Certified Peer Specialist

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is a private, non-profit, human service agency providing a variety of services throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Over the years, LSS has grown to become one of the largest human service agencies in the two state area serving more than 125,000 clients annually. We are looking for passionate, mission-driven individuals like you to help provide services including outpatient behavioral health management, international, domestic and special needs adoptions, older adult services, support services for children, youth and families, community corrections programs and support services for adults with disabilities and/or mental health concerns.

Motivated by the compassion of Christ, we help people improve the quality of their lives. Does this describe your personal mission statement? Are you motivated to serve by sharing your talents? If you would like to help us achieve our mission, please apply for the following opportunity.

Lutheran Social Services of WI & Upper MI

Location: Wisconsin (community based role with local travel)

Hours: Parttime, ~20 hours/week (potential to grow to fulltime)

LSS is seeking a Certified Peer Specialist to join our mission driven team! If you're passionate about advocacy, recovery, and empowering others, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.

As a Peer Specialist, you'll provide advocacy, referrals, crisis intervention, and problem solving support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges and/or substance use disorders. You'll use your training and lived experience to walk alongside clients on their recovery journey.

This position supports our Forensic Team, serving individuals in the Opening Avenues to ReEntry Success (OARS) and Conditional Release programs. Using a collaborative, teambased approach, we partner with community organizations to help participants build stability and the skills needed to thrive in the community.

This is a parttime role (~20 hours/week) with the potential to grow into fulltime.

(Required for all employees providing direct services)

• Promote client independence and growth in alignment with service plans.

• Provide services using a trauma informed, person centered approach.

• Utilize evidence based practices approved by the agency and funders.

• Complete time reporting accurately and consistently.

(Not all inclusive; duties may evolve as needed)

• Teach coping and wellness strategies related to mental illness and substance use recovery.

• Model healthy behaviors and offer hope by appropriately sharing personal recovery experiences.

• Facilitate mentoring and group sessions focused on mental health topics.

• Assist members with daily life problem solving.

• Support clients in navigating county and city systems to build independence and financial/social responsibility.

• Collaborate with staff to provide basic case management, including housing and employment support.

• Mentor Peer Specialist sin Training, as applicable.

• Maintain respectful, professional interactions with all stakeholders.

• Meet established productivity expectations for the role and program.

• Mileage reimbursement

• 403B contribution option

• Annual raises prioritized

• Employee Assistance Program

• Service awards & recognition

• Knowledge of mental illness through education, training, work, volunteerism, or lived experience.

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Understanding of crisis intervention, trauma informed care, and recovery philosophy.

• Familiarity with local social services.

• Strong problem solving, empathy, and relation shipbuilding skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and external partners (e.g., county staff, landlords, employers).

• Must be Wisconsin Certified as a Peer Specialist.

• Daytoday travel required, subject to client and program needs.

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).