Certified Peer Specialist -DOC

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Job Responsibilities: Position Summary: The CertifiedPeer Specialist is a person who has lived the experience of mentalhealth, substance use or co-occurring needs, is in recovery, has hadformal training in the peer specialist model of support, and has passedthe State of Wisconsin certification exam to be certified upon hire.Peer Specialists in the Department of Corrections (DOC) Peer SpecialistProgram also have experienced being incarcerated and working with DOC intheir own lives. Peer Specialists work 1:1 with people enrolled in theDOC Peer Specialist Program as they identify their needs throughouttheir recovery journeys. The Peer Specialists utilize their own uniquelived experience to engage the people they are serving and role modelrecovery during each interaction. Peer Specialists support allindividuals in the following goals: improve quality of life forindividuals, promote individuals' recovery, increase individuals'ability to effectively deal with challenges and problem solve crises,increase individuals' ability to manage stressors outside an inpatienthospital setting and assist individuals in navigating between systemaccess points and levels of care. Essential Functions: Link individualsto a variety of self-determined supports and services within the Racineand Kenosha areas, including traditional mental health services such ascase management, psychiatry and individual therapy, mutual aid supportgroups, natural supports and discover other kinds of healing and/orpurposeful activities that may contribute to the recovery process. Havecontact with individuals a minimum of four times per month; two of thesecontacts must be made in person. Provide 1:1 peer support services topeople in the Racine and Kenosha communities (including their home andother community-based locations). Assist the individual in exploringgoals and priorities while participating in the peer support program andcollaborate on the creation of a Needs Assessment to receive support forthe duration of program enrollment. From a recovery perspective, providea strength-based review of an individual's abilities, strengths, andassets. Encourage individuals to become the expert of their own livedexperiences and develop voice and choice around service participation tobe empowered in their recovery. Support individuals in navigatingsystems of care and encourage the participant to communicate with otherservices providers, including Probation Agents, to allow for maximumself-determination and dignity in care. Responsible for accuratedocumentation and maintaining case files as required by agency policy,government regulations, and applicable local, state, and federal codes.This includes completion of initial and ongoing Needs Assessments, andprogress notes for each interaction with individuals in the municate and collaborate with assigned Probation Agents on abi-weekly basis, at minimum, to share updates on progress being madetowards recovery goals. Work with the participants' collateral andcommunity contacts to promote continuity of care with written andexplicit consent to support their recovery journey. Assist participantsin their process of stabilization and recovery. Provide educationaldiscussions with small groups of participants as needed or requested.Attend and participate in staff meetings and weekly supervision. Attendin-service training and conferences as required. Other Duties andResponsibilities: Other job-related duties as may be necessary to carryout the responsibilities of the position. Other duties will bedetermined by the supervisor. OTHER EXPERIENCE ANDQUALIFICATIONS: Job Qualifications: Minimal Qualifications: High schoolor GED/HSED required; graduate of state Certified Peer Specialisttraining; possess current Certified Peer Specialist certification;strong written and verbal communication skills. P rsonal experience withmental health and substance use needs and knowledge of recoveryprinciples. Meet all WCS and contractor requirements for criminal andcaregiver background, driver's record, and reference checks. Validdriver's license, automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agencyrequirements is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Computerskills; accurate documentation; ability to meet deadlines; knowledge ofsubstance use issues, mental health needs, and the Department ofCorrections. Other Job Information (if applicable): Work Relationshipsand Scope: Has contact with a wide variety of individuals includingprobation agents, case managers, therapists, families, and communityresources. Personal Attributes: Follow agency Code of Conduct; adhere toestablished policies and procedures of the agency and of all fundingsources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional andrespectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff,individuals receiving services and all external persons and agenciesinvolved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic anddisability needs; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Computer skills; accuratedocumentation; ability to meet deadlines; knowledge of substance useissues, mental health needs, and the Department of Corrections. WorkingConditions: Some of the work is done sitting at a desk and using thecomputer; 40 hours per week; flexible work schedule may include someevenings and weekends to meet the needs of the program. PhysicalDemands: Position is mobile with time spent in the community, includinghome visits and other community-based locations; driving throughoutRacine and Kenosha counties; must be able to go up and down stairs.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals withdisabilities to perform essential functions. APPLICATIONINSTRUCTIONS: Apply Online:

Created: 2026-04-06