Reach In Specialist - Access Point 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 .

Join the WCS Team
At WCS, our people make the difference. Were looking for individuals who share our commitment to Respect, Justice, Integrity, and the Pursuit of Excellencepeople who value others, do whats right, strive to grow, and bring their best to the work every day. If these values reflect who you are, wed love to have you join us.

Job Summary
The Reach-In Specialist provides screening, assessment, care coordination, and recovery support to individuals throughout Milwaukee County experiencing substance use and/or co-occurring needs.
This position uses a trauma-informed, person-centered, recovery-oriented, and harm-reduction approach to connect individuals with the services and resources they need to begin or continue their recovery journey.
The Reach-In Specialist works closely with individuals, families and natural supports, probation and parole agents, case managers, treatment providers, healthcare professionals, and other community partners to ensure coordinated and timely care.

What Youll Do
Complete substance use screenings and comprehensive assessments for individuals referred through a variety of sources, including self-referrals, Wisconsin Department of Corrections probation and parole agents, and Milwaukee County Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services case managers.
Use a trauma-informed approach when assessing individuals and coordinating services.
Determine appropriate levels of care and connect individuals with treatment, recovery, and community-based resources.
Provide follow-up to ensure individuals successfully connect with recommended services.
Collaborate with individuals, natural supports, recovery team members, and community resources to build strong support networks.
Serve as a liaison between individuals and service providers, including therapists, healthcare professionals, probation agents, and case managers.
Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in Avatar and other required systems.
Complete required documentation within Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services deadlines, including consents/authorizations, PPS NOMS, Comprehensive Assessments, CARS Referral forms, CARS Assessment Result and Placement forms, Crisis Progress Notes, and other applicable documentation.
Document all follow-up contacts and service coordination activities in accordance with agency, county, and regulatory requirements.
Attend quarterly meetings with the Department of Corrections to discuss workflow, problem-solving, and service needs related to individuals referred through WCS Access Point.
Complete all required county and agency training.
Travel throughout Milwaukee County to meet individuals in correctional facilities, detox and recovery centers, shelters, homes, and other community-based locations.
Work collaboratively with internal staff and community partners while maintaining professional and respectful relationships.

What Were Looking For

Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Social Work or a related field such as Psychology, Sociology, or Criminal Justice.
One year of experience working with individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs is preferred.
Ability to successfully meet WCS and contractor requirements, including criminal and caregiver background checks, driving record review, and drug screening.
Valid drivers license, reliable automobile, and sufficient automobile insurance to meet agency requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree in Social Work or a related field.
Bilingual abilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Were looking for someone who:
Understands mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs and can communicate effectively with individuals experiencing challenging or crisis situations.
Has strong assessment and interviewing skills.
Understands and can apply recovery-oriented and harm-reduction approaches.
Demonstrates a passion for mental health advocacy and person-centered care.
Communicates effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, supervisors, coworkers, and community partners.
Works effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Has strong organization, time management, and multitasking skills.
Can manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.
Uses strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to identify solutions.
Is comfortable using Microsoft 365, email, internet-based resources, and electronic health records.
Maintains accurate, timely, and professional documentation.
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and awareness of ethnic, gender, and disability-related issues.
Conducts themselves ethically and professionally in all interactions.
Is committed to the agencys mission, values, Code of Conduct, policies, procedures, and applicable funding requirements.

What You Can Expect

This is a mobile, community-based position. Your work will take you throughout Milwaukee County and may include meeting individuals in correctional facilities, detox and recovery centers, shelters, homes, offices, and other community locations.
The position averages 40 hours per week and requires a flexible schedule based on the needs of the individuals served and the team. Travel throughout Milwaukee County is an essential part of the role.
The position requires the ability to navigate stairs and work in a variety of community environments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Why This Role Matters
As a Reach-In Specialist, you will help people take meaningful steps toward recovery by meeting them where they are, understanding their needs, and helping remove barriers to accessing appropriate care and community resources.

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 Reach-In Specialist to provide trauma-informed screening, assessment, care coordination, and recovery support to individuals in Milwaukee County facing substance use and co-occurring needs. Operating from a person-centered and harm-reduction perspective, this role helps clients navigate their recovery journeys by connecting them with essential community resources, treatment options, and support networks.

The Reach-In Specialist conducts comprehensive assessments, determines appropriate levels of care, and provides diligent follow-up to ensure successful service connection. Responsibilities include acting as a liaison between clients, healthcare professionals, probation agents, and treatment providers, as well as maintaining accurate and timely documentation within required county and agency systems. Candidates must be comfortable traveling throughout Milwaukee County to meet clients in various settings, including correctional facilities, shelters, and community-based locations.