Job Responsibilities:
Position Summary: Provides peer support to youth and young adults who are being served by the LYFE program and experiencing suicidality and/or self-harming needs and/or high acuity mental health needs, resulting in potential placement disruptions, hospitalizations, and/or frequent ER visits. The Peer Specialist is a crucial position on the LYFE team and is responsible for providing support, education and mentoring to youth/young adults enrolled in the program, reinforcing the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) model to support participants in utilizing skills learned. The role of the Certified Peer Specialist is that of a coach or mentor who through his or her lived recovery experience, can provide guidance and role modeling to promote wellness, purpose in life, develop relationships, and the insight necessary to move forward in life and recovery.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Working knowledge of positive youth/young adult development; patience and understanding of challenging life needs; knowledge related to mental health and co-occurring needs, the ability to interact with youth, young adults, and caregivers in a calm and professional manner; ability to follow oral and written instructions and cues; ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in crisis situations; computer skills; accurate documentation; ability to meet deadlines; sensitivity towards cultural, ethic and life needs.

MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SALARY SCHEDULE:

High school or GED/HSED required; graduate of state Certified Peer Specialist training; possess current Certified Peer Specialist certification; no convictions that would fail a caregiver background check; good written and verbal communication skills. Complete 20-40 hours of CCS (DHS 36) training and mandatory training in Wraparound philosophy and policies. Ability to display cultural competence by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of each individual. Knowledge and skills to work with children, young adults and families. Personal experience with mental health, substance use and co-occurring needs and knowledge of recovery principles. Valid driver’s license, automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements is preferred.
Other Job Information (if applicable):

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide one to one peer support to youth and young adult in the community experiencing acute mental health needs.
• Role model recovery in all interactions and utilize lived experience to engage youth/young adults in LYFE.
• Use lived experience of recovery to support and engage youth and young adults in care and services.
• From a recovery perspective provide a strength-based review of the youth/young adult’s abilities and strengths.
• Collaborate closely with LYFE team to ensure the needs of the youth/young adults being served are met.
• Support youth/young adult engage in mental health services by accompanying at appointments and community activities.
• Listen to youth/young adults and role model positive communication skills.
• Advocate for the youth/young adult to ensure life needs are being met.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Plan of Care and Crisis Plan.
• Connect youth/young adults to resources in the community based on interests to meet identified needs.
• Complete all necessary paperwork in a strength-based manner per Wraparound Milwaukee/Agency requirements.
• Attend and actively participate in LYFE staffing and clinical consultation with agency Mental Health Professional/Clinician and Wraparound Milwaukee staff.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend in-services and participate in staffing, weekly and monthly meetings and consultations.
• Assist with coverage for co-workers as needed.
• Other job-related duties as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
  Job Qualifications: