Peer Support Specialist (53464)

WestCare Inc; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

WestCare Foundation in Milwaukee is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to provide recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and veteran-centered services to eligible veterans and families. You will draw on lived experience to build trust, promote hope, and connect participants with behavioral health resources.

This role collaborates with case managers and clinicians, supports safety planning, leads peer groups, and helps navigate VA services and community programs.

Qualifications

• Experience with veterans in recovery is preferred.
• Ability to establish rapport with diverse veterans and families.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approaches.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized peer support to veterans and eligible participants with behavioral health challenges.
• Establish supportive relationships using lived experience and active listening.
• Assist participants in setting recovery goals and coping strategies.
• Support engagement in behavioral health treatment and community resources.
• Recognize suicide risk signs and follow safety procedures.
• Collaborate with case managers and clinicians on service plans.
• Lead peer support groups and veteran engagement activities.
• Navigate VA services, housing assistance, and benefits.
• Maintain accurate documentation and program records.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and quality improvement.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Skills

Rapport with veterans

Interpersonal communication

Recovery-oriented approach

Trauma-informed approach

Documentation of services

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree in behavioral health or related field

Peer Support Specialist certification preferred

Tools

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

Job Details:

Job Location: Milwaukee - 335 W Wright - Milwaukee, WI 53212, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School, Salary Range: $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly, Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and veteran-centered peer support services to eligible veterans, service members, and their families participating in the Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Drawing upon lived experience, the Peer Support Specialist builds trusting relationships, promotes hope and resilience, supports suicide prevention efforts, and assists participants in accessing behavioral health services and community resources.

The position works collaboratively with case managers, outreach personnel, clinical providers, and community partners to reduce barriers to care, increase engagement, and promote long-term stability and wellness. Essential functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide individualized peer support to veterans and other eligible participants experiencing behavioral health challenges, social isolation, or increased risk factors associated with suicide.
• Establish supportive relationships through shared lived experience, active listening, encouragement, and mutual respect.
• Assist participants in identifying personal strengths, developing recovery goals, and establishing healthy coping strategies.
• Support participant engagement in behavioral health treatment, suicide prevention services, and other appropriate community resources.
• Recognize warning signs of suicide risk and promptly follow established safety, crisis response, and escalation procedures.
• Collaborate with case managers and clinical personnel to support individualized service plans and continuity of care.
• Facilitate peer support groups, wellness activities, and other recovery-oriented programming as assigned.
• Assist participants in navigating veteran-specific resources, including VA services, community behavioral health programs, housing assistance, and benefits.
• Conduct follow-up contacts to encourage continued engagement and reduce barriers to participation.
• Maintain accurate and timely participant contact notes, service documentation, and program records in accordance with grant requirements and organizational policies.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultations, training, and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Assist with community outreach events and veteran engagement activities as needed.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Ability to establish rapport with veterans from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approaches.
• Ability to recognize behavioral health concerns and appropriately refer or escalation safety concerns.
• Knowledge of professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain accurate service documentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and communicate safety concerns promptly.
• Ability to document services clearly, objectively, and in a manner consistent with peer support practice.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to use electronic documentation, communication, and scheduling systems required for the role.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal history background check.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• Valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record and the ability to obtain and maintain eligibility for WestCare's Vehicle Insurance.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

Education and/or Experience:

• Lived experience with military service, behavioral health recovery, or other relevant recovery experiences required, consistent with the approved peer support model.
• Veteran status strongly preferred; may be required if specified by the approved grant or position design.
• Peer Support Specialist certification preferred, or willingness to obtain applicable certification within an established timeframe.
• Experience providing peer support, recovery services, or community-based assistance preferred.
• Familiarity with military culture, veteran resources, and suicide prevention principles preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in behavioral health, human services, or a related field preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

• Current Certified Peer Support Specialist certification, or ability to obtain certification within the timeframe required by the program.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in office and community-based environments.
• Regular travel throughout the assigned Wisconsin service area is required to support outreach, community partnerships, participant services, meetings, and program activities.
• Regular local travel throughout the service area is required
• Schedule may vary based on program operations and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, or other nontraditional hours when assigned.