Mental Health Peer Support Programs

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Mental Health Peer Support Programs 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: BHPeer SvcPgm Planning & Polic 
Posting Number: 11066 
Closing Date: 12/14/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Performs advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work related to the oversight and implementation of community-based peer and recovery support programs. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Provides leadership in monitoring contract compliance, evaluating program deliverables, conducting site visits, and offering technical assistance to support program fidelity and effectiveness. Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with providers and stakeholders to promote recovery-oriented services and peer-led initiatives.

Programs and initiatives under this role may include:
• Consumer Operated Service Providers (COSPs)
• Recovery-focused clubhouses
• Mental health re-entry peer support programs
• Peer workforce development

Essential Job Functions

Oversees the implementation and monitoring of peer and recovery-oriented programs and projects. Provides consultative support to contracted providers to ensure compliance with HHSC policies, procedures, and legal mandates. Conducts site visits and reviews program deliverables to assess performance and identify areas for improvement. Builds collaborative relationships with providers to support program success and sustainability.
(35% of time)

Provides technical assistance and guidance to internal and external stakeholders on program requirements, contract expectations, and service delivery standards. Coordinates with fiscal and budget teams to assess the impact of legislative changes on program operations. Implements initiatives that support agency goals and enhance the effectiveness of peer services across the state.
(25% of time)

Participates in cross-agency and HHS projects related to behavioral health. Reviews proposed federal and state statutes and regulations impacting peer services and provides consultation to ensure compliance. Develops briefing documents, issue papers, bill analyses, and memoranda for executive management review and decision-making.
(20% of time)

Represents HHSC on advisory boards, councils, committees, and workgroups. Attends meetings and responds to legislative correspondence and requests, ensuring coordination with appropriate staff. Prepares updates and reports for legislative leadership and executive management. Promotes the integration of peer services into broader behavioral health systems through strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
(15% of time)

Other Duties as Assigned
(5% of time)

Check all the work site and environmental conditions that apply to this job.
A. Working:
x  Travel (indicate 5% of time):                                                                              Irregular hours
x  Indoors                                                                                                            Outdoors
   On ladders or scaffolding                                                                                    With sharp instruments
   With moving vehicles or objects                                                                          With hands in water
   Around machines with moving parts and objects                                                  With fire, boilers or large stoves
x  Other (specify): sitting at computer

B. Exposure to:
Excessive heat                                                                                                      Excessive cold
Excessive humidity                                                                                                Excessive dampness
Dry atmosphere                                                                                                    Excessive noise
Constant noise                                                                                                      Dust or mites
Fumes, smoke or gases                                                                                         Grease, oils and combustibles
Silica, asbestos or etc.                                                                                           Acidic or caustic solutions
Pesticides                                                                                             Human blood, bodily fluids, tissue or wastes
Animal blood, bodily fluids, tissue or wastes                                                             Biomedical waste
Biological agents                                                                                                    Electrical energy
Radiant energy                                                                                                       Vibration
Cleaning supplies, abrasives and solvents (degreasing agents)                                   Other (specify):

Physical Demands of Essential Job Functions
A. Enter the maximum number of pounds required in the next four blocks:

x  Lifting (indicate number of pounds): 10                                              X  Carrying (indicate number of pounds): 10
Pulling (indicate number of pounds):                                                      Pushing (indicate number of pounds):

B. Check all the work site and environmental conditions that apply to this job:
Reaching above the shoulder                                                                      Repeated Bending
Simple grasping                                                                                        Dual simultaneous grasping
x Finger or manual dexterity                                                                      X Sitting
X Standing                                                                                               X Walking
Crawling                                                                                                      Twisting upper body
Kneeling                                                                                                      Stooping
Climbing stairs                                                                                             Climbing ladders
X Vision                                                                                                    X Hearing
Other (specify): Other (specify):

Licensure, Certification or Registration (Required)
List the licensure, certification or registration required to perform this job.

Active Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Family Partner, or Peer Support Supervisor Certification from Texas Certification Board  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Required)
List the knowledge, skills and abilities critical to performance in this position.

Knowledge of:
Peer support and recovery service systems in Texas including best practices and fidelity. Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and a healing-centered framework.  

Skill in: 
Effective verbal communication, exceptional writing skills, data analysis, data reporting, and qualitative interpretation of complex policy issues. Effective facilitation of technical assistance and support to program services staff and contractors. Must comprehend complex issues and prioritize activities to meet strict deadlines, identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation. Skill in developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems. Skill in developing, writing and editing executive documents and briefings.

Ability in:
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.  Gather, assemble, and correlate and analyze facts.  Demonstrates strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize workload.  Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, perform effectively and produce results.  Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with external and  internal partners and work cooperatively in a team environment, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various level personnel in governmental entities and program  Develop complex, detailed implementation plans; develop products to support the implementation of evidence-based practices; develop materials for training and TA events; lead cross functional work groups; support contracts related to behavioral health services; develop statewide rules for behavioral health policy; ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and professionals.   

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.