Peer Support Specialist

WESTCARE INC • Milwaukee, WI

13d • $20 - $20

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and veteran-centered peer support to eligible veterans, service members, and their families participating in the Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Drawing on lived experience, the specialist builds trusting relationships, promotes hope and resilience, supports suicide prevention, and helps participants access behavioral health services and community resources. The role collaborates with case managers, outreach personnel, clinical providers, and community partners to reduce barriers to care, increase engagement, and promote long-term stability and wellness.

The position requires lived experience with military service, behavioral health recovery, or other relevant recovery experiences, consistent with the approved peer support model. Veteran status is strongly preferred and may be required by the grant or position design. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. The role is based in office and community environments and requires regular travel throughout the assigned Wisconsin service area. The schedule may vary and can include evenings, weekends, holidays, or other nontraditional hours when assigned.

Requirements

• Lived experience with military service, behavioral health recovery, or other relevant recovery experiences, consistent with the approved peer support model.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to establish rapport with veterans from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Understanding of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approaches.
• Ability to recognize behavioral health concerns and appropriately refer or escalate safety concerns.
• Knowledge of professional boundaries and confidentiality; ability to exercise sound judgment and communicate safety concerns promptly.
• Ability to maintain accurate service documentation and document services clearly and objectively in a manner consistent with peer support practice.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to use electronic documentation, communication, and scheduling systems required for the role.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal history background check.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• Valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record and ability to obtain and maintain eligibility for WestCare’s Vehicle Insurance.
• Regular travel throughout the assigned Wisconsin service area.
• Ability to meet new requirements, including possible vaccinations issued by local, state, federal, or funding entities, if applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Veteran status is strongly preferred and may be required if specified by the approved grant or position design.
• Peer Support Specialist certification preferred, or willingness to obtain applicable certification within an established timeframe.
• Experience providing peer support, recovery services, or community-based assistance preferred.
• Familiarity with military culture, veteran resources, and suicide prevention principles preferred.
• Associate's degree in behavioral health, human services, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized peer support to veterans and other eligible participants experiencing behavioral health challenges, social isolation, or suicide-related risk factors.
• Build supportive relationships using lived experience, active listening, encouragement, and mutual respect.
• Help participants identify strengths, develop recovery goals, and establish healthy coping strategies.
• Support engagement in behavioral health treatment, suicide prevention services, and appropriate community resources.
• Recognize suicide warning signs and promptly follow safety, crisis response, and escalation procedures.
• Collaborate with case managers and clinical personnel on individualized service plans and continuity of care.
• Facilitate peer support groups, wellness activities, and other recovery-oriented programming as assigned.
• Help participants navigate veteran-specific resources, including VA services, community behavioral health programs, housing assistance, and benefits.
• Conduct follow-up contacts to encourage continued engagement and reduce participation barriers.
• Maintain accurate and timely participant contact notes, service documentation, and program records consistent with grant requirements and organizational policies.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultations, training, and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Assist with community outreach events and veteran engagement activities as needed.
• Embrace and embody WestCare Foundation’s mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED