Certified Peer Specialist

Introduction

The Department of Corrections is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

The Division of Community Correction is recruiting for a Certified Peer Specialist (Treatment Specialist 1). This position has the option to work in a probation and parole office located in either Hudson, Chippewa Falls, or Wausau.

Note: This position is a project-project position. Questions about the specifics of this status should be directed to the contact named below. Candidates must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin in order to be considered.

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the DCC Clinical Supervisor , this position formulates and implements individual and group interventions in the areas of reentry programming. This Treatment Specialist 1 position functions as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and provides assistance to participants in the development of skills, confidence and relationships as they resume independent living. The incumbent in this role has lived the experience of mental health, substance use or co-occurring needs, is in recovery, has had formal training in the peer specialist model of support. The Peer Specialists utilize their own unique lived experience to engage the people they are serving and role model recovery during each interaction. Peer Specialists support all individuals in the following goals: improve quality of life for individuals, promote individuals' recovery, increase individuals' ability to effectively deal with challenges and problem solve crisis, increase individuals' ability to manage stressors outside an inpatient hospital setting or correctional facility setting, and assist individuals in navigating between system access points and levels of care.

Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule/range 12-64 with a starting pay rate of $27.84 /hour, plus excellent benefits. Pay on appointment for current state employees may vary according to the applicable pay transaction provisions of the Compensations Plan, Wisconsin Administrative Code, and statutes.

Sign on - Bonus:

Candidates with no prior permanent employment with the State of Wisconsin in the past 5 years may be eligible to accept a sign-on bonus of $2,000. The sign-on bonus will be paid in two installments: $1000 on the first paycheck and $1000 with the paycheck for the pay period in which the employee reaches 1 year.

To receive the bonus , a candidate must sign an agreement indicating they will remain in that position for a year . I f the candidate l eave s their position prior to completing the one year, they may be required to reimburse the initial payment.

Job Details

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application.

The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.

The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency of employment.

Note: Candidates must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin in order to be considered.

Qualifications

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: This position requires a valid and current Wisconsin Certification of Peer Support Specialist as recognized by the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative (WIPSEI) and WI Department of Health Services (DHS). Certified Peer Specialists are required to recertify every two years and document the completion of no fewer than 20 hours of continuing education in specific professional development focus areas, as outlined by WIPSEI/DHS:

Qualifications

Problem identification and problem solving techniques

Microsoft Suite or Google Suites

Community resources

Culturally different values (cultural awareness)

Administering and interpreting assessment instruments

Techniques for facilitating group and individual counseling

How To Apply

To apply, click on "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application as described above by the stated date. Apply through the "Careers" tile on your ESS Portal.

The State of Wisconsin is proud an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds . We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program. Once determined eligible, please send a follow up email with the HR Specialist below to indicate interest in this job announcement.

Questions can be directed to Adriana Sierra, Human Resources Specialist – Senior, at .

Deadline to Apply

Online applications and materials must be submitted by 11:59pm on November 12, 2025.

For general user information and technical assistance, please see the Commonly Asked Questions page. Some users report better performance when using the Chrome browser.