Certified Peer Support Specialist - Walworth County Treatment Court in Walworth, 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 .

Job Summary
This position provides certified peer support services to peers assigned to their caseload, using their lived experience to walk alongside the peers in their recovery journey and supporting them while they are on supervision. The position requires some level of independent judgement and decision-making ability in the course of their work to support peers and work with them to determine inventions they need to meet their goals. This position will seek supervision and support with their program manager and follow direction in the course of their work. The Peer Support Specialist must be certified through the State of Wisconsin, within 6 months of hire, unless already certified with verification at the time of hire. The Peer Support Specialist will comply with all forms of required documentation for their position (AWARDS, Activity Reports, Billing Reports, and more).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Maintain a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the individuals served, including being available by cell phone on nights and weekends.
Provide individual peer support services for people enrolled in the Walworth OWI Treatment Court Program.
Link individuals to a variety of self-determined supports and services within the Walworth area, including mental health, substance use support, natural/ family supports.
Support individuals to become the expert of their own lived experience and develop a voice and choice around service participation to be empowered in their recovery.
Complete court reports for all individuals each week
Attend Treatment Court
Responsible for maintaining up-to-date accurate documentation of all contacts in AWARDS, including completing the needs and interest assessment, progress notes with peers, and all collateral contacts.
Required to turn in program spreadsheets in an accurate and timely fashion. AWARDS, Billing, and Activity Reports must match.
Complete all agency training as required within the agency timelines.
Attend and participate in monthly in-person team meetings as required.
Assist Program Manager with planning and participate in community building and recovery activities and events.
Attend in-service training and conferences as required.
Interaction with outside agencies, including Wisconsin Department of Corrections Agents of Record maintaining regular communication with the agents, including emailing all progress notes at the end of each month; and community-based organizations for resources and support to people served.
This position requires regular driving for work-related duties and community outreach.

Required Qualifications
Must have a high-school diploma
Must have a valid drivers license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements.
Must pass a driving record background check to be eligible to drive in the community during work hours.
Meet all the employee requirements including references, criminal background check, drug test, and drivers license check.

Program specific knowledge: (ex. AODA, mental health, youth, etc.). Examples:
o Must have completed the State of Wisconsin Peer Support Training curriculum and pass the certification test within the first 6 months of employment.
o One to two years of experience as a peer support is preferred. For some contracts this may be required.
o Must have lived experience with substance use or mental health disorders, which includes justice involvement, and extensive understanding of the core competencies of Peer Support.
o Comprehensive understanding of substance use and mental health disorders, and knowledge of resources in the community that are available to the people served in the Peer Support Program (such as housing, employment, treatment, support with food insecurities, parenting resources, and more).
o General knowledge of supporting individuals in crisis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Communication Ability to provide information effectively with a diverse population - the persons we serve, agency leadership, 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. Must be able to demonstrate good judgement when faced with peers in crisis.
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, and participate productively and respectfully while also managing independent contributing duties and responsibilities.
Motivation Possess a commitment to the assigned job and assigned peers, 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 professional conduct, integrity, ethics and boundaries.
Multicultural Sensitivity The role involves working in the community and interacting directly with diverse populations, including peers served in the program, partners, and service providers. As such, the employee must demonstrate professionalism, respect, integrity, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal skills while representing the organization in a variety of settings.
Agency Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Understanding of the agency Employment Handbook, Employee Code of Conduct, UKG (payroll system), Power DMS (required agency policies and procedures), AWARDS database, SharePoint with employee resources and agency announcements and news, as well as other forms, Empathy Interviews, and admin departments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The position is a remote position. Work is performed in the community or remote from the employees residence, as well as in the community. Community-based work is required, including home visits and other community-based locations; must be able to go up and downstairs, stand, sit, and be able to get in and out and drive their own vehicle. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is remote, with office work performed at the employees residence, sitting at a desk and using the computer, as well as travel required for time spent in the community engaging with peers and completing required documentation for billable activities; 15 hours per week; typical work schedule is working hours between 8am-4pm or 9am-5pm, with some flexibility to meet the schedule needs of the peers served, which may include some evenings and weekend work (mostly phone, limited face-to-face contact) with all activities documented. All hours worked outside normal business hours must be pre-approved by the Peer Support Program Manager.

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.

WCS is seeking a compassionate, mission-driven Peer Support Specialist for the Walworth OWI Treatment Court Program. In this role, you will use your lived experience to guide and empower individuals navigating substance use recovery and community supervision. You will help clients connect with vital local resources, advocate for their self-determined goals, and collaborate closely with treatment courts, the Department of Corrections, and community organizations.

You will maintain a flexible schedule to provide individualized peer support, handle case documentation, complete weekly court reports, and attend regular team meetings and treatment court sessions. The position requires frequent community outreach and driving for work-related duties. Candidates must either hold a State of Wisconsin Peer Support certification at the time of hire or successfully obtain it within six months of employment.