Certified Peer Specialist - CCS

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. seeks a Certified Peer Specialist to support adults enrolled in Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) in Milwaukee, leveraging lived recovery experience to promote wellness and personal growth.

The role emphasizes coaching, strength-based relationships, coordinated recovery plans, and adherence to documentation and policy requirements within a community-based setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience serving people with mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs.
• Completion of Wisconsin-approved Peer Specialist Training and current State Certification as a Peer Specialist.
• Meet background check, driver’s record, and drug screen requirements; valid driver’s license with adequate insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to adults with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs.
• Use lived recovery experience to model wellness and self-direction.
• Build person-centered, strength-based relationships to support recovery goals.
• Offer range of peer support services to develop skills and self-advocacy.
• Attend Recovery Team meetings and help monitor individualized recovery plans.
• Ensure transportation access for CCS-related appointments.
• Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with policies and codes.

Skills

Recovery experience

Peer support

Assessment & interviewing

Organization & multitasking

Professional ethics

Collaboration

Policy compliance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

State Certification as Peer Specialist

State-approved Peer Specialist Training

Job description

Certified Peer Specialist - CCS

Job Code: 2026-SPECIALI-053 Location: Milwaukee Department: CCS Ancillary Services FT/PT Status: Full Time

Job Summary

The Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) Certified Peer Specialist provides support to adults who are experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs. The position is responsible for supporting, educating, and mentoring individuals enrolled in CCS services. The Certified Peer Support Specialist serves as a coach or mentor who, through their own lived experience with recovery, provides guidance and role modeling to support wellness, purpose, meaningful relationships, and personal growth in the recovery process.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the CCS team providing peer support to individuals with mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs.
• Use personal life and recovery experience to role model wellness, self-direction, and recovery.
• Build person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed relationships that empower individuals to meet their recovery goals
• Offer a range of peer support services that promote skill development, self-advocacy, and support for both individuals and their families.
• Participate in Recovery Team meetings to develop and monitor individualized recovery plans.
• Ensure individuals have access to transportation for CCS-related appointments.
• Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with agency policies and applicable local, state, and federal codes. Ensure timely and appropriate case file management.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures; maintain a flexible schedule to meet program needs.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience serving people with mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs.
• Completion of a State of Wisconsin approved Peer Specialist Training and current State Certification as a Peer Specialist.
• Meet all WCS and contractor requirements for criminal and caregiver background checks, driver’s record, and drug screen.
• Valid driver's license, automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Actively in recovery from mental health, substance use, or co-occurring needs, and willing to share personal recovery experiences.
• Knowledge and experience supporting individuals in recovery from mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs.
• Demonstrate strong assessment, interviewing, and rapport-building skills; navigate challenging situations effectively.
• Highly organized, flexible, and able to multitask; use time and resources efficiently to ensure high-quality CCS service delivery.
• Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission and values.
• Conduct self ethically and professionally in all interactions. Maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with staff, individuals served, and external partners.
• Adhere to agency Code of Conduct, Core Values, and all relevant policies and procedures and funding source requirements.

funding source requirements.

• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness of ethnic, gender, and disability-related issues.

Other Job Information (if applicable):

Position is mobile with some time spent in the community, including transporting consumers, home visits, and attending meetings. Driving throughout Milwaukee County. Able to navigate stairs.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in the community, including people’s homes and various community-based locations. Some work is done in an office setting. Hours average 40 hours per week.

Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/Disability/Vet).

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.