Certified Peer Support Specialist (Part-time)

Graceworks Lutheran Services; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Wisconsin Community Services in Milwaukee is seeking a part-time Certified Peer Support Specialist to connect with residents during pre- and post-release within the Residential Reentry Center, providing support, mentoring, and education based on lived experience with AODA and mental health.

The role collaborates with staff to assess residents’ needs, helps develop pro-social relationships, and supports reintegration into the community.

Qualifications

• Must have a Peer Support Specialist Certification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to de-escalate crisis situations and engage with residents.

Responsibilities

• Maintain regular appointments with residents to develop viable re-entry plans and provide positive role-modeling.
• Empower residents to resolve issues and develop coping strategies for the future.
• Assist with intake/orientation of new residents and document all activities.

Skills

Peer Support Certification

Communication skills

Crisis de-escalation

Driver's license

Job description

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

Job Code: 2025-COMRS-007

Location: Milwaukee

Department: Joshua Glover

FT/PT Status: Part Time

Job Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Certified Peer Support Specialist is a critical connection to participants during the pre- and post-release components of the re-entry process, and provides for support, mentoring, and education based on their lived experience with AODA and mental health issues. The Peer Support Specialist works closely with and assists the staff to assess residents’ needs throughout their participation to ensure the greatest likelihood of success in their reintegration to the community from the Residential Reentry Center (RRC). This position serves as the link between residents and key resources within the community to meet their needs.

Essential Functions

• Maintain regular appointments with residents at Joshua Glover or in the community to assist in developing a viable plan for re-entering the community by establishing pro-social relationship and provide positive role-modeling.
• Empower residents to resolve current issues and to develop coping strategies for the future.
• Instill good work and personal hygiene habits in residents.
• Motivate residents to follow program expectations and house rules by using motivational incentives to reinforce positive behaviors/ achievements.
• Assist with transporting residents to appointments and approved community events.
• Monitor residents’ activities when taking them in the community.
• Assist with new resident’s intake and orientation.
• Provide a model for a healthy, trusting relationship for consumers.
• Facilitate Monthly House Meetings
• Facilitate a group.
• Offer individual check-ins with residents.
• Submit sign-in sheets and documentation for all activities with the residents.
• Provide feedback on additional activities to offer the residents.
• Occasionally perform pop-ins when off duty.
• Ability to work cooperatively with all staff.
• Attend training sessions as directed.
• Attend scheduled monthly All Staff meetings
• Flexible to work at any facility within the Residential Reentry Division as needed.
• All other duties as directed to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Job Qualifications

Minimal Qualifications

Must have a Peer Support Specialist Certification. Must clear Caregiver and Background checks, physical exam, and drug screen prior to hire. Must have valid driver’s license. Insured automobile preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and basic computer skills. Ability to communicate effectively and in a positive manner with staff and residents. Ability to de-escalate crisis situations. Sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic, and disability issues. Ability to learn evidence based best practices and apply skills learned to all residents interactions.

Other Job Information (if applicable)

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an adult correctional halfway house setting. The facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a as the primary living environment for this population.

Physical Demands

Must be able climb two to three flights of stairs and be mobile throughout the facility. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time, walk and stay awake while on shift. Must be able to evacuate occupants from building in less than three minutes in the event of an emergency. Requires ability to provide First Aid and CPR.