Certified Peer Support Specialist - DHHS in Waukesha, 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 is embedded within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) programs and 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 DHHS team, as well as 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 of WCS and DHHS for their position (Avatar, 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 involved in DHHS services, where peer support is available.
Link individuals to a variety of self-determined supports and services within the Waukesha area, including mental health, substance use support, natural/ family supports.
Attend DHHS support groups as a Peer Support Specialist as required.
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 Avatar, including completing the needs and interest assessment, progress notes with peers, and all collateral contacts.
Assist with the facilitation of Motley Crew support group online if requested.
Required to turn in program spreadsheets in an accurate and timely fashion. Avatar, 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 Coordinator with planning and participate in community building and recovery activities and events.
Attend in-service training and conferences as required.
Interaction with outside agencies, as requested.
This position requires some limited 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 (both WCS and DHHS), 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 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 a peer 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 participate productively 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 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, 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), Avatar 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 not a remote position. Majority of work is performed at the DHHS Office, with some limited outreach required. Limited 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:
Majority of work is conducted in an office environment, with office work performed at an assigned DHHS office, 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. Employee follows DHHS rules on lunch breaks. 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.

Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) is seeking a dedicated, mission-driven individual for a Peer Support Specialist position embedded within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) programs. In this role, you will use your own lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use, or criminal justice involvement to support and empower individuals navigating their recovery and supervision journeys. The position requires independent judgment, compassionate relationship-building, and a commitment to helping peers reclaim their futures within the Waukesha area.

You will provide individualized peer support, connect clients to vital community resources, facilitate support groups, and advocate for client empowerment. Responsibilities also include maintaining accurate and timely digital documentation (such as progress notes and billing reports in Avatar), attending team meetings, and participating in community outreach with some limited local driving required. Candidates must either hold a State of Wisconsin Peer Support Specialist certification at hire or successfully obtain the certification within six months of employment, while maintaining a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the individuals served.