Certified Peer Specialist - CCS

Graceworks Lutheran Services; Milwaukee, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Graceworks Lutheran Services in Milwaukee seeks a Certified Peer Specialist to support adults in CCS services. You will draw on lived recovery experience to coach, educate, and mentor individuals toward wellness, meaningful relationships, and personal growth.

Responsibilities include peer support, building person-centered relationships, helping with recovery plans, and ensuring access to transportation and documentation in accordance with agency policies. Hours are 40 per week.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of Wisconsin-approved Peer Specialist Training and current Wisconsin Peer Specialist Certification.
• Must meet Wisconsin Child/Adult background checks, driving record, and drug screen requirements.
• Valid driver’s license, auto, and adequate insurance as required by the agency.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the CCS team, providing peer support to individuals with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs.
• Use personal recovery experience to model wellness and recovery.
• Build person-centered, strength-based, trauma-informed relationships to empower recovery goals.
• Offer peer support services that promote skill development, self-advocacy, and family support.
• Participate in Recovery Team meetings to develop and monitor individualized recovery plans.
• Ensure access to transportation for CCS-related appointments.

Skills

Recovery experience

Assessment & rapport-building

Multitasking & organization

Cultural sensitivity

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Wisconsin Peer Specialist Training

Wisconsin State Certification as Peer Specialist

Job description

Job Code: 2026-SPECIALI-053

Location: Milwaukee

Department: CCS Ancillary Services

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Job Responsibilities:

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

Other Job Information (if applicable):

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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, 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.