Recovery Support Peer Specialist: Jail in Reach at HOUSTON RECOVERY CENTER LGC – Houston, Texas

Position Summary
The Jail In-Reach Programs provide recovery support peer specialist to provide support services to those incarcerated within the Harris County Jail have experienced substance use disorder(s) and/or mental health issues to assist in ensuring a successful transition from jail to appropriate community-based services.

NOTE: This position requires approval from the Harris County Jail, you CANNOT currently be on probation or parole and have a clean driving record

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Comply with HRC Work Culture Building Blocks and follow HRC Code of Conduct.
• Keep Client Care a top priority during client stay in the facility to include providing compassion, empathy and respect.
• Must be in self-directed recovery and willing to share experience as appropriate, if applicable to position.
• Effectively support client engagement and progress in recovery.
• Stay in compliance with documentation standards and ethical guidelines.
• Participate in ongoing training.
• Provide “In-Reach” peer support services to participants, while incarcerated, who have experienced substance use disorder(s);
• Increase the number of incarcerated individuals screened and assessed at Harris County Jail;
• Individuals will go through the internal screening process at Harris County Jail to screen for eligibility and if eligible the participant will sign all necessary consent and release of information forms;
• Work with participants in guiding them to identify strengths and priorities for needed services, and work to reduce barriers to support successful re-entry into clinically appropriate community-based services;
• Ensure that participants with substance use disorders are linked to Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) Services by following a process of informed consent, referral, and warm hand off to treatment post discharge from jail;
• Collaborate in partnership with local sheriff, wardens and other prison workers in the rehabilitative settings;
• Continue providing recovery support services to previously incarcerated participants post discharge, as long as participant continues to engage in recovery support services;
• Meet with participants post discharge in various community settings to decrease their dependency and increase their connection to local community supports;
• Ensure that participants family members and supportive allies are invited to participate in recovery planning activities and offered education and support;
• Attend all agency meetings and trainings as requested;
• Adapt to changing work requirements along with extra flexibility in working hours;
• Reliable transportation to be able to travel locally to different community setting;
• Perform Recovery Support Peer Specialist assignments onsite and offsite to include any additional duties assigned

Qualifications
• High School Diploma or GED
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred
• Must be able to pass Background check and Harris County Jail Background
• Certified Recovery Support Peer Specialists will have personal recovery experience and be willing to share personal recovery journey in dealing with substance abuse or mental health adversities;
• Must have twelve (12) months treatment history for one of the severe and persistent mental illnesses, and be willing to provide consent for confirmation of current or history of mental illness, or substance abuse recovery, with a minimum of two (2) years of stable recovery;
• Certified Recovery Support Peer Specialist must have reliable and dependable transportation in order to meet with participant during business hours;
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Excellent communication skills and able to work cooperatively with staff.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment (office, shelter site visits, remote reporting)

Competencies:
• Passion for the Mission: Demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission and values of the Houston Recovery Center (HRC), supporting its goals through dedicated service and encouragement.
• Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrates genuine care, understanding, and support for individuals in recovery.
• Cultural Competency: Respects and values diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.
• Recovery Orientation: Models and promotes principles of hope, empowerment, and support.
• Communication: Clearly and respectfully conveys information verbally and in writing.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with team members, clients, and external partners.
• Ethical Practice: Maintains professional integrity, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries.
• Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness to shifting responsibilities, staying effective in a constantly changing work environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Physical Demands:
• Ability to sit for extended periods while using a computer or engaging in client documentation
• Ability to stand and walk throughout the workday, including during community outreach or group facilitation
• Occasional reaching, bending, stopping or lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Work may occur in office, clinical, or community settings

Work Environment:
• Office environment with standard lighting and temperature
• Community environments including client homes, shelters, or partner agencies
• May involve exposure to individuals experiencing crisis or behavioral health challenges
• Regular interaction with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and external providers

Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Due to the nature of nonprofit operations, all positions are subject to change based on program needs, funding availability, and grant requirements. Job duties, hours, and continuation of employment may be modified or discontinued as funding levels and organizational priorities change. Nothing in this description is intended to create a contract or guarantee of continued employment.