Certified Peer Specialist; CORE

Job Title:

Certified Peer Specialist (CORE)

Job Code: 2018:

SPECIALI-018

Location: Milwaukee

Department: Wraparound

FT/PT Status: Full Time

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 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.

• Provide one‑to‑one peer support to youth and young adults 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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, ethnic and life needs.

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…