Peer Support Specialist
Program Overview
The Intensive Peer Support Services (IPSS) program is a structured, six-month mentorship program serving foster youth ages 16–17 in DFPS conservatorship who are residing in congregate care, in children without placement status, or at risk of entering losing placement. Through consistent, relationship-based peer engagement, the program is designed to strengthen self-esteem, improve communication skills, enhance mental and emotional well-being, and promote the development of independent living skills.
Peer Support Specialist Minimum Qualifications
Peer Support Specialists must meet and comply with the following qualifications and requirements:
1. Be at least 21 years of age;
2. Possess a valid U.S. Driver’s License;
3. Maintain, at minimum, the levels of motor vehicle liability insurance required under Texas law for any vehicle used in the performance of services;
4. Possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or high school diploma;
5. Meet one of the following experience requirements:
a. Have at least two (2) years of professional experience in community-based work with at-risk youth, with at least one (1) year of cumulative professional direct-service experience with youth who have experienced trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); or
b. Have at least two (2) years of qualifying lived experience relevant to youth-serving systems, including personal experience in the DFPS foster care system (e.g., former foster youth or extended care participant) or experience as an unhoused youth/young adult navigating youth systems such as shelters, identification, education, and workforce; or
c. Have a post-secondary degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Child & Youth Development, Criminal Justice, or a related field, which may substitute for one (1) additional year of required experience under (a) or (b) above;
6. Be in good health, reliable, and punctual;
7. Be respectful and culturally competent with individuals of different races, cultures, and backgrounds;
8. Communicate effectively in the language the assigned youth is most comfortable speaking, directly or through a qualified interpreter; and
9. Have strong skills in oral and written communication and relationship-building.
Peer Support Specialist Job Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities – Peer Support Specialists are responsible for:
1. Providing consistent, relationship-based mentorship and peer engagement to foster youth to strengthen self-esteem, improve communication skills, enhance mental and emotional well-being, and promote the development of independent living skills;
2. Building and maintaining trusting relationships with assigned youth through regular in-person and virtual contact;
3. Engaging youth in a structured six (6) month program addressing life skills, workforce readiness, academic support, and personal development;
4. Maintaining accurate client records and submitting required reports to management in accordance with job requirements; and
5. Responding to crisis situations and contacting appropriate authorities and supports as required.
Job Duties – Peer Support Specialists will:
1. Provide a minimum of six (6) hours per week of direct, in-person interaction and mentorship with each assigned foster youth, including goal setting, life-skills development, workforce development, and relational conversations;
2. Provide virtual peer support (via video or phone) for a maximum of three (3) hours per week per youth for check-ins, follow-ups, and continuity between in-person sessions;
3. Devote no more than twelve (12) hours total per week per youth, combining in-person direct engagement, virtual engagement, and administrative tasks;
4. Engage each youth in creating a Personalized Development Plan (PDP) and participate in monthly reviews to celebrate achievements, address challenges, and refine goals;
5. Provide academic support services and coordinate with schools, postsecondary institutions, vocational programs, and adult education providers to promote educational success;
6. Transport assigned foster youth to and from service delivery locations as requested by DFPS; all services must occur in public, family-friendly settings only;
7. Attend court hearings and provide testimony when requested by DFPS or required by court order, and maintain documentation of all court appearances;
8. Be accessible by phone for crisis engagement; immediately contact 911 and Statewide Intake in any situation involving a runaway, attempted runaway, fleeing, or suspected abduction — no later than one (1) hour from the time the incident becomes known;
9. For mental health crises requiring emergency intervention, request a mobile Mental Health Assessment if available in the region;
10. Identify, develop, and maintain a Community Resource Directory of wraparound services for foster youth, including housing, workforce, financial literacy, and transition support;
11. Confirm referral receipt within 24 hours and initiate services by contacting the youth within five (5) business days of the initial referral;
12. Submit a Monthly Program Progress Report no later than the 5th of the following month, clearly breaking down service hours by modality (in-person, virtual/phone, court participation, and administration);
13. Arrive on time for all scheduled services and remain fully present and attentive during all service delivery; and
14. Comply with all DFPS contract requirements, training obligations, and documentation standards.
Training Requirements
Prior to providing any direct client services to foster youth, Peer Support Specialists must complete the following training.
1. Supervisor-led pre-service orientation covering: the role of CPS, dynamics of abuse and neglect, the foster care system, program rules and procedures, independent living skills, community and family engagement, supervision protocols, incident reporting procedures, and all required DFPS forms;
2. DFPS Trauma-Informed Care Training (required before any direct client contact);
3. Identifying and Responding to Victims of Human Trafficking in a Clinical Setting – 2026 edition (required before any direct client contact); and
4. Annual Cyber Awareness Training (Texas Department of Information Resources).
Hours
Hours are flexible and based on the schedule and needs of the assigned foster youth. Services may occur during mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Services must not occur during school hours without prior written DFPS approval. Peer Support Specialists may be assigned a maximum of three (3) youth at any given time and may devote no more than twelve (12) hours per week per youth.
Pay
$20.00 – $27.00 per hour, all-inclusive. The hourly rate incorporates a mileage component in lieu of separate mileage reimbursement. Rate placement within the range is determined by qualifications and experience.
Apply
Resumes clearly outlining related experience and education should be submitted to [email protected] with Peer Support Specialist Position in the subject line.
Pay: $20.00 - $27.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
