Position Summary: The Certified Peer Support Specialist will provide 1:1 peer support to individuals in need of peer support services in Waukesha County. Peer services include, connecting peers with community resources and helping them navigate resources, as well as provide strength based support and encouragement. The Peer Support Specialist will focus on reducing stigma and promote the benefits of peer support services by facilitating educational presentations to local community businesses and community partners.

Essential Functions:

Promote and recruit for the peer services and provide outreach to peers from populations within Waukesha County, focusing on peers that currently do not have access to peer support.

Provide 1:1 peer support services to people in Waukesha County.

Assist the individual in exploring goals and priorities using the created Needs Assessment to receive support for the duration of program enrollment.

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.

Support individuals in navigating systems of care and encourage the participant to communicate with other services providers.

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 Assessments, and progress notes for each interaction with individuals in the program, as well as documentation of all reporting requirements as indicated by the funding source.

Work with the participants’ collateral and community contacts to promote continuity of care with written and explicit consent to support their recovery journey.

Assist participants in their process of stabilization and recovery.

Conduct outreach to local businesses to promote the understanding and use of peer support services, through educational presentations.

Attend and participate in staff meetings and weekly supervision.

Attend in-service training and conferences as required.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Other job-related duties as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Other duties will be determined by the supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Maintain Peer Support State Certification, Knowledge of the Wisconsin Criminal Justice System; knowledge of local treatment programs and community resources to include housing, education, public transportation; knowledge of the Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP); Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; good organizational, computer and typing skills; good judgment; effective use of time, must be trained in all WCS required Evidence Based Principals, including mandated reporter training,  within 90 days of hire and follow models for fidelity established by the agency.

Minimal Qualifications:

High school or GED/HSED required; graduate of state Certified Peer Specialist training Possess current Certified Peer Specialist certification Strong written and verbal communication skills Personal experience with mental health and substance use needs and knowledge of recovery principles Meet all WCS and contractor requirements for criminal and caregiver background, driver’s record, and reference checks. Valid driver’s license, automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements is preferred.

Work Relationships and Scope:  Has contact with a wide variety of individuals including probation agents, case managers, therapists, families, and community resources.

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:  Some of the work is done sitting at a desk and using the computer; 40 hours per week; flexible work schedule may include some evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the program.

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

Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

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