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Self Determination Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Ability to support people to develop Self-Determination skills * Ability to find services and resources * Knowledge about local agencies * Ability to develop relationships with agencies Duties and ...

Peer Mentor

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.35/hr

Ability to support people to develop Self-Determination skills * Ability to find services and resources * Knowledge about local agencies * Ability to develop relationships with agencies Duties and ...

As an IRIS Consultant, you will build meaningful relationships with participants, coordinate services, promote self-determination, and ensure health and safety while supporting participants in living ...

As an IRIS Consultant, you will build meaningful relationships with participants, coordinate services, promote self-determination, and ensure health and safety while supporting participants in living ...

Staff Attorney, Litigation

Monona, WI · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

We were founded through the disability civil rights movement demanding an end to abuse and self-determination. That legacy continues to drive our work today. We are guided by core values of equal ...

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Self Determination information

What is a self determination specialist?

Self determination jobs refer to roles where individuals, often with disabilities, have the authority and support to make their own choices about employment, services, and daily activities. In the context of disability services, self determination jobs allow participants to direct their own support, including hiring staff, managing schedules, and controlling their budgets. These roles empower individuals to live more independently and pursue meaningful employment that aligns with their interests and goals.

What does a self determination specialist do?

A Self Determination Specialist works closely with individuals and their families to identify unique goals, assess resources, and design personalized service plans that foster independence and self-advocacy. This often involves facilitating person-centered planning meetings, coordinating with service providers, and ensuring that individuals have the information and tools needed to make informed choices. Collaboration and strong communication skills are essential, as the specialist acts as a bridge between clients, families, and community resources. Regular follow-ups and adjustments to the plan ensure ongoing support and progress toward each person's desired outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a self determination specialist?

To thrive as a Self-Determination Specialist, you need a solid understanding of person-centered planning, disability services, and relevant legal frameworks, often supported by a degree in social work, counseling, or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, individualized service planning tools, and knowledge of Medicaid waiver programs is typically required. Exceptional communication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills help build trust with clients and empower them to make informed choices. These skills are crucial for ensuring individuals with disabilities achieve greater autonomy, access resources, and lead fulfilling lives.

What is the difference between Self Determination vs Case Manager?

AspectSelf DeterminationCase Manager
CredentialsVaries; often includes certifications in advocacy or social servicesTypically requires social work or counseling certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity-based, client-focused, often in social services or advocacy organizationsOffice or community settings, coordinating services for clients
Industry UsageUsed in social services, disability support, and advocacy sectorsCommon in healthcare, social services, and community support sectors

Self Determination focuses on empowering individuals to make their own choices, often within social or disability support contexts. Case Managers coordinate services and resources for clients, ensuring their needs are met. While both roles involve supporting individuals, Self Determination emphasizes advocacy and personal empowerment, whereas Case Managers focus on service coordination and management.

What are popular job titles related to Self Determination jobs in Wisconsin?

For Self Determination jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Self Determination jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Self Determination jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Self Determination jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Self Determination job openings:

Infographic showing various Self Determination job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

$16.35/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

Peer Mentors support people with developmental disabilities to live, work and belong in their communities. 

Peer Mentors help people to:

  • Be independent
  • Learn problem-solving and self-advocacy skills
  • Build self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Set goals and make action plans
  • Prepare for their Person-Centered Planning (PCP) meetings and provide support at the meeting, if asked 
  • Connect to resources for public benefits, health and wellness, housing, employment, transportation, training and education, advocacy, and recreation

Peer Mentors are expected to: 

  • Share their personal life experiences about reaching goals
  • Share how they used services and supports to reach their goals
  • Share how they became more self-directed and self-empowered
  • Build positive, trusting relationships
  • Make a safe, understanding space for people to talk about their problems and challenges
Qualifications and Requirements
  • 18 years old
  • Have an intellectual/developmental disability (IDD)
  • Willingness to share personal experiences to guide and support others
  • Experience receiving disability-related supports and services
  • Understand and explain individual rights
  • Obtain certification as a Peer Mentor by attending Peer Mentor 101 training and successfully complete a 90-hour internship 
  • Ability to work in-person and virtually
  • Ability to use phone, email, computer, and virtual technology 
  • Preferred experience:
  • lives or has lived independently (with or without support, not in your family home)
  • has or has had a job in the community, and
  • is actively involved in your community.
Knowledge and Abilities
  • Ability to be excited, honest, and upbeat with people
  • Ability to listen closely and work to find solutions to problems
  • Ability to support people to develop Self-Determination skills
  • Ability to find services and resources
  • Knowledge about local agencies
  • Ability to develop relationships with agencies
Duties and Responsibilities:

Duty 1 Peer Mentoring (70% of their work time)

  • Create good relationships with people they mentor
  • Get to know the people’s hopes and dreams
  • Develop a list of goals and action steps with people. 
  • Assist people in building their circle of support 
  • Assist people to connect with community resources to meet their goals
  • Serve as an advocate with family members and friends to assist the people in having self-direction
  • Participate in the person-centered planning process, when invited 
  • Spend time with people support them to reach their goals
  • Medicaid reporting: log the date of your meetings, the length of time of your meetings, what you talked about, if it was in-person or virtual meeting, next steps with the action plan. This reporting may be done using a computer. 
Duty 2 Ongoing Peer Mentor Training and Networking (15% of their work time)
  • Attend trainings in person or virtually to improve skills with mentoring, person-centered planning, independent facilitation, self-determination, community inclusion, employment, health and wellness, independent living, and transportation.
  • Stay involved with the Peer Mentor group through monthly and quarterly virtual meetings and other scheduled meetings.
  • Attend an in-person Peer Mentor retreat once a year 
  • Present about Peer Mentoring and self-determination at conferences, trainings and other events, when asked.
  • Provide group peer education on self-advocacy, self-determination, and rights.
Agency Requirements (10% of their work time)
  • Attend agency new employee orientation and training.
  • Complete all State, County, and agency training requirements.
  • Follow all agency policies and procedures, including code of conduct and ethics.
Educational Support (5% of their time)
  • Share information at meetings for people, staff, and funders about the role of a Peer Mentor and Peer Mentor servicesÂ