Peer Specialist - Certified

Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI is currently seeking a Full-time Certified Peer Specialist to join our team in Madison.

This role will be supporting our 'Off The Square Club' program. This role would be supporting adults who are living with mental health concerns. The people we serve, some of them are experiencing severe economic deprivation with incomes at or below the federal poverty level. 

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to work limited hours a few days a week. The role is 40 hours per week. 

The Peer Specialist-Certified is a source for advocacy, referral, crisis intervention and problem solving for individuals with mental health issues and/or substance use disorder.   This approach provides a safe environment and trusting atmosphere that offers choices and collaborates with members to empower them to have input in the recovery process. 

DIRECT SERVICE REQUIREMENTS (Required of all employees providing direct services):

• Promote client independence and growth, consistent with the service plan.
• Provide services using a trauma-informed and person and/or family-centered model.
• Provide services utilizing agency approved and supported evidence-based practices that have been indicated by the funder and/or agency.
• Accurately complete time reporting.

Essential Duties and responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Develop and teach strategies to promote skills in coping with mental illness or substance use disorder, to promote recovery principles, and to promote wellness and independence.
• Observe and influence members’ behaviors by listening, communicating, and acting as a role model to help improve symptoms of mental health crisis.  This may include offering hope through appropriately sharing personal recovery story.
• Mentoring and group facilitation on specific areas of mental health.
• Problem solving with members on issues of daily life.
• Provide support with maneuvering through the county and city systems in order for members to gain independence and become socially/financially responsible in their own treatment.  Work in conjunction with other staff to provide basic case management duties to help members find housing and work opportunities.
• Support and mentor Peer Specialist’s in-training as applicable
• Perform role in a respectful manner toward internal and external stakeholders
• Expected to understand productivity expectations and meet those standards that have been established for the role and the program

PERKS: 

• Mileage reimbursement
• Ability to Contribute to 403B
• LSS makes annual raises a priority for employees
• Employee Assistance Program
• Service Awards and Recognition

ADDITIONAL AGENCY REQUIREMENTS (Required of all employees):

• Must comply with agency and departmental policies and regulations
• Must relate to individuals and families of varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and economic circumstances with respect and dignity.
• Must support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Agency.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 

• Applicants must have knowledge of mental illness gained through education, training, paid work, volunteer work and or personal experience.
• High School diploma or GED Equivalent
• Working knowledge of mental illness and crisis intervention and trauma informed care strategies
• Knowledge of independent living and recovery philosophy
• Knowledge of social services in the County and City where services are provided.
• Ability to problem solve to find solutions for potentially complicated mental health related issues
• Ability to be empathetic and build relationships with a diverse population
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and external customers (i.e. county personnel, landlords, job references, etc.)

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Wisconsin Certified as a Peer Specialist

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  

Ability to communicate both in verbal and written format, effectively and efficiently in job.

COMPUTER SKILLS/TECHNOLOGY:

Working knowledge of computers to allow employee to access computer systems and applications to complete timecards, read and respond to email, and complete required on-line training.  Applicants must have or have the ability to learn basic computer skills such as email and internet search engines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the worker is regularly required to talk and hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit and occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

The incumbent of this position works in an air conditioned, multi-use environment. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

TRAVEL:  There are no travel requirements for this role. This may be subject to change based on the needs of clients/business.

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.