Peer Recovery Support Specialist – Transition Center Pilot Program

Mission of Austin Street Center: Founded in 1983, Austin Street Center provides emergency shelter and meets the basic needs of the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness in Dallas.

Core Values: Kindness, Trustworthiness, Empowerment, Determination

Position Purpose

Austin Street Center’s Transition Center Pilot Program is a crisis diversion initiative designed to provide a compassionate, service-rich alternative to jail or emergency detention for higher-acuity individuals experiencing homelessness. Through partnerships with North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA), individuals referred to this program are stabilized and connected to housing and support services within 10 days of entry.

As a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, you will serve as the overnight point of contact for Transition Center clients. You will welcome new arrivals, complete shelter intake, ensure immediate needs like food, clothing, and showers are met, and provide supportive engagement throughout their stay. During downtime, you will assist with administrative shelter operations. This role is grounded in empathy, harm reduction, and the belief that lived experience is a powerful tool for connection.

We are seeking individuals with personal lived experience of substance use recovery, mental health recovery, or homelessness who are ready to use that experience to support others on their recovery journey. If you are compassionate, resilient, and passionate about helping others find stability and hope, this role is for you.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the overnight point of contact for all Transition Center clients.
• Receive and orient clients upon arrival, complete shelter intake, and ensure safe transition into the program.
• Escort clients to showers, provide clean clothing, and ensure food is available.
• Escort clients to assigned beds when available; otherwise, monitor clients in the Welcome Center until placement is possible.
• Monitor client stability and call for a higher level of care if a client is medically unstable or in acute psychiatric crisis.
• Provide supportive engagement to help clients remain calm, connected, and engaged during their stay.
• Build therapeutic rapport with program participants, using lived experience as a bridge for trust and connection.
• Approach all work from a harm reduction perspective, respecting diverse paths to recovery.
• Complete administrative and shelter-related tasks during downtime to support program operations.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• This position requires eligibility for peer certification in Texas, which includes having personal lived experience of recovery.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college or human services experience preferred.
• Prior peer support experience or peer certification (PRS, RSPS, or equivalent) strongly desired.
• Austin Street will support qualified candidates in obtaining Peer Support certification if not already held.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while offering authentic peer support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to de-escalate situations calmly.
• Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to document interactions clearly and accurately in client records.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and work in a dynamic, sometimes high-stress environment.

Strong applications will include a cover letter which details how the applicant demonstrates the character qualities required for excellent performance in this position.

Please ensure to include in the application your most recent three professional positions and at least three references.