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Peer Support Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Harris Center

Peer Support Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

The Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Peer Support Specialist provides direct outreach care services to consumers who meet criteria for the (OD2A) local grant subcontracted from Harris County Public ...

Texana Center

Peer Specialist ACT

Rosenberg, TX · On-site

$17.06 - $18.95/hr

Peer Specialist ACT Role Responsibilities The Peer Specialist is an active member of the ACT team and provides peer support services to individuals with a mental illness and/or co-occurring substance ...

The Harris Center

Peer Navigator

Houston, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Works with peers to help assess needs, provide support, and facilitate referrals to social services as part of an interdisciplinary team. Provides peers and families with information on community and ...

The Harris Center

Peer Navigator

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Works with peers to help assess needs, provide support, and facilitate referrals to social services as part of an interdisciplinary team. Provides peers and families with information on community and ...

Texana Center

Peer Specialist ACT

Rosenberg, TX · On-site

$18.95/hr

The Peer Specialist must be able to articulate their shared recovery experiences and work as a mentor to support clients as they identify and work towards their own recovery goals. Assists in ...

The Harris Center

Peer Navigator

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Works with peers to help assess needs, provide support, and facilitate referrals to social services as part of an interdisciplinary team. Provides peers and families with information on community and ...

AmeriCorps

Imagine Art AmeriCorps Program

Houston, TX · On-site

Peer Support Specialists: Volunteers in the Peer Support area will facilitate the training and certification program for peer support and help peers to coordinate after hours and social events for ...

The Harris Center

Peer Educator

Houston, TX · On-site

Supports the treatment team in providing medication training and support to consumers. This includes developing and maintaining peer programs, peer lead education groups, and other peer to peer ...

Support Group

Contract Facilitator

Houston, TX · On-site

$110.21 - $137.76/hr

MIND provides free peer support groups throughout the Greater Houston area. Our support groups assist individuals in managing symptoms of depression and bipolar disorders. Our groups are also open to ...

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Peer Support information

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How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support in Houston, TX is $18.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $20.67 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 Houston, TX?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peer Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,158 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

Houston, TX • On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Peer Support Specialist to join our team. The Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Peer Support Specialist provides direct outreach care services to consumers who meet criteria for the (OD2A) local grant subcontracted from Harris County Public Health. The Peer Specialist works collaboratively with the Substance Use Disorder Outreach Program (SUDOP) to promote and encourage entry of eligible individuals to mental health, medical, and substance use services. This position is responsible for supporting consumers. Support includes listening, encouraging, coaching, empowering and linkage to care, risk reduction services, and resources that suit that individual's recovery needs. This role assists in the recovery process. The OD2A Peer Support Specialist conducts outreach and engagement to eligible population in a variety of settings in the community not limited to homeless encampments, shelters, drug treatment facilities.
This position requires local travel via personal vehicle, with travel reimbursement and flexible hours.
Your role in action:
  • Interacts with the community, colleagues, and patients by following the key principles of a trauma informed approach (i.e., safety, trustworthiness, transparency, peer support, empowerment, voice and choice, culture, history, gender)
  • Develops relationships by providing support and encouragement that will enhance consumer's ability to act against the problem instead of being controlled.
  • Demonstrates ethical conduct in all professional activities.
  • Always takes responsibility for personal recovery, and models self-responsibility.
  • Encourages consumers to attend consumer meetings/support groups and supports their effort.
  • Utilizes Standard Precautions appropriately and participates in monitoring to prevent the spread of infection.
  • Supports an environment that is environmentally and technically safe while providing care.
  • Delivers care with appropriate age and cultural competence to specific patient populations according to individualized needs.
  • Complies with Agency policies and procedures and SUDOP Operating Guidelines
  • Coach peers about recovery.

What qualifications you will need:
Education:
  • High School Diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • If not certified as a Peer Specialist, certification must be obtained within 90 days of employment

Experience:
  • Must self-identify as a user of Mental Health Services with no crisis services utilized within a year, and no hospitalization within a year. May consider one stay within a year if it was a short duration.
  • Must have at least a 12 months treatment history of one of the severe and persistent mental illnesses.
  • Background check is required.
  • Preferred experience effectively collaborating and advocating alongside youth.

Other Key Requirements:
  • Valid Texas Driver's License required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Have personal lived experience navigating behavioral health systems and juvenile justice system. Demonstrate strong interpersonal communications skills and the ability to empathize, with, relate to and effectively collaborate with youth and team members. Demonstrate a strong understanding of boundaries and principles of self-care. Have the willingness to disclose their lived experience, where appropriate, for the purpose of empowerment. Basic understanding of mental illness, common signs, symptoms, and the ability to identify difficulties coping in community settings. Bi-lingual is a strong plus. Group affiliations a strong plus; i.e., NAMI, DBSA, AA, NA, etc.
  • Must have basic understanding of mental illness and able to identify common signs and symptoms. Must have strong communication skills, listening and interpersonal skills. Written documentation must be clear, concise, and well-constructed. Must be able to work respectfully and maintain professional boundaries with other disciplines. Must have effective time management and organizational skills. Must be able to enter required documentation into a database and online medical record. Must be able to use basic word processing and data spreadsheets. Must have good written and spoken communication skills in English

What we have to offer:
The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.
Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free
Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.
Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.
What else you should know:
  • This posting is associated with position #50355

About us:
The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million.
As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.
By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.
Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

What The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD employees say

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