Peer Support Specialist (Part Time) - Joshua Glover in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Wisconsin Community Services

At WCS , we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive , regardless of their past. We stand at the intersection of justice, compassion, and opportunity , walking alongside individuals who face barriers like mental health challenges, substance use, criminal justice involvement, and systemic inequities .

We're not just offering jobswere building life-changing relationships that empower individuals to reclaim their futures.

Why WCS?

• Youll be part of a mission-driven team changing lives across Milwaukee and beyond.
• Youll receive training, mentorship, and growth opportunities to help you thrive in your role and your career.
• Youll witness the power of transformation and know that you helped make it happen.
• Youll work in a culture that values a culture of belonging, collaboration, and compassion .
• 
  

The Certified Peer Support Specialist serves as a critical connection for participants during the pre- and post-release components of the Re-Entry process. The position provides support, mentoring, and education based on lived experience with AODA and mental health issues; works closely with staff to assess residents needs; and links residents to key community resources to support successful reintegration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Meet regularly with residents at Joshua Glover or in the community to support successful reentry, promote positive relationships, and model appropriate behavior.
Help residents develop problem-solving and coping skills, maintain personal hygiene and work habits, and meet program expectations through positive reinforcement.
Assist with resident transportation, community activities, and supervision during approved outings.
Assist with new resident intake and orientation and provide individual check-ins and group support.
Facilitate monthly House Meetings and provide feedback on additional resident activities.
Complete and submit required sign-in sheets and documentation for resident activities.
Collaborate with staff and attend required trainings, monthly All Staff meetings, and community meetings; participate in the Community Relations Board.
Maintain flexibility to work at any facility within the Residential Reentry Division as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned, including serving as an On-Call Resident Monitor and Evening Group Facilitator, as needed.

Required Qualifications
Peer Support Specialist Certification required.
Meet all the employee requirements, including references, criminal background check, drug test, and drivers license check.
Program-specific knowledge:
o Experience with CCTV and other security-related equipment preferred
o Ability to learn evidence-based best practices and apply skills learned to all residents interactions

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, company specified systems, (ex. Microsoft 365, Windows, Word, Excel).
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 participate 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 clients, 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.
Program Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities KSAs that would serve as a benefit to the role and agency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to 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 the building in less than three minutes in the event of an emergency. Requires ability to provide First Aid and CPR. Some lifting (50lbs) required with inventory packing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an adult correctional residential reentry center. The facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as the primary living environment for this population. Work is performed in the community, court, and other locations to serve adults enrolled in the WCS programs. Travel is required. A flexible work schedule is required to meet staff and the needs of the people being served.

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.

Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) is seeking a Certified Peer Support Specialist to join their mission-driven team in Milwaukee. In this role, you will use your lived experience with mental health and substance use challenges to support individuals navigating the pre- and post-release components of the Re-Entry process. You will work closely with residents to build life-changing relationships, foster positive coping and problem-solving skills, and guide them toward successful community reintegration.

Your daily work will involve meeting regularly with residents, assisting with intake and orientation, facilitating monthly house meetings, and connecting participants to vital community resources. You will also help coordinate transportation, supervise approved community outings, and collaborate with staff to maintain a supportive, compassionate environment. Flexibility is required to work across facilities within the Residential Reentry Division and support evening or on-call duties as needed.