MHPS will provide Skills Training and Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services designed to improve daily living skills, symptom management, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, medication adherence, community integration, and overall functioning. Services will be individualized, person-centered, and recovery-focused, supporting participants in achieving treatment goals and long-term recovery outcomes.

The MHPS will maintain an assigned caseload and provide services in accordance with agency standards, funding requirements, and applicable state regulations. Responsibilities include timely completion of documentation, participation in treatment planning, coordination of care activities, maintenance of service records, and adherence to productivity expectations and program requirements.

The MHPS will work collaboratively with behavioral health providers, case managers, justice system partners, hospitals, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure continuity of care and support positive outcomes. The position will assist with outreach and engagement activities, participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, and support program initiatives designed to improve access to services and long-term recovery.

The MHPS must maintain professional boundaries, demonstrate cultural competency, uphold confidentiality standards, complete required documentation in accordance with agency, state, and funding requirements, and adhere to all organizational policies and procedures. Strong communication skills, the ability to establish trusting relationships, and a commitment to person-centered, recovery-oriented care are essential.

This position serves as a vital bridge between individuals and the services needed to support recovery, wellness, and community inclusion. The MHPS will empower individuals to take an active role in their recovery journey while fostering hope, self-determination, resilience, and long-term stability.

Individuals with lived experience of mental health recovery, substance use recovery, and/or involvement with behavioral health services are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must meet all qualifications required for a Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) under Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) standards and maintain all required certifications and training in accordance with agency policy.

Schedule

• Monday -
• Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Salary: $15 per hour

Minimum qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Certified Peer Specialist (Mental Health or Recovery) or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Lived experience with recovery from mental health or substance use challenges and willingness to share that experience to support others.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass required background checks and obtain clearance to work within the jail facility.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow agency and jail safety procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience providing peer support or working in behavioral health, recovery, or reentry services. Knowledge of community resources related to behavioral health treatment, housing, and recovery supports. Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Individuals with lived experience of involvement in the criminal justice system who are in stable recovery are encouraged to apply.

Employee Benefits at Full-Time Include

• Employer-Cost Sharing of Health Insurance (Plus 50% of Elected Dependent Coverage)
• Employer-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Employer-Paid Term Life Insurance
• Employer-Match Retirement Contributions (Up to 5% of Base Salary)
• Optional Dental, Vision, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 13 Paid Holidays per Year
• 2 Weeks of Paid Vacation Leave per Year with Graduating Accrual Rate
• 2+ Weeks of Paid Sick Leave per Year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Tuition discounts for select Colleges