Peer Support Program Specialist

Brief Job Description: This position serves as a generalist Program Specialist V within the Peer Support and Recovery Section and may be assigned responsibilities across multiple peer support, recovery, behavioral health, workforce development, technical assistance, policy, contract management, and special project portfolios based on agency priorities and organizational needs. Performs advanced consultative services and technical assistance work related to the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of peer support and recovery programs and initiatives within the Peer Support and Recovery (PSR) Section of the Substance Use Programs Department. Work involves supporting program operations and contract activities; monitoring performance measures and deliverables; conducting program reviews and site visits; providing technical assistance to contractors, providers, and stakeholders; researching and analyzing program, policy, and legislative issues; developing reports, briefings, and recommendations; and coordinating activities with internal and external partners. Assists with the implementation of recovery-oriented systems of care and peer support initiatives and serves as a resource on peer support and recovery-related topics. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): EJF 1: Coordinates and supports the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of peer support and recovery-oriented programs and initiatives. Monitors contract activities and deliverables; conducts site visits, desk reviews, and program assessments; and assists in ensuring compliance with HHSC policies, procedures, contracts, and applicable state and federal requirements. Identifies programmatic issues and opportunities for improvement and recommends strategies to enhance service delivery, program performance, and recovery-oriented systems of care. Works collaboratively with contractors, providers, stakeholders, and internal staff to support program goals and objectives. (35%) EJF 2: Provides advanced consultative services, technical assistance, training, and programmatic support to contractors, providers, local governmental entities, peer organizations, recovery community organizations, and other stakeholders. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships to support program implementation, continuous quality improvement, and alignment with program goals and agency priorities. Serves as a resource on peer support, recovery services, workforce development, and behavioral health program activities and assists stakeholders in the implementation of recovery-oriented practices. (25%) EJF 3: Participates in and supports cross-functional, cross-agency, and specialized projects related to peer support, recovery services, behavioral health, and workforce development. Reviews and analyzes federal and state legislation, regulations, policies, and guidance affecting peer support and recovery services and provides input and recommendations to management. Develops, coordinates, and maintains reports, correspondence, presentations, issue summaries, and other programmatic documents to support program operations, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making. (20%) EJF 4: Represents the Peer Support and Recovery (PSR) Section, Behavioral Health Services (BHS), and HHSC in meetings, workgroups, stakeholder engagements, conferences, and other professional forums as assigned. Responds to information requests and assists with legislative inquiries, briefing materials, and stakeholder communications. Participates in strategic planning and program development activities and contributes to the implementation and evaluation of initiatives designed to strengthen peer support services, recovery supports, and recovery-oriented systems of care throughout Texas. (15%) EJF 5: Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: Recovery-oriented systems of care and peer support service delivery. Behavioral health, substance use, and mental health service systems in Texas. Evidence-based, promising, and emerging practices related to peer support and recovery services. Medicaid-funded behavioral health services and related state programs. State and federal laws, regulations, and policies applicable to behavioral health services. Contract management, program monitoring, quality improvement, and performance measurement methodologies. Legislative, rulemaking, and policy development processes. Principles of public administration, program planning, and organizational management.

Skill in: Program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Technical assistance, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement. Contract oversight and performance management. Project management and strategic planning. Research, data analysis, interpretation, and problem solving. Developing, writing, and editing executive documents, policy analyses, briefings, and reports. Public speaking, presentations, and professional communication. Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Ability to: Work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment. Analyze complex issues and develop practical, innovative solutions. Manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines. Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and contract requirements. Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze information from multiple sources. Communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences. Develop and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Lead workgroups, projects, and collaborative initiatives. Demonstrate strong organizational, interpersonal, and customer service skills.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: Certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Family Partner, Peer Support Supervisor, or equivalent certification recognized by the Texas Certification Board is required.

Initial Screening Criteria: 1. Active certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Family Partner, or Peer Support Supervisor through the Texas Certification Board. 

2. Experience in behavioral health, substance use services, peer support services, recovery support services, program administration, contract monitoring, technical assistance, policy development, stakeholder engagement, or related health and human services programs.

Additional Information: This position serves as a generalist Program Specialist V within the Peer Support and Recovery Section and may be assigned responsibilities across multiple peer support, recovery, behavioral health, workforce development, technical assistance, policy, contract management, and special project portfolios based on agency priorities and organizational needs.