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Peer Support Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Santa Maria Hostel

Caring for Two Recovery Coach

Manor, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

The Recovery Coach/Peer Support Specialist provides outreach, education, peer support, and care coordination/navigation services for pregnant and postpartum women (with a child up to 18 months of age ...

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Peer Support information

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$10

$19

$28

How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support in Austin, TX is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a peer support specialist?

Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, substance use, or other life disruptions who are trained to support others facing similar situations. They use their personal experiences to provide empathy, encouragement, and practical assistance to help others in their recovery journeys. Peer support specialists often work in mental health settings, addiction recovery programs, hospitals, or community organizations. Their role is to offer hope and understanding, foster empowerment, and connect people to resources while promoting wellness and self-advocacy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peer support specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Peer Support Specialist, you need lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, strong interpersonal skills, and usually a peer support certification. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and knowledge of community resources are commonly required. Empathy, active listening, and nonjudgmental communication set outstanding peer supporters apart. These skills foster trust and empowerment, enabling clients to engage in recovery and access vital support services.

What are some common challenges faced by peer support specialists, and how can they effectively manage these challenges?

Peer support specialists often encounter challenges such as maintaining professional boundaries while building trust with clients, managing emotional stress from supporting individuals in crisis, and navigating complex healthcare or social service systems. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to participate in regular supervision or debriefings, engage in ongoing training, and practice self-care to prevent burnout. Collaboration with clinical staff and open communication within the team also support a healthy work environment and ensure high-quality support for clients.

What is the difference between Peer Support vs Peer Support?

AspectPeer SupportPeer Support
CredentialsOften requires certification in peer support or mental health first aidSame as Peer Support
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, mental health clinics, hospitalsSame as Peer Support
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, social servicesSame as Peer Support
Search IntentComparing roles within peer support servicesSame as Peer Support

Since the comparison is between the same job title, Peer Support, the roles, credentials, and work environments are identical. The focus is on understanding how peer support workers assist individuals through shared experiences in various settings like healthcare and community services.

How to get a job as a peer support specialist?

To become a peer support specialist, individuals typically need to have lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and complete relevant training or certification programs. Many employers also require strong communication skills, empathy, and a background in healthcare or social services, with some positions requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Gaining experience through volunteer work or internships can also improve job prospects.

What are the duties of a peer support?

A peer support worker provides emotional support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals facing similar challenges, such as mental health or substance use issues. They listen actively, share experiences, and help clients access resources or services, often working in community or healthcare settings. Strong communication skills and relevant training or certifications are typically required for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Support jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Peer Support jobs in Austin, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Peer Support jobs in Austin, TX?

For Peer Support jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Peer Support jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Peer Support jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Peer Support jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Peer Support job openings:

Peer Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,002 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist - Peer Services (Full Time)

Austin, TX • On-site

LifeWorks Austin
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about LifeWorks Austinexternal

$22.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for full-time Peer Support Specialist to join our community-based Peer Services team! A Peer Support Specialist utilizes their lived experience and training to provide support services and education to individuals via group facilitation, individual mentorship, community collaboration, and the provision of alternative activities. The Peer Support Specialist utilizes a trauma-informed, strength-based model of support to foster and promote recovery and wellness with each client served.
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. This position has a starting rate of $22.75/hr. paid bi-weekly. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide client-centered, healing-centered peer support services to diverse individuals who may have experienced chronic homelessness, systems involvement, mental health challenges, substance use challenges, a history of trauma, etc.
  • Promote recovery, resiliency, and accountability to help others initiate or achieve long-term recovery to enhance quality of life, health, and wellness.
  • Meet with individual clients, as needed, to establish a safe, healthy relationship for learning, problem-solving, and participating in community activities; assists clients in building a network of support; makes referrals and coordinates client services, as appropriate.
  • Facilitate regular support groups and social activities, on site and/or within the community, through the implementation of program curricula, experiential activities, presentations and discussions, field trips and/or skill-based activities.
  • Participation in outreach opportunities to effectively engage with individuals who may be unfamiliar with LifeWorks services and supports.
  • Plan, develop, and provide recovery-related presentations and outreach on a variety of topics, such as harm reduction, substance use and disease prevention/intervention, health/mental health promotion, trauma and recovery, community resources, relationship-building, and coping strategies.
  • Advocate for clients within the community as well as internally to ensure that client needs are being recognized, represented, and addressed.
  • Develop and maintain positive working relationships with agency staff and community contacts such as referral sources, recovery community organizations, peer-run programs in non-recovery organizations, and other service providers.
  • Maintain up-to-date online documentation of client services and contacts by frequently entering into agency database. Document client progress toward recovery goals.
  • Comply with all requirements outlined by funding sources, licensure and accrediting bodies, the program, and the agency. These requirements may pertain to data, paperwork, philosophies, processes, and procedures, among other things.
  • Additional duties as they relate to recovery support, including but not limited to, transporting clients in personal vehicles, resource navigation, and instrumental support.
  • Maintain approved non-clinical supervision and continuing education.
  • Use crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to assist clients in mental or emotional crisis.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Requires a GED or HS Diploma and 2 years of related individual and group peer support experience.
  • Requires obtaining state certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (PSS).
  • Requires lived experience with 1) trauma and 2) substance use or mental health challenges. Record of maintaining own recovery over the past 2-year period.
  • Experience with databases; proficient level experience with Microsoft Office including, Word, Excel, and Outlook.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS
With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.
We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.
A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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