Certified Peer Specialist - CCS- Full Time

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. in Milwaukee is seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to support adults facing mental health and substance use challenges. This full-time role emphasizes peer support, education, and mentoring, leveraging personal recovery experiences.

The Certified Peer Specialist will build person-centered relationships and empower individuals on their recovery journeys. Responsibilities include participating in Recovery Team meetings, assisting with documentation, and ensuring consumers have transportation to appointments.

Qualifications

• Experience serving people with mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs.
• Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission and values.
• Valid driver's license, automobile, and sufficient insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to individuals with mental health and substance use needs.
• Use recovery experience to role model wellness.
• Attend required staff meetings and trainings.

Skills

Peer support

Assessment skills

Cultural sensitivity

Organizational skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Wisconsin approved Peer Specialist Training

Job description

Certified Peer Specialist - CCS- Full Time

Job Code: 2025-BHS-016
Location: Milwaukee
Department: CCS (Comprehensive Community 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 oneself 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.

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.