Veteran Recovery Peer Support Specialist

WESTCARE WISCONSIN INC; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

WestCare Wisconsin Inc. seeks a Peer Support Specialist to provide recovery-oriented peer support to veterans and families under the Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.

You will draw on lived experience to build trust, promote hope, and connect participants with behavioral health services and resources. The role requires collaboration with case managers, clinicians, and community partners, plus documentation, safety procedures, and outreach activities.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with military service or behavioral health recovery required.
• Veteran status strongly preferred; may be required by the grant.
• Peer Support Specialist certification preferred or obtainable within established timeframe.
• Experience providing peer support or community-based assistance preferred.
• Familiarity with military culture and veteran resources preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized peer support to veterans and 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.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Active listening

Relationship-building

Trauma-informed approach

Recovery-oriented approach

Confidentiality awareness

Documentation skills

Team collaboration

Crisis awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's degree in behavioral health or related field

Certified Peer Support Specialist certification

Tools

Electronic documentation systems

MS Office/Google Docs

Job description

WestCare Wisconsin Inc. seeks a Peer Support Specialist to provide recovery-oriented peer support to veterans and families under the Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.

You will draw on lived experience to build trust, promote hope, and connect participants with behavioral health services and resources. The role requires collaboration with case managers, clinicians, and community partners, plus documentation, safety procedures, and outreach activities.