Certified Peer Specialist - Forensic Services Unit

Graceworks Lutheran Services; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to provide essential support to individuals in recovery. This role involves leveraging personal experiences to guide and empower participants in forensic services programs. You will work closely with individuals to improve their quality of life, assist in navigating complex systems, and promote recovery through evidence-based practices. The position requires a blend of office and community work, emphasizing flexibility to meet participant needs. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the necessary certifications, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; must be a certified peer specialist.
• Experience with mental health and substance use recovery principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 peer support to individuals in forensic services programs.
• Assist participants in navigating mental health systems and services.

Skills

Peer Support Certification

Communication Skills

Crisis Management

Organizational Skills

Cultural Sensitivity

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certified Peer Specialist Training

Tools

Documentation Software

Job description

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

Job Code: 2025-BHS-007

Location: Milwaukee

Department: Forensic Services Unit - All Forensics Programs

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Job Responsibilities:

Position Summary: The Certified Peer Specialist is a person who has a lived experience of mental health, substance use or co-occurring needs, is in recovery, has had formal training in the peer specialist model of support, and has passed the State of Wisconsin certification exam. Peer Support Specialists work 1:1 with people currently enrolled in the forensic services programs including Competency, Conditional Release (CR) and Opening Avenues to Recovery Success (OARS). The Peer Specialists utilize their own unique lived experience to engage the individuals they are serving, acting as a role model for recovery during each interaction.

Peer Specialists support individuals in the following goals: improve quality of life, promote recovery, increase their ability to effectively deal with challenges, problem solve crises, increase individuals’ ability to manage stressors outside an inpatient hospital setting and assist in navigating between system access points and levels of care.

Essential Functions:

1. Provide 1:1 peer support service to Competency, CR and OARS participants in the Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Waukesha Counties communities (including participant’s home and other community-based locations).
2. Link participants to a variety of individualized supports and services within the service region including traditional mental health services such as case management, psychiatry and individual therapy, mutual aid support groups, natural supports and other kinds of healing and/or purposeful activities that may contribute to the recovery process.
3. Assist participants in exploring goals and priorities while participating in the peer support program and collaborate on the creation of a Needs/Support Assessment for the duration of program enrollment.
4. Provide a strength-based review of a participant’s abilities, strengths, and assets.
5. Encourage participants to become the expert of their own lived experiences and develop voice and choice around service participation to be empowered in their recovery.
6. Support participants in navigating systems of care, encouraging them to communicate with service providers to allow for maximum self-determination and dignity in care.
7. Incorporate evidence-based practices into the provision of services including but not limited to Motivational Interviewing (MI), Trauma Informed Care (TIC), and Person-Centered Planning.
8. Responsible for accurate documentation and maintaining case files as required by agency policy, government regulations, and applicable local, state, and federal codes. This includes completion of initial and ongoing Needs/Support Assessments, and progress notes for each interaction with participants in the program.
9. Communicate and collaborate with assigned case workers and treatment team on a bi-weekly basis, at minimum, to share updates on progress made towards recovery goals.
10. Work with the participants’ collateral and community contacts to promote continuity of care to support their recovery journey.
11. Assist participants in their process of stabilization and recovery.
12. Maintain safety practices and continually assess potential risk when in the community and when working with participants.
13. Provide educational discussions with small groups of participants as needed or requested.
14. Attend and participate in training, staff and supervision meetings.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Other job-related duties as determined to be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position. Other duties will be determined by the supervisor.

Job Qualifications:

Minimal Qualifications:

1. High school or GED/HSED required.
2. Graduate of state Certified Peer Specialist training.
3. Possess current Certified Peer Specialist certification.
4. Valid driver’s license, automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Maintain Peer Support State Certification.
2. Personal experience with mental health and substance use needs and knowledge of recovery principles.
3. Knowledge of the Wisconsin Criminal Justice System.
4. Knowledge of local treatment programs and community resources to include housing, education, public transportation.
5. Knowledge of the Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP).
6. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
7. Ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations.
8. Sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues.
9. Good organizational, computer and typing skills.
10. Good judgment.
11. Effective use of time.
12. Must be trained in all WCS required Evidence Based Principles, including mandated reporter training, within 90 days of hire and follow models for fidelity established by the agency.

Other Job Information (if applicable):

Work Relationships and Scope: Reports to the assigned Program Director/Supervisor. Has contact with a wide variety of individuals including participants, staff, DHS, DOC, institution staff, prison/jail staff, psychiatrists, treatment providers, family members and the public.

Personal Attributes: Follow agency Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, individuals receiving services and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability needs; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Working Conditions: Job is performed in a combination of office setting and field work throughout a four-county region with individuals who are participating in the CR/OARS/Competency programs; some of whom may be unstable and symptomatic at times. The position requires travel to various county jails and/or mental health facilities throughout the 4-county service region in WI. Most work is performed in the community, primarily at participants’ residences. Staff members are expected to transport participants as needed. Typical work week: Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30, although some flexibility is necessary to accommodate participant needs (to include possible extended workday hours, weekends, and holiday coverage). Some of the work is done sitting at a desk and using the computer; 40 hours per week.

Physical Demands: Position is mobile with time spent in the community, including home visits and other community-based locations; driving throughout Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Waukesha counties; must be able to go up and down stairs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.