Social Service Specialist- Pathways Peer Support Specialist

Every day, our unique teams contribute to our vision of a community that is vibrant, safe, and resilient. Whether you're supporting families, safeguarding natural resources, maintaining infrastructure, or delivering essential services, your work here creates real impact for the people who live, work, and visit our county.

• A Future You Can Count On:
  Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the most respected pension programs in the nation.
• Reliable, Affordable Coverage:
  Countywide insurance plans plus growing access to local, no-cost care options for everyday health needs.
• Time Off That Works For You:
  You’ll have two dedicated banks of vacation and sick time, giving you the freedom to plan real downtime when you need it—and the peace of mind to take care of yourself when you’re under the weather.
• Start earning vacation and sick time your very first day
• Bank up to 2× your annual vacation accrual
• Build up to 150 sick days as a full time employee

We believe our workforce should reflect the community we serve. We’re committed to fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and belonging—because diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes for everyone.

FLSA Non-exempt. Integrated Care and Recovery Services provides a range of supports to assist the program participants with mental health and/or substance use issues in the recovery process. Peer support specialists within the Pathways Specialized Unit are persons with lived experience with homelessness, mental health and/or substance use that will have a targeted focus of assisting program participants navigate service programs, transition into stable housing, and sustain their housing while also supporting participants’ mental wellness.

Peer support specialists will partner closely with a social worker and a mental health/substance use professional in service delivery. Peer support specialists promote wellness, self-direction, and recovery by enhancing the skills and abilities of program participants to meet their chosen goals. They may assist by teaching daily living skills, helping participants navigate community resources, engage in meaningful daily activities such as work or school.

Peer support specialists also help participants navigate service systems with dignity and without trauma.

For this position, preference is for individuals that hold a Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Peer Recovery Coach credential. Work hours will primarily be Monday – Friday 2:00pm-10:00pm at a co‑ed transitional housing complex.

• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives

• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring

• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team

• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long‑term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully

• Navigate complex situations by…