Peer Support Specialist (53464)

Westcare•Milwaukee, WI

18d

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 role builds trusting relationships, promotes hope and resilience, supports suicide prevention, and helps participants access behavioral health services and community resources. The Specialist collaborates with case managers, outreach personnel, clinical providers, and community partners to reduce barriers to care, encourage engagement, and promote long-term stability and wellness. The position is performed in office and community-based environments and requires regular travel throughout the assigned Wisconsin service area. The schedule may vary with program operations and may 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.
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 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.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and communicate safety concerns promptly.
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.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Current Certified Peer Support Specialist certification, or ability to obtain certification within the timeframe required by the program.
Ability to meet new requirements, including potential vaccinations, issued by local, state, federal, or funding authorities that WestCare must comply with.

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 shared lived experience, active listening, encouragement, and mutual respect.
Help participants identify strengths, develop recovery goals, and establish healthy coping strategies.
Support participant engagement in behavioral health treatment, suicide prevention services, and appropriate community resources.
Recognize suicide warning signs and promptly follow established 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 barriers to participation.
Maintain accurate and timely participant contact notes, service documentation, and program records in accordance 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.