About Job

SALARY: $19.00 per hour/ nonexempt

SUMMARY

The Coming Home program employs the Housing First approach to housing and providing supportive services to those experiencing chronic homelessness. Honoring the inherent dignity of those it serves, Coming Home affirms client capabilities and encourages self-sufficiency, giving hope that a better life is possible.

The Mental Health Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in the Coming Home Program by using lived experience to offer trauma-informed, strengths-based support to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Through one-on-one relationships and group workshops, the Peer Support Specialist provides mentorship, hope, and guidance as clients navigate mental health challenges and pursue recovery. This role helps reduce stigma, promote empowerment, and increase client engagement with behavioral health services.

Peer support is delivered in collaboration with the Mental Health Case Manager, outreach staff, and community providers to create a seamless and holistic support system for clients.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Uses personal experience with mental health recovery to build trust and rapport with clients, offering a unique perspective and a message of hope.
Offers one-on-one peer-based mentoring focused on recovery, empowerment, self-advocacy, and wellness.
Assists clients in developing and working toward personal goals related to mental health, stability, and self-sufficiency.
Facilitates peer-led group sessions and workshops on topics such as coping skills, mental health management, community reintegration, and stigma reduction.
Partners with the Mental Health Case Manager to support clients in navigating mental health systems, making appointments, and following through on care plans.
Provides field-based engagement to clients in shelters, on the street, or in housing, meeting them where they are physically and emotionally.
Helps identify clients who may not be engaged with services and supports them in accessing care through empathetic and nonjudgmental conversation.
Encourages client participation in treatment, peer groups, and support services while respecting individual autonomy and readiness for change.
Documents all client interactions and progress in the HMIS system and maintains accurate, timely case notes.
Participates in daily team meetings and shares insight to help inform team-based care and collaborative decision-making.
Supports crisis de-escalation efforts in coordination with other staff and helps reinforce healthy coping strategies.
Assists with community outreach and education efforts to reduce stigma associated with mental illness and homelessness.
Collaborates with local partners to ensure warm hand-offs and continuity of care.
Provides transportation for clients in a City of Amarillo vehicle as needed to access services and attend appointments.
Participates in individual and group supervision, peer support networks, and professional development opportunities.
Promotes a culture of inclusion, respect, and dignity within the Coming Home team and among the individuals we serve.
Performs other job- and department-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid Texas driver’s license.
Lived experience with mental health recovery and/or navigating behavioral health systems.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

Current Mental Health Peer Support Certification or willingness to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or involved in outreach, behavioral health, or recovery services.
Familiarity with harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to engage individuals with empathy, respect, and a nonjudgmental approach.
Comfort sharing lived experience appropriately to promote recovery and reduce stigma.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment and independently in the field.
Willingness to work in diverse settings, including shelters, encampments, and client homes.
Proficient in basic technology, including email, smartphones, and online documentation systems.
Ability to maintain boundaries and professionalism while working in close proximity to clients.
Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends based on client needs or program activities.

ADA PROFILE

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to exert 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The employee is also required to balance, crouch, feel, finger, handle, lift, pull, push, reach, speak, stand, stoop, talk, see, and walk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions. Requires the ability to complete job functions both indoors and outdoors year-round.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Will work Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. May require occasional after-hours work to attend meetings, finish projects, and meet deadlines.

Employee must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of self or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.

About Us

Start your career with the City of Amarillo today! We are committed to providing the highest quality services to our community, and we believe that starts with our team. As a city, we are dedicated to supporting our employees and providing opportunities for growth and development. Our mission is to create a safe, prosperous, and thriving community, and we know that starts with attracting and retaining the best talent. We are proud of our city and the work we do, and we are excited to welcome you to explore career opportunities with us.