Family Peer Support Specialist

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a Family Peer Support Specialist to join our Community Based Peer Support team! A Family Peer Support Specialist provides support services and education to pregnant and/or parenting individuals via group facilitation, individual mentorship, community collaboration, and the provision of alternative activities. The Family Recovery Support Specialist utilizes a trauma-informed, strengths-based model of support to foster and promote recovery and wellness with each client served.

This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate of $22.00/hr, and benefits; 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

• Promotes recovery, resiliency, and accountability to help others initiate or achieve long-term recovery to enhance quality of life, health, and wellness.

• Meets with individual clients, as needed, to establish a safe, healthy relationship for learning, problem-solving, and participating in community activities; assists clients in building a network of support; makes referrals and coordinates client services, as appropriate.

• Facilitates support groups in community sites through the implementation of program curricula, experiential activities, presentations and discussions, field trips and/or skill-based activities.

• Plans, develops, and provides recovery-related presentations and outreach on a variety of topics, such as substance abuse and disease prevention/intervention, health/mental health promotion, trauma and recovery, community resources, relationship-building, and coping strategies.

• Advocates for clients within the community as well as internally to ensure that client needs are being recognized, represented, and addressed.

• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with agency staff and community contacts such as referral sources, recovery community organizations, peer-run programs in non-recovery organizations, and other service providers.

• Maintains up-to-date online documentation of client services and contacts by frequently entering into agency database. Assesses and documents client progress toward recovery goals.

• Maintains approved non-clinical supervision and continuing education.

• Uses crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to assist clients in mental or emotional crisis.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a GED or HS Diploma and 2 years of related individual and group support experience.

• Requires obtaining certification as a qualified Peer Supporter within 9 months of hire.

• Requires lived experience with 1) trauma and 2) substance use or mental health challenges. Record of maintaining own recovery over the past 2-year period.

• Experience with databases; proficient level experience with Microsoft Office including, Word, Excel, and Outlook.

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, we are a fearless advocate for youth and families seeking their path to self-sufficiency. LifeWorks goal is to be able to provide clients with the resources they need a place to call home, the chance to heal, and the opportunity to learn and to work. We have one of the most comprehensive continuums of housing and support options for vulnerable youth in the country. We are committed to innovative problem solving, shared accountability and a relentless focus on achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve. A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow and develop your professional skills while making an immediate difference in the lives of youth and families in our community.