Certified Peer Support Specialist - Housing Support Services

About the role

This position provides supportive, recovery-oriented interaction and engagement to people enrolled in the Supported Housing Program. The Peer Support Specialist collaborates with the care coordinator to help participants develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to advance in their recovery journey. The role emphasizes coaching and mentorship grounded in lived recovery experience to promote wellness, purpose, relationships, and insight.

Responsibilities

• Provide strength-based assessment of individuals’ abilities, strengths, assets, and needs.
• Offer ongoing peer support services and connect individuals to community-based resources.
• Support participants in completing and updating a Personal Recovery Crisis Prevention Plan and Individualized Service Plan in their own words every six months.
• Assist individuals in developing independent living skills including cleaning, problem-solving, meal planning and preparation, laundry, budgeting, shopping, and paying bills.
• Complete monthly Home Wellness Assessments and monitor Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including nutrition and personal hygiene.
• Assist residents with ADLs as needed and report any changes in capacity or functioning to the care coordinator.
• Develop and lead recovery-focused groups under supervision on topics such as mental health education, medication management, personal recovery and crisis prevention planning, community involvement, harm reduction, socialization, and functional literacy.
• Maintain accurate documentation in Clarity (Homeless Management Information System) and maintain case files in compliance with agency policy, government regulations, and applicable local, state, and federal codes.
• Work with individuals’ collateral and community contacts to promote continuity of care and participate in visits as necessary.
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Strengths-Based Recovery, and Harm Reduction as primary tools to enhance engagement and success.
• Conduct 1:1 interactions, wellness checks, and assist with stabilization and recovery.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and communicate all incidents promptly and accurately to the Care Coordinator.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Graduate of State of Wisconsin Peer Specialist Training.
• Certified in Wisconsin as a Certified Peer Specialist or become certified within one year of hire.
• Valid driver’s license, automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements.
• Meet all WCS and contractor requirements for criminal and caregiver background, driver record, and reference checks.

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a diverse setting with unhoused individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or co-occurring needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; flexibility, patience, and compassion.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a strong team player.
• Capacity to multitask, take initiative, and apply knowledge to a variety of circumstances.
• Lived experience with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs and knowledge of recovery principles.

Personal Attributes

• Follow agency Code of Conduct and Core Values; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and funding sources.
• Conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with staff, residents, and external partners.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, dependability, and sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic, and disability needs.
• Commitment to agency values and mission.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily at the supported housing site serving people with mental health, substance use, and life needs. Work schedule is designed to meet the needs of the people being served.

Physical Demands

Ability to be mobile; work activities involve movement within the community. Requires ability to go up and down stairs and lift/carry up to 20 pounds.