Job SummaryThe Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience with mental health, substance use, co-occurring, and other life challenges to support, engage, and advocate for individuals and families in services. Through peer support training and certification, or completion within one year of hire, this role serves as a coach, mentor, and role model promoting hope, recovery, wellness, self-advocacy, and community involvement. Peer Support Specialists build on individual and family strengths, enhance skills, support problem- solving and crisis management, help navigate systems of care, and promote active partnership to improve quality of life and long-term outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities1. Provide 1:1 peer support to individuals and families in homes and other community-based settings, using lived experience to build trust, engage participants, and role- model recovery.2. Support participants and caregivers in navigating substance use, mental health, behavioral health, child welfare, and other systems of care so their needs are addressed and their voice is heard and respected.3. Help individuals and/or their families to identify strengths, barriers, needs, goals, and priorities.4. Partner with participants, families, and care teams to ensure continuity of care to develop strategies, plans of care, crisis plans, and recovery supports. 5. Provide coaching, education, and practical support to strengthen wellness, crisis management, problem solving, and self-advocacy skills.6. Link participants and families to services, natural supports, and community resources to help build sustainable support networks.7. Promote engagement in services and recovery activities by accompanying participants to appointments, meetings, and community-based activities as needed.8. Complete required documentation, case records, and progress notes in a timely, accurate, and strengths-based manner in accordance with agency, funding, and regulatory requirements.9. Attend and actively participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and other required meetings.
Program-Specific Duties
· Caseload of approximately 15 adults experiencing substance use needs. Many individuals also identify as needing support with mental health needs in addition to their substance use needs.
· Travel to Emergency Departments primarily in Milwaukee County (one hospital in Racine County, one hospital in Ozaukee County), to provide peer support services to individuals requesting support after an overdose.
· Provide weekly (minimum) follow-up to individuals following their discharge from the hospital. Follow-up contacts include assistance with recovery-related goals and other needs and goals that may be identified by the individual (family, legal, physical/dental care, education/employment, etc).
Required Qualifications • High school diploma, GED, or HSED required.• Completion of Wisconsin peer support training or demonstrate the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.• Personal lived experience with mental health, substance use, co-occurring, or related life challenges.• Experience working with children, youth, young adults, adult individuals, and families.• Strong written and verbal communication skills, cultural competence, and knowledge of recovery principles.• Must meet all agency and contractor requirements for background, caregiver background, driving record, and reference checks.• Completion of required agency and program trainings is expected.• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, automobile insurance, and access to an automobile required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities• Knowledge of mental health, substance use, co-occurring needs, recovery principles, and person-centered support.• Ability to build respectful, supportive relationships with staff, individuals served, and their families.• Ability to remain calm, professional, and responsive in crisis situations.• Strong listening, communication, and follow-through skills, including the ability to follow written and verbal directions.• Proficiency in computer use, accurate documentation, and meeting deadlines.• Competence in Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Teams.• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and life backgrounds.
Additional Preferred Qualifications• Higher education in a relevant field • Bilingual abilities• Experience working with Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services
Special Compliance Requirements
· Graduate of the Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist training.
· General knowledge of the Milwaukee County substance use system, including but not limited to Medication Assisted Treatment, detox, residential programming, sober living resources, intensive outpatient programming, outpatient resources, etc.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
· Minimum of 1 year in a Peer Specialist role preferred
· Possess current State Peer Support Specialist Certification.
· Higher education in a relevant field
· Bilingual abilities
Program-Specific Tools & Systems
· AWARDS Data System; training provided as needed
Work Schedule / Location
· Monday-Friday; 8 hours, 1st Shift; may vary based on participant need.
· WCS Office Location: 2610 W. North Ave.
· Required on-call rotating schedule for weekday first shift hours (answer calls and respond in person to meet with individuals and attempt to engage them in the program for follow-up support).
· Voluntary evening, overnight, and weekend shifts during which hospital response is required when a call comes in for an individual needing bedside support.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:This position is mobile and includes work in the office, homes, and other community-based settings. Driving throughout Milwaukee County and the ability to use stairs are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:Work is performed both in office as well as in the community; including in homes, court settings, and other locations within Milwaukee County. Some work is done sitting at desk, using a computer, and some requires presence in the community and in homes. Travel is required. Total work hours average 40 per week, but a flexible schedule is required to meet the needs of staff and those we serve.
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.
