Peer Support Specialist

Are you looking for a rewarding career that offers you the opportunity to work with youth and families in our community?

St Charles Youth and Family Services Inc. has a rich history. Since our founding in 1920 St. Charles mission has been to serve the many various communities throughout Milwaukee County. We are proud to be able to serve the youth and families within said communities to this day.

Perks

• Personal, sick, & vacation time. 16 hours of personal time is awarded at hire
• 100% company provided Pension Profit Sharing Plan
• Company provided Long Term Disability & Voluntary Life.
• Health Reimbursement Account for medical expenses to off-set deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
• Education fund – 2k annually for education/classes.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Peer Specialist is responsible for providing ongoing support to individuals with mental health needs, using lived experience to empower others in their recovery and continued independence. Through close collaboration with case management and the clinical team, they actively promote client wellness, advance recovery plans, and foster community integration ensuring alignment with DHS requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide one-on one-guidance, and support the development of independent living. Utilize lived experience to provide peer-based support, encouragement, and empowerment to individuals with mental health needs.
• Build and maintain supportive, recovery-oriented relationships with consumers through in-person visits, phone contact, and scheduled meetings in homes or designated office settings.
• Ensure consumers have full, unbiased access to a wide range of services and service providers to meet their individualized needs.
• Stay informed about and effectively utilize community resources to support consumer's goals.
• Provide consumers with information regarding available programs and services as well as assist in making referrals to services & providers that align with their goals.
• Complete and submit all required documentation accurately and within a timely manner.
• Meet all contractual established requirements and performance measures.
• · Adheres to both St. Charles Youth & Family Services policies and procedures and Milwaukee County designated policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Wisconsin Peer Specialist certification preferred. Certification required with one year of hire.
• Personal experience with mental health and substance use needs and knowledge of recovery principles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to prepare written documentation in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong motivational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to display cultural competence and sensitivity to the populations we service by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, socioeconomic characteristics, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to perform record keeping, documentation, prepare formal reports using proper writing skills.
• Ability to perform computer tasks using MS Windows applications, Agency data base systems, etc.
• Ability to use vehicles for work related duties according to the agency's insurance liability standards.
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license and liability insurance.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• · General office environment/multiple locations to include community sites and client's homes.
• · Travel approximately 50% using Agency vehicle(s).

Pay: From $20.20 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• mental health or substance abuse personal lived: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License & Auto Insurance (Required)
• WI Certified Peer Specialist Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Milwaukee, WI 53214