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Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

60 Harris Center Peer Support Specialist Jobs Hiring Near You

The Harris Center

Peer Support Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

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 ...

The Harris Center

Peer Support Specialist

Houston, TX

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

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 ...

The Harris Center

Peer Educator

Houston, TX

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Peer Educator to ... Supports the treatment team in providing medication training and support to consumers. This ...

The Harris Center

Peer Navigator

Houston, TX

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Peer Navigator ... Works with peers to help assess needs, provide support, and facilitate referrals to social services ...

The Harris Center

Peer Navigator - Peer Re-Entry

Houston, TX

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Peer Navigator ... Supports the physician and all treatment team members in providing TIMA educational services to ...

The Harris Center

Peer Respite Team Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is hiring a Peer Respite Team Lead to join our HR Team ... If not a Certified Peer Specialist, must become certified within 1 year of hiring Experience

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Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD Jobs Information

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 typically need lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges, peer support training, and sometimes state certification. Familiarity with documentation systems, recovery planning tools, and support group platforms is common in this role. Exceptional listening skills, empathy, and the ability to empower others are vital soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to effectively guide and inspire clients on their recovery journeys while working collaboratively with care teams.

How do Peer Support Specialists typically collaborate with clinical staff and other support professionals?

Peer Support Specialists often work closely with clinical staff, such as therapists, case managers, and nurses, to provide holistic care for clients. They act as a bridge between clients and the clinical team, offering unique insights based on their lived experience. Regular team meetings, shared care plans, and open communication are common practices to ensure everyone is informed and aligned. This collaborative approach enhances support for clients and fosters a positive, integrated work environment.

What is a Peer Support Specialist?

A Peer Support Specialist is a person who uses their own experience with mental health or substance use recovery to support and mentor others who are facing similar challenges. They provide empathy, encouragement, and guidance, often working in mental health centers, hospitals, or community organizations. Peer Support Specialists help individuals set recovery goals, develop coping strategies, and connect to resources, serving as a valuable bridge between clients and professional services. Their lived experience allows them to build trust and offer hope in a unique way.

What is the difference between Peer Support Specialist vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectPeer Support SpecialistMental Health Counselor
Required CredentialsPeer support certification, lived experienceMaster's degree in counseling or psychology, state licensure
Work EnvironmentCommunity programs, recovery centers, hospitalsClinics, private practices, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageBehavioral health agencies, non-profitsHealthcare facilities, private practices
Common Search & ComparisonPeer Support Specialist vs Mental Health Counselor

The main difference between a Peer Support Specialist and a Mental Health Counselor lies in their credentials and approach. Peer Support Specialists rely on lived experience and certification, working primarily in community and recovery settings. Mental Health Counselors typically hold advanced degrees and licensure, providing clinical therapy in healthcare environments. Both roles are vital in mental health support but serve different functions within the industry.

Do workers at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD get paid breaks?

Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.
45% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.
Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Does The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD pay people when they’re sick?

Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
73% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

At The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

Sick days and vacation days are used from the same paid time off.
87% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and April 2026.

Is the health insurance from The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
73% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and April 2026.

Do people get paid time off at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD?

Most people get paid time off work.
100% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and April 2026.

How easy is it to get time off at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
94% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

How easy is it to take sick days at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
88% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Do people at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
82% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Do people at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD get to take their breaks without interruption?

Only some people get breaks without interruption.
60% of people report that their breaks get interrupted.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Is it stressful to work at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD?

Some people feel stressed out here.
67% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Do people at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
93% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2025 and April 2026.

Do people at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
35% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD?

Most people got enough training when they started.
81% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Do people get support to advance at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD?

Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 53% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Do people think The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
77% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is doing?

Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
67% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and April 2026.
What other companies are hiring for Peer Support Specialist jobs?
What are the most popular jobs at Harris Center?
Certified Peer Support Specialist Lead - Emancipation Center

Certified Peer Support Specialist Lead - Emancipation Center

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

Houston, TX • On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Certified Peer Support Specialist Lead to join our team at the Emancipation Center! The Lead Certified Mental Health Peer Specialist will uphold the mission, vision and values of The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD. Our Mission: Transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs. Our Vision: Empower people with behavioral health and IDD needs to improve their lives through an accessible, integrated and comprehensive recovery-oriented system of care. Our Values: collaboration, compassion, excellence, integrity, leadership, quality, responsiveness and safety. The Lead Certified Mental Health Peer Specialist will ensure the non-clinical view of Peer Services is of value to those we serve as well as the staff they work with.
Your role in action:
  • Assign facilitators for NEO training.
  • Provide weekly coaching or more if needed.
  • Mentor Mental Health Peer Specialist Staff.
  • Facilitate weekly team meetings.
  • Work with Lead Family Partner and Program Manager for Peer Services to facilitate NEO training, Peer and Family Partner monthly meeting and Quarterly forums.
  • Report to Program Manager weekly.

What qualifications will you need:
Education:
  • High School Diploma or General Education diploma.
  • Must be a Certified Mental Health Peer Specialist

Experience:
  • Minimum 3years working as a Peer Specialist

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • In good standing with the credentialing agency for Certified Mental Health Peer Specialist in the state of Texas.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Have knowledge of Systems of Care.
  • Work well within office and field settings.
  • Be able to follow the Policy and Procedures of The Harris Center for Mental Health and ID

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 #70285- , Monday through Friday, 6AM to 2:30PM .
  • Location: 419 Emancipation Ave., Houston, TX 77003 - this facility will maintain operations 24/7 to ensure continuous support and service.
  • This position is grant funded and may be modified or discontinued based on funding or program changes .

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.

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