Bilingual Certified Peer Specialist - OCA

Wisconsin-Community-Services,-Inc; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Wisconsin Community Services Milwaukee, WI is seeking a Bilingual Certified Peer Specialist to join Access Clinic South. The role centers on recovery-focused support for adults facing mental health or substance use challenges, leveraging lived experience and state certification in peer support.

Qualified bilingual candidates will have a high school diploma, Spanish-English fluency, and state peer specialist training (or be in the process of obtaining certification).

Qualifications

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
• Graduate of state Certified Peer Specialist training or attain certification within one year of hire.
• Knowledge of mental health and substance use recovery principles.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and adequate auto insurance.
• Ability to meet physical demands, including mobility in community settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide recovery-focused, strength-based support and develop individual recovery goals.
• Encourage personal symptom management and self-advocacy.
• Assist individuals in navigating care systems to improve self-determination.
• Connect individuals with appropriate resources through research.
• Maintain accurate case files and documentation, including crisis plans in the EHR system.
• Participate in 1:1 clinical supervision, if required.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure continuity of recovery support.
• Facilitate group and individual support and educational sessions.
• Utilize motivational interviewing and positive communication skills.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and conferences.
• Execute other duties as needed; duties may evolve with supervision.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Mental health recovery

Education

High school diploma or GED/HSED

Job description

Bilingual Certified Peer Specialist - OCA

Wisconsin Community Services Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

About this position

Join a Mission-Driven Team Making a Daily Impact in the Lives of Others

Social Services Professional | Wisconsin Community Services (WCS)

Are you a change-maker at heart? Ready to use your passion for social justice, mental health, and community empowerment to impact lives every single day?

At Wisconsin Community Services (WCS), we don’t just offer services—we build hope. We provide a continuum of care and support to individuals navigating adversity, including substance use challenges, mental health needs, criminal justice involvement, and employment barriers. Through compassion, advocacy, and connection, we empower people to break cycles and create change—for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Position Summary:
Join our team at Access Clinic South as a Certified Peer Specialist. If you are bilingual (English/Spanish) with personal experience in mental health or substance use recovery, and have completed or are in the process of completing the State of Wisconsin Peer Specialist certification, we encourage you to apply. Your lived recovery experience will guide and inspire adults facing similar challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide recovery-focused, strength-based support and develop individual recovery goals.
• Encourage the development of personal symptom management and self-advocacy.
• Assist individuals in navigating care systems to enhance self-determination and dignity.
• Conduct research to connect individuals with appropriate resources.
• Maintain accurate case files and documentation, including crisis plans in the Behavioral Health Division's Electronic Health Record system.
• Participate in 1:1 clinical supervision, if required.
• Collaborate with individuals' teams to ensure continuity and support in the recovery process.
• Facilitate group and individual support and educational sessions.
• Utilize motivational interviewing and positive communication skills.
• Attend staff meetings, training, and conferences.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Execute other duties as needed to fulfill position responsibilities.
• Duties may evolve as determined by supervision needs.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED/HSED required.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
• Graduate of state Certified Peer Specialist training or attain certification within one year of hire.
• Knowledge of mental health and substance use recovery principles.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and adequate auto insurance.
• Ability to meet physical demands, including mobility in community settings.

Why WCS

• Be part of an organization rooted in equity and impact.
• Access ongoing professional development, mentorship, and clinical supervision.
• Join a collaborative team of individuals who genuinely care about the people we serve.
• Contribute to real change in a role that blends advocacy, healing, and hope.

Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability, status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.