The Peer Specialist-Certified is a source for advocacy, referral, crisis intervention and problem solving for individuals with mental health issues, Support is offered to individuals through trauma informed services that understand the role violence plays or has played in the lives of the members served. This approach provides a safe environment and trusting atmosphere that offers choices and collaborates with members to empower them to have input in the recovery process. <br/>Certification by the State of Wisconsin as a Peer Specialist is required. <br/>Please Note: The Wisconsin Department of Human Services defines a Peer Specialist as "a person who has not only lived the experience of mental illness and/or substance use but also has had formal training in the peer specialist model of mental health supports. They use their unique set of recovery experiences in combination with solid skills training to support peers who have mental illness."<br/><br/> <br/>

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:<br/>This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.<br/>* Develop and teach strategies to promote skills in coping with mental illness or substance abuse, to promote recovery principles, and to promote wellness and independence. <br/>* Observe and influence members' behaviors by listening, communicating, and acting as a role model to help improve symptoms of mental health crisis. This may include offering hope through appropriately sharing personal recovery story.<br/>* Mentoring and group facilitation on specific areas of mental health.<br/>* Problem solving with members on issues of daily life.<br/>* Provide support with maneuvering through the county and city systems in order for members to gain independence and become socially/financially responsible in their own treatment. Work in conjunction with other staff to provide basic case management duties to help members find housing and work opportunities.<br/>* Support and mentor peer specialist's in-training as applicable<br/>* Perform role in a respectful manner toward internal and external stakeholders<br/><br/>QUALIFICATIONS<br/>To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. <br/><br/>

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: <br/>* Applicants must have knowledge of mental illness gained through education, training, paid work, volunteer work and or personal experience. <br/>* High School diploma or GED Equivalent <br/>* Working knowledge of mental illness and crisis intervention and trauma informed care strategies <br/>* Knowledge of independent living and recovery philosophy<br/>* Knowledge of social services in the County and City where services are provided. <br/>* Ability to problem solve to find solutions for potentially complicated mental health related issues<br/>* Ability to be empathetic and build relationships with a diverse population<br/>* Ability to communicate effectively with team members and external customers (i.e. county personnel, landlords, job references, etc.)<br/><br/>

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:<br/>* Wisconsin Certified as a Peer Specialist <br/><br/>TRAVEL: Ability to travel on day trips as required. Some overnight travel may be required.

PERKS:

• Mileage reimbursement
• Ability to Contribute to 403B
• Employee Assistance Program
• Service Awards and Recognition

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.