Peer Support Specialist - CLASP

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

Job Code: 2026-SPECIALI-042

Location:

Milwaukee

Department: CLASP

FT/PT Status:
Full Time

The Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience with mental health, substance use, co‑occurring, and other life challenges to support, engage, and advocate for individuals and families in services. Through peer support training and certification, or completion within one year of hire, this role serves as a coach, mentor, and role model promoting hope, recovery, wellness, self‑advocacy, and community involvement. Peer Support Specialists build on individual and family strengths, enhance skills, support problem‑solving and crisis management, help navigate systems of care, and promote active partnership to improve quality of life and long‑term outcomes.

• Provide 1:1 peer support to individuals and families in homes and other community‑based settings, using lived experience to build trust, engage participants, and role‑model recovery.
• Support participants and caregivers in navigating substance use, mental health, behavioral health, child welfare, and other systems of care so their needs are addressed and their voice is heard and respected.
• Help individuals and/or their families to identify strengths, barriers, needs, goals, and priorities.
• Partner with participants, families, and care teams to ensure continuity of care to develop strategies, plans of care, crisis plans, and recovery supports.
• Provide coaching, education, and practical support to strengthen wellness, crisis management, problem solving, and self‑advocacy skills.
• Link participants and families to services, natural supports, and community resources to help build sustainable support networks.
• Promote engagement in services and recovery activities by accompanying participants to appointments, meetings, and community‑based activities as needed.
• Complete required documentation, case records, and progress notes in a timely, accurate, and strengths‑based manner in accordance with agency, funding, and regulatory requirements.
• Attend and actively participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and other required meetings.
• Assist with coverage for co‑workers as needed.

• Caseload has approximately 10–12 adults experiencing mental health and/or substance use needs.
• Attend weekly support group with individuals served at WCS.
• Facilitate continuity of care once the peers have reached their 6‑month maximum allotted time in the program.

• High school diploma, GED, or HSED required.
• Completion of Wisconsin peer support training or demonstration of the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.
• Personal lived experience with mental health, substance use, co‑occurring, or related life challenges.
• Experience working with children, youth, young adults, adult individuals, and families.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, cultural competence, and knowledge of recovery principles.
• Must meet all agency and contractor requirements for background, caregiver background, driving record, and reference checks.
• Completion of required agency and program trainings is expected.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, automobile insurance, and access to an automobile required.

• Higher education in a relevant field
• Experience working with Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services

• Knowledge of mental health, substance use, co‑occurring needs, recovery principles, and person‑centered support.
• Ability to build respectful, supportive relationships with staff, individuals served, and their families.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and responsive in crisis situations.
• Strong listening, communication, and follow‑through skills, including the ability to follow written and verbal directions.
• Proficiency in computer use, accurate documentation, and meeting deadlines.
• Competence in Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and…