The Peer Support Specialist provides services to residents with mental health and AODA barriers to maintain permanent housing. As an active member of the supportive services team, the Peer Support Specialist serves as a role model and advocate to help residents navigate their daily lives. This role helps to promote a positive living environment and community for those living at United House.

Through individual engagement and group facilitation, the Peer Support Specialist helps residents increase their recovery, social, and independent living skills, empowers residents through strengths-based interactions and support, encourages connection with natural supports and community involvement, provides community resources, and builds rapport with residents to provide support with maintaining housing.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of best practices and approaches with peer support in mental health and AODA recovery
• Contribute to positive work environment and team collaboration
• Maintain confidentiality, ethics, boundaries, and other adherence to the Certified Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics
• Knowledge of community resources related to mental health, AODA recovery, healthcare, and employment
• Ability to work well with individuals from diverse economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQ+ identities
• Strong and oral and written communication
• Understanding of and experience providing services using person-centered, Trauma-Informed Care, and harm reduction approaches
• Basic computer skills required, including use of Microsoft Office products and ability to learn
• Previous group facilitation experience preferred

Requirements: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Personal experience with successful sobriety and/or recovery for at least the last year
• Certified Peer Support Specialist through the State of Wisconsin, preferred
  • For individuals not yet certified, you will be required to obtain certification within one year of employment
• Pre-employment background check
• Valid driver’s license and automobile with insurance
• Ascribe to & champion The Difference Principles