Peer Specialist - Peers Empowering Peers

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

Job summary

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. is seeking a Peer Specialist for the Peers Empowering Peers program in Milwaukee. This role focuses on helping individuals with substance use and mental health needs by providing support, connection to services, and advocacy in line with their treatment plans.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent, possess a Certified Peer Specialist certification, and have a minimum of one year’s experience working with similar populations. This is a full-time position with an emphasis on community engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience serving individuals with substance use, mental health, and/or co-occurring needs.
• Possession of current Certified Peer Specialist certification is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements.

Responsibilities

• Engage with individuals through a strength-based and trauma-informed approach.
• Document interactions and activities in electronic medical records.
• Link individuals to various support and services.

Skills

Communication

Technological Aptitude

Problem-Solving Skills

Teamwork

Professionalism

Multicultural Sensitivity

Education

High school or GED/HSED

Certified Peer Specialist training

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Email

Job description

Peer Specialist - Peers Empowering Peers

Job Code: 2026-BHS-019
Location: Milwaukee
Department: Community-Based Mental Health Programs (CBMHP)
FT/PT Status: Full Time

Job Summary

The Peers Empowering Peers program serves people with significant substance use and co-occurring mental health needs. The Peer Specialist works in collaboration with the individual’s assigned treatment provider to ensure that they are addressing needs and goals within the individual’s treatment plan. The Peer Specialist meets with each individual weekly and advocates with the person to meet their identified needs.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Committed and skilled at engaging people through a strength based, trauma informed, person centered, and culturally intelligent approach. This position has a strong focus on engaging people in care and services.
• Focused on providing comprehensive care to meet the person’s needs, as outlined in the person’s treatment plan. This could include but is not limited to treatment needs, medical/dental, housing, legal, financial, benefits, food/clothing, and/or social needs.
• Document all interactions, collateral contacts, and activities specific to the individual’s care and treatment in the electronic medical record.
• Facilitate completion of the Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM) assessment tool at both enrollment and disenrollment.
• Uphold and promote a positive, strength based, and supportive culture.
• Maintain confidentiality within all written and verbal communications.
• Link individuals to a variety of self-determined supports and services, including traditional mental health services such as case management, psychiatry and individual therapy, mutual aid support groups, natural supports and discover other kinds of healing and/or purposeful activities that may contribute to the recovery process.
• Provide transportation and attend appointments with the person. Advocate with the person to met identified needs.
• Have contact with individuals enrolled in the program a minimum of four times per month; ideally, all four contacts are weekly face to face contacts.
• Provide 1:1 peer support services to people in the community (including their home and other community-based locations).
• From a recovery perspective, provide a strength-based review of an individual's abilities, strengths, and assets.
• Encourage individuals to become the expert of their own lived experiences and develop voice and choice around service participation to be empowered in their recovery.
• Utilize Active listening and positive communication skills.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and weekly or bi-weekly clinical supervision.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school or GED/HSED required; must be a graduate of state Certified Peer Specialist training.
• Possession of current Certified Peer Specialist certification is preferred.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience serving individuals with substance use, mental health, and/or co-occurring needs.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements is necessary.
• Meet all the employee requirements including references, criminal background check, drug test, and driver’s license check.
• Program specific knowledge:
  • Personal experience with being in recovery and having lived experience with mental health and/or substance use needs.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of recovery principles.
  • General knowledge of substance use treatment resources in Milwaukee County, Medication Assisted Treatment, and evidence-based practices.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Communication – ability to provide information effectively with a diverse population - the persons we serve, supervisor, colleagues, and program partners in writing and oral communications.
• Technological Aptitude – Ability to use general technological skills throughout daily job i.e., Email, Internet, Microsoft Excel, AWARDS, Avatar NX.
• Managing Priorities/Deadlines – Ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• Problem-Solving Skills – Ability to think critically and be solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment and adapt to program changes and challenges.
• Adaptability – Ability to manage change, deal with situations as they arise and work independently or as part of a team.
• Teamwork – Ability to work as a team participant productively while also managing independent contributing duties and responsibilities.
• Motivation – Possess a commitment to the assigned job, mission and core values of the organization while also supporting a respectful and harmonious work setting.
• Professionalism – Ability to conduct oneself with a high level of integrity, ethics and boundaries.
• Multicultural Sensitivity – The role involves working in the community and interacting directly with diverse populations, including peers, partners, and service providers. As such, the employee must demonstrate professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal skills while representing the organization in a variety of settings.

Other Job Information (if applicable)

Work is performed in an office and community environment. Travel is required. Must be able to go up and down stairs. Must be comfortable being around and/or interacting with adults who have significant substance use needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

Noise levels range from low to medium. Work is performed in an office and community environment. Work is performed in the community including going into homes, and other locations to serve adults enrolled in the WCS programs. Travel is required. A flexible work schedule is required to meet the needs of staff and the people being served.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.