Certified Peer Specialist (CORE)

Wisconsin Community Services

United States, Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Apr 04, 2025

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Wisconsin Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/Disability/Vet).

Certified Peer Specialist (CORE)

Job Code:	2018:SPECIALI-018
Location:	Milwaukee
Department:	Wraparound
FT/PT Status:	Full Time

Job Responsibilities:

Position Summary: Provides peer support to youth and young adults who are being served by the CORE program and experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The Peer Specialist is a crucial position on the CORE team and is responsible for providing support, education and mentoring to youth/young adults enrolled in the program. The role of the Certified Peer Specialist is that of a coach or mentor who through his or her lived recovery experience, can provide guidance and role modeling to promote wellness, purpose in life, develop relationships, and the insight necessary to move forward in life and recovery.

Essential Functions:

Provide one to one peer support to youth and young adult in the community experiencing the onset of mental health needs.
Role model recovery in all interactions and utilize lived experience to engage youth/young adults in CORE.
From a recovery perspective provide a strength based review of the youth/young adult's abilities and strengths.
Collaborate closely with CORE team to ensure the needs of the youth/young adults being served are met.
Support youth/young adult engage in mental health services by accompanying at appointments and community activities.
Listen to youth/young adults and role model positive communication skills.
Advocate for the youth/young adult to ensure life needs are being met.
Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Plan of Care and Crisis Plan.
Connect youth/young adults to resources in the community based on interests to meet identified needs.
Complete all necessary paperwork in a strength-based manner per Wraparound Milwaukee/Agency requirements
Attend and actively participate in CORE staffing and clinical consultation with Wraparound Milwaukee staff.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Attend in-services and participate in staffing, weekly and monthly meetings and consultations.
Assist with coverage for co-workers as needed.
Other job-related duties as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Job Qualifications:

Minimal Qualifications:

High school or GED/HSED required
Graduate of state Certified Peer Specialist training
Possess current Certified Peer Specialist certification
No convictions that would fail a caregiver background check.
Good written and verbal communication skills
Complete 20-40 hours of CCS (DHS 36) training and 42 hours of mandatory training in Wraparound philosophy and policies, as well as attend a Family Orientation within 6 months of their hire date.
Ability to display cultural competence by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of each individual.
Knowledge and skills to work with children, young adults and families.
Personal experience with mental health, substance use and co-occurring needs and knowledge of recovery principles.
Valid driver's license, automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Working knowledge of positive youth/young adult development; patience and understanding of challenging life needs; knowledge related to mental health and co-occurring needs, the ability to interact with youth, young adults, and caregivers in a calm and professional manner; ability to follow oral and written instructions and cues; ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in crisis situations; computer skills; accurate documentation; ability to meet deadlines; sensitivity towards cultural, ethic and life needs.
Personal Attributes:
Follow agency Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, people being served by WCS, and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability needs; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission. Demonstrates a strength based, person centered, and culturally intelligent approach to serving people with mental health and co-occurring needs. Focused on embracing recovery in all interactions and utilize lived experience to engage youth/young adults.

Other Job Information (if applicable):

Physical Demands:
Position is mobile with time spent in the community, including home visits and time spent in the office; driving throughout Milwaukee County; must be able to go up and down stairs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a busy office environment and in the community serving children, young adults and families. Some of the work is done sitting at desk using a computer; requires significant outreach in the community and families' homes; much of the outreach is done in urban neighborhoods and several hours per day may be spent driving; hours average 40 per week; flexible work schedule include some hours outside the normal work schedule on evenings and weekends.
Work Relationship and Scope:
Reports directly to CORE Clinician/Supervisor. Has contact with a wide variety of individuals including youth/young adults and family members, other program staff, including consulting Psychologist/Psychiatrist, and other collateral contacts, neighbors, funders, Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, Milwaukee County Delinquency & Court Services Division (DCSD), Children's Court officials, MPS staff and administrators, staff of youth serving agencies and the general public.