Peer Support Specialist

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist

Reports to: Pathways Program Manager

Pay: $14 per hour

FLSA Status: Part Time - Hourly (25 hrs/wk or less)

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Paid mental health days
• Paid sick time
  
• FREE life insurance
  
• We are an eligible employer for public student loan forgiveness
• Many advancement opportunities!
• And more!Check out our 2023 Benefit Flyer Here!

The Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for providing recovery services and activities focused on the engagement and support of tenants of the Pathways to Permanent Housing Program. This position requires flexibility and is responsible for creating an atmosphere of independence, yet belonging to the community for those tenants who are currently living in the Pathways to Permanent Housing Program. The Certified Peer Specialist works on the team with other Certified Peer Specialists, Resident Managers, Care Coordinators and the Pathways Program Manager with a goal of the individual transitioning to permanent housing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify as a person in mental health recovery; Have and use own recovery/wellness plan which also includes a proactive crisis plan.
• Be mindful of the ethics, boundaries, and power and control issues unique to the Certified Peer Specialists' role;
• Be familiar with Wisconsin documents relating to confidentiality as well as agency specific policies, procedures and protocol.
• Work with Resident Care Coordinator on a regular basis to assist clients with daily living skills including but not limited to upkeep of their rooms, cleanliness, hygiene and reporting maintenance issues, specifically with areas that RCC notes they are struggling.
• Provide one-on-one and facilitate group support services to tenants who struggle with mental health issues or co-occurring disorders; plan daily, weekly and monthly activities for the guests to participate in throughout the year.
• Create an environment of respect for peers which honors the persons for taking charge of their own lives
• Encourage residents to construct their own recovery/wellness plans including creating proactive crisis plans; update and adjust plans with residents accordingly.
• Encourage tenants to focus on their strengths, exercise use of natural supports, develop their own recovery goals and strengthen valued roles within their community.
• Assure all relevant documentation to ensure compliance with relevant county, state & federal requirements as well as with agency policy and practices are maintained and updated as needed.
• Create partnerships with outside entities to better serve the guests.
• Work in collaboration with Program Manager, other related service providers to provide the appropriate services to guests, including working with the Resident Care Coordinator on initial and on-going outcome paperwork.
• Assist with program-related duties if/as needed, as assigned by the Program Manager.

Qualifications:

• Must be a Certified Peer Specialist or on track to obtain certification within the first six months of hire and maintain this certification throughout employment.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of mental health issues and addictions.
• Knowledge of treatment resources and supportive services to individuals with mental health disorders.
• Knowledge of community agencies providing ancillary support services.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbal and written.
• Preference for those who maintain a valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation in compliance with agency requirements, however not a requirement for hire.

Training and Experience:

• A High School diploma or G.E.D. Certificate is required. Also required is a minimum of one year of experience working with persons with mental illness and who are or have been homeless.
• Preference for an Associate Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or Bachelors Degree however not required for hire.
• Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Word and Access.
• Knowledge of various Government Assistant Programs such as SSI, SSD.
• Be familiar with and follow the Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist Code of Conduct.

All Guest House of Milwaukee employees are required to report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not, and must provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment.

The Guest House of Milwaukee is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.