Certified Peer Support Specialist - Keys to Independence (KTI) at Wisconsin Community Services

Job Responsibilities:

Position Summary: This position provides supportive, recovery-oriented interaction and engagement to people enrolled in the Keys to Independence Program. The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for serving people in collaboration with the case manager to ensure people enrolled in the program are able to attain the skills, knowledge, and abilities to move forward in their journey of recovery. The role of the Peer Support Specialist is that of a coach or mentor who through his or her lived recovery experiences, can provide the guidance and role modeling necessary to promote wellness, purpose in life, develop relationships, and the insight necessary to move forward.

Essential Functions:

• From a recovery perspective, provide a strength-based assessment of an individual's abilities, strengths, assets, and needs.
• Support people enrolled in the Keys to Independence Program complete a Personal Recovery Crisis Prevention Plan and Individualized Served Plan in the persons own words and review and update those documents every 6 months.
• Support people enrolled in the Keys to Independence Program complete Pre- and Post- tests every 6 months.
• Monitor the ADL (Activities of Daily Living).
• Assist the resident with completing ADLs as needed.
• Provide observation of individual's capacity and functioning and report any changes to the case management team.
• Responsible for accurate documentation in Clarity the Homeless Management Information System and maintaining case files as required by agency policy, government regulations, and applicable local, state, and federal codes.
• Work with individual's collateral and community contacts to promote continuity of care.
• Participate in visits with the individual as necessary to engage him or her in the recovery process.
• Assist people in their process of stabilization and recovery.
• Facilitate psychosocial or other self-help, recovery-based groups to engage individuals in recognizing and understanding early triggers or signs of relapse and assist in the development of coping strategies.
• Act as a role model for the people being served.
• 1:1 interaction with individuals and wellness checks as needed.
• Using de-escalation techniques, intervene as necessary to prevent harmful situations or behaviors from escalating.
• Utilize Motivational interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Strengths-Based Recovery and Harm Reduction as primary skills/tools to enhance residents participation and success.
• Active listening and positive communication skills.
• Support participants in navigating systems of care and encourage the participant to communicate with other services providers to allow for maximum self-determination and dignity in care.
• Conduct motivational interviewing, active listening and utilize positive communication skills.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Attend in-service training and conferences as required.
• Communicate (timely and accurately) all incidents to Program Manager.
• Notify Supervisor of any emergencies and contact as needed.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Other job-related duties as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Job Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work in a diverse setting interacting with homeless individuals with substance abuse, mental health, and co-occurring needs.
• Must have good communication skills, be flexible, patient, and compassionate and maintain confidential information.
• Must have the ability to work independently with a minimal amount of supervision but must be a strong team player as well.
• Ability to multi-task, take initiative and apply knowledge to variety of circumstances.

Minimal Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Graduate of State of Wisconsin Peer Specialist Training
• Certified in Wisconsin as a Certified Peer Specialist or become certified within one year of hire
• Meet all WCS and contractor requirements for criminal and caregiver background, drivers record, and reference checks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Lived experience with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring needs and knowledge of recovery principles.
• Valid drivers license, automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements is preferred.

Other Job Information (if applicable):

Work Relationship and Scope:

Reports directly to the Housing Program Coordinator and interacts and maintains good working relationship with WCS staff, residents, guests and the general public.

Personal Attributes:

Follow agency Code of Conduct and Core Values; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency and of all funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, residents and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; positive attitude and interpersonal skills; dependable; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily in the community serving people with mental health, substance use and life needs. Work schedule to meet the needs of the people being served.

Physical Demands:

Ability to be mobile in the community. Work activities involve movement within the community. It requires an ability to go up and down stairs and lift/carry 20 pounds.

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