Current Openings

Job Summary

The role of the Lead Peer Specialist is that of a coach or mentor who through their lived recovery experience, can provide the guidance and role modeling necessary to promote wellness, purpose in life, develop relationships, and the insight necessary to move forward. Peer Specialists support all individuals in the following goals:  improve quality of life for individuals, promote individuals’ recovery, and increase individuals’ ability to effectively deal with challenges and problem solve crises. In addition to serving in a Peer Specialist capacity, this Lead position will provide support to the ED2Recovery and Ascension Peer Specialists via 1:1 support and supervision, management of caseloads, coverage, and training. This position will also provide support to the Program Coordinator via management and monitoring of program data.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Link individuals to self-determined supports and services, including traditional mental health services such as case management, psychiatry and individual therapy, support groups, natural supports and discover purposeful activities that contribute to the recovery process.
• Provide 1:1 peer support to people in the community (including their home and other community-based locations).
• Support individuals in navigating systems of care and encourage them to communicate with other services providers to allow for maximum self-determination and dignity in care.
• Work with the individual’s collateral and community contacts to promote continuity of care with written and explicit consent to support their recovery journey.
• Responsible for accurate documentation and maintaining case files as required by agency policy, government regulations, and applicable local, state, and federal codes. This includes documenting progress notes and forms in the electronic records (AWARDS and REDcap).
• Assist as needed with maintaining the program tracking spreadsheets that includes referral information, assigned Peer Specialist, emergency contact information, and discharge data.
• Assist Program Coordinator as requested with the maintenance of ED2Recovery REDcap entries/forms, and review staff REDcap minutes monthly.
• Support Peer Specialists via weekly 1:1 supervision which includes but is not limited to checking in on Peer Specialist well-being, verifying their caseload size, arranging for transfer(s) of peers if needed, and assisting with finalizing discharge(s) when they arise.
• Maintain documentation of supervision to submit to funders as requested.
• Train new staff on computer and technology aspects of ED2Recovery and Ascension Peer Support, including but not limited to Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams, AWARDS and REDcap.
• Role model strong engagement skills and the Peer Specialist Code of Ethics while new staff are shadowing in the hospitals or other community-based settings.
• Monitor the number of Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) assessments being completed, and assist Peer Specialists as needed with completion to achieve benchmarks,
• Provide coverage as needed for on-site hospital shifts should a Peer Specialist call in due to being sick, and/or an emergency arises.
• Assist with monitoring the ED2Recovery email inbox to ensure referrals receive a response in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with Peer Specialists to gather monthly success stories to share with funders and hospital partners.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and weekly supervision.
• Actively participate in and help facilitate monthly ED2Recovery Stakeholder Participant Advisory Committee (SPAC) meetings.

Required Qualifications

• High school or GED/HSED required; graduate of state Certified Peer Specialist training; possess current Certified Peer Specialist certification.

• Minimum of 1 year in a Peer Specialist role preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements is necessary.
• Meet all the employee requirements including references, criminal background check, drug test, and driver’s license check.
• Program specific knowledge:
  • Personal experience with mental health and substance use needs.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of recovery principles.
  • General knowledge of the Milwaukee County substance use system, Medication Assisted Treatment, and evidence-based practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Communication – ability to provide information effectively with a diverse population - the persons we serve, supervisor, colleagues, and program partners in writing and oral communications.
• Technological Aptitude – Ability to use general technological skills throughout daily job i.e., Email, Internet, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams, AWARDS, REDcap.
• Managing Priorities/Deadlines – Ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• Problem-Solving Skills – Ability to think critically and be solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment and adapt to program changes and challenges.
• Adaptability – Ability to manage change, deal with situations as they arise and work independently or as part of a team.
• Teamwork – Ability to work as a team participate productively while also managing independent contributing duties and responsibilities.
• Motivation – Possess a commitment to the assigned job, mission and core values of the organization while also supporting a respectful and harmonious work setting.
• Professionalism – Ability to conduct oneself with a high level of integrity, ethics and boundaries.
• Multicultural Sensitivity – The role involves working in the community and interacting directly with diverse populations, including clients, partners, and service providers. As such, the employee must demonstrate professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal skills while representing the organization in a variety of settings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed in an office and community environment. Travel is required. Must be able to go up and down stairs. Must be comfortable being around and/or interacting with adults who have significant substance use needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Noise levels range from low to high, when the office is populated. Work is performed in an office and community environment. Work is performed in the community including going into homes, and other locations to serve adults enrolled in the WCS programs. Travel is required.  A flexible work schedule is required to meet the needs of staff and the people being served.

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.