Peer Support Specialist (Certified) - Fond du Lac - Hybrid in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin at Wisconsin Community Services

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)

Pay Rate: $19.17/hr - FT

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 involved in the Fond du Lac- Department of Corrections (DOC) Peer Support Program.

• Link individuals to a variety of self-determined supports and services within the Fond du Lac 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.

• 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.

• Assist with the facilitation of Motely Crew support group online.

• 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, Wisconsin Department of Corrections – Agents of Record maintaining regular communication with the referring 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 driver’s 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 (both WCS and DOC), drug test, and driver’s 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 both in the DOC office, in the employee’s residence, as well as in the community. When the peer is closer to the employee’s home versus the DOC office, documentation can be completed working remotely from the employee’s residence. 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 a hybrid environment, with office work performed at assigned office space at DOC or the employee’s 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; 40 hours per week; typical work schedule is 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.

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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.