Certified Peer Support Specialist

Seeking: Certified Peer Support Specialists. Bilingual applicants (Spanish, Hmong, and/or American Sign Language) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Reports To: CCS Supervisor or Designee

Our Space, Inc. is a community-based social service organization whose mission is to empower individuals living with mental illness and substance use challenges to achieve their full potential by providing recovery-oriented, person-centered services and programs in a safe and accepting environment.

Why Join Our Space?

• Be part of an ethical, passionate, and dedicated team that values collaboration and compassion.
• Enjoy mileage reimbursement for community-based work.
• Work with a team that genuinely cares about your well-being and personal growth.
• Receive the support and tools you need to thrive in your role.
• Earn competitive wages aligned with your experience and credentials.
• Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including: – Paid Time Off (PTO) – Anthem medical coverage – Delta Dental and vision plans – 403(b) retirement plan

Salary: $18-$23 per hour

Job Summary:

Our Space is seeking Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) to provide services within the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) program. Peer Specialists are responsible for meeting individuals where they are, building trusting relationships, and empowering them to recognize their strengths, discover their potential, and work toward self-defined goals.

Through intentional sharing of lived experience, Peer Specialists foster a sense of community belonging and provide non-judgmental support in one-on-one or small group settings. They serve as role models and advocates, promoting long-term recovery and personal wellness.

This position centers on delivering person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed support to individuals navigating mental health and/or substance use challenges—instilling hope, encouraging growth, and promoting self-direction throughout the recovery journey.

Primary responsibilities:

• Provide support to those with mental illness, trauma, and substance abuse.
• Provide one-on-one person-centered, strength-based support and or group facilitated support.
• Establish rapport with peers by intentionally sharing relevant life experiences to support individuals in making positive changes in patterns and behaviors, while demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies based on the specialist’s own recovery experience.
• Support them in advocating for themselves.
• Help people explore new ideas that may be beneficial to their recovery.
• Provide information regarding resources that are beneficial to their recovery.
• Understand and use the established supervisory hierarchy to communicate needs, questions, and concerns.
• Maintain the utmost confidentiality concerning verbal and written information obtained from peers.
• Regular attendance at Peer Specialist meetings scheduled by Our Space, Inc. is required.
• Attending ongoing training and staff development initiatives.
• Accurately document as instructed and ensure all information is handled in accordance with HIPAA regulations to protect client confidentiality.
• Follow all policies and procedures regarding Critical Incidents and all other organizational policies.
• Work collaboratively with individual’s team members
• Timely and accurate submission of all required documentation is mandatory.
• Keep certification current by obtaining 20 CEUs every two years, as required by state guidelines.
• Other job-related duties may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Psychology, Human Services, Social Sciences, or a related field (minimum requirement: high school diploma or GED).
• Current Wisconsin State Certified Peer Specialist credential required, including successful completion of the state-approved training and certification exam.
• Demonstrated lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, along with a solid understanding of recovery principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations.
• Proficient computer skills required, including use of basic office software and electronic documentation systems.
• Must be ethical, dependable, and able to maintain professional boundaries.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• You must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and current auto insurance; local travel is required.

Our Space Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We strongly encourage individuals with disabilities to apply; reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with ADA guidelines.