Lead Certified Peer Specialist

Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day.

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.
 

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Closing Date: January 14^th, 2025, or upon receipt of the first 50 applicant submissions

Lead Certified Peer Specialist

Behavioral Health Services (BHS) – MKE Mobile Crisis Team

Hourly Range: $25.72 - $38.82

Bilingual individuals are encouraged to apply

Job Summary: The Lead Certified Peer Specialist will be an essential part of the MKE Mobile Crisis (MMC) Team, providing peer specialists services, as well as supportive and rehabilitative services to youth and adults in crisis, under the clinical supervision of, and in partnership with team clinicians. This position will provide services over the phone and in-person within Milwaukee County. This Lead position is responsible of educating and coaching team members.

Job Duties:

• Using personal lived experience and recovery path, provide peer counseling and consultation to clients, families, and supports, to be in a helpful role to others. Maximize client choice, self-determination, and decision making in the planning as well as delivery of services.
• Provide assurance through follow-up contacts that crisis intervention plans are successful. Connect individuals to appropriate services and supports in the community. Arrange for immediate services to reduce danger and risk as needed/directed by clinical staff. 
• Consult and collaborate with BHS/DHHS services, law enforcement, community, system partners, and behavioral health professionals. Provide education on the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required by clients to have a satisfying life.  
• Participate in provision of crisis intervention services under the clinical supervision of credentialed staff over the phone and in-person as assigned. Assist with de-escalation, coordination of care, and provide rehabilitative as well as supportive services.
• Complete timely documentation of services rendered as per DHS 34 and MMC policies within the Electronic Health Record. Participate in on-going education and clinical supervision as outlined in DHS 34.
• Participate in on-boarding new staff. Provide training and coaching to MMC staff from the Peer Specialist perspective. Support the supervision of Peer Specialists. Be a resource for program decision-making, performance reviews, and coordination of staffing needs.
• Assist with providing transportation as needed. Provide support to BHS Crisis Services as assigned. Participate in community engagement and outreach.
• Travel up to 50% within the community is required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current Wisconsin resident
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and access to a reliable insured vehicle, both maintained throughout employment
• High School Diploma/GED equivalent
• Must be licensed as a Certified Peer Specialist in the State of Wisconsin; REQUIRED for this position.
• At least one (1) year of recent experience providing peer specialist services to individuals with mental illness.
• Must be a current or former recipient of mental health services for mental illness, should have self-knowledge and self-awareness of their own mental health diagnosis/illness and how to effectively live independently and function well in the community.
• Basic knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Basic knowledge of electronic health records.
• Ability and willing to work irregularity of hours due to frequent overtime, weekend, or shift rotation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least one (1) year of supervising experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Good oral and written communication skills; knowledge of health services providing care to adults; knowledge of community resources in the area of behavioral health and social services and the ability to utilize them effectively; knowledge of mental disorders and substance use disorders; knowledge of laws governing mental health commitments; skill in interviewing patients and family members and accurately assessing their needs; ability to work as a member of a mental health care team; ability to work with people of all social, economic and educational levels; ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships; ability to work effectively and harmoniously with staff, patients, families, and agencies; able to life/carry/push/pull up to 15lbs as needed.

NOTE:  This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.