Position Details

Peer Support Specialist / Peer Services Coordinator

GULF COAST CENTER – JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist / Peer Services Coordinator

Location: Brazoria and Galveston Counties

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Working Status: Full-Time

Summary

This position provides peer-based services to unhoused individuals at risk of being unsheltered, and peer support to Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF), who have a mental illness or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Services are provided through 1-on-1 peer support, outreach, group facilitation, community education, and linkage to mental health, substance use, benefits, and other community resources.

The Peer Support Specialist / Peer Services Coordinator brings lived experience and formal peer training to engage individuals, promote recovery and self-sufficiency, and support connection to mainstream services. Duties may vary based on program needs, funding requirements (including PATH and MVPN), and the cultural or environmental context of the individuals served.

Gulf Coast Center is committed to fostering an inclusive, trauma-informed, and suicide-safer environment that promotes dignity, equity, and recovery for all individuals served.

Job Duties

(To be performed with or without accommodation as based on ADA requirements)

Essential Job Duties

  • Provide 1-on-1 peer support services to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, including SMVF, to assist them in identifying needs, goals, and pathways to recovery.
  • Train/teach MCC, CALM, and ASK+ according to MVPN Statement of Work after receiving Train-the Trainer
  • Conduct community-based outreach and engagement to assess eligibility for PATH, MVPN, and other relevant programs including staff outreach events at community functions across both counties of service.
  • Facilitate or co-facilitate peer groups, recovery-oriented activities, and community education or cultural awareness trainings as assigned.
  • Provide linkage and support to program participants in accessing behavioral health care, primary care, substance use treatment, and other community services.
  • Assist participants with obtaining essential documents (e.g., identification, birth certificates, Social Security cards) and benefits, including SOAR-related applications when applicable.
  • Recruit, support, and assist with training peer volunteers as assigned, including delivery of basic peer or cultural awareness trainings.
  • Maintain ongoing contact with program participants and accurately document services, contacts, and outcomes in required data systems (e.g., HMIS) in accordance with grant and contract requirements.
  • Report all contacts, services, and outcomes in compliance with the most current program contracts and funding requirements.
  • Foster and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, community partners, nonprofits, and governmental agencies.
  • Out of region travel including the THN Conference and the TVC Annual Conference
  • Treat all individuals with courtesy, respect, and professionalism while delivering responsive and efficient services.
  • Accurately report personnel leave, flex time, and emergency leave to assigned supervisor.
  • Maintain strict adherence to Gulf Coast Center’s Business Code of Conduct, Corporate Compliance Plan, Dress Code, safety guidelines, and all required trainings.

Non-Essential Job Duties

  • Complete special projects and additional duties as assigned by supervisor in support of program goals.

Supervision

Receives dual supervision from Program Manager, Coordinated Entry & Supportive Housing (PATH/PSH) and MVPN Peer Services Coordinator.

Required Education

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education / Licensure / Certification

  • Associate Degree or higher in Behavioral Science or related field.
  • Current and valid Texas Peer Specialist Certification.

Required Experience

  • Lived experience related to homelessness, recovery from mental illness or co-occurring disorders, and/or identification as SMVF.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience with community-based mental health or outreach programs.
  • Experience navigating VA or other benefits systems.
  • Experience facilitating peer groups, outreach, or community education.
  • Bilingual preferred but not required.

Abilities / Traits / Skills

  • Strong interpersonal and active listening skills.
  • Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure or intensive situations.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse individuals and community partners.
  • Strong written, verbal, and computer skills.
  • Good time management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Flexibility with scheduling and tasks.
  • Creative problem-solving and openness to change.

Working Conditions

  • Work performed in office, community, field, and/or remote settings.
  • Direct service environment.
  • May require irregular or varied work hours, including evenings or weekends.
  • Travel required within Brazoria and Galveston Counties; out-of-region travel may be required for trainings or meetings.
  • Requires current Texas Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and auto liability insurance in accordance with Center policy.

Job Related Physical / Mental Requirements & Environmental Conditions

Physical: Ability to lift and move items up to 55 pounds; operate office equipment; sit or stand for extended periods; move within office and community settings; meet PMAB requirements as applicable.

Mental: Ability to maintain attendance, follow direction, accept constructive feedback, analyze information, and solve practical problems.

Environmental: May be exposed to outdoor conditions, high-crime areas, hostile environments, poor hygiene, and varied noise levels; travel by motor vehicle or other transportation may be required.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation as based on ADA requirements.