Certified Peer Specialist – Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)

Our Space, Inc. | Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Location: 1527 W. National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53204

Program: Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) 

Position: Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)

Service Expectations: Approximately 2 hours per participant per week, based on authorization and individual needs

Compensation: Based on qualifications and experience

Empower Recovery. Inspire Hope. Build Connections.

Are you passionate about using your lived experience to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others?

Our Space, Inc. is seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialists to join our Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) Program.

We are looking for individuals who understand the power of shared lived experience and believe that recovery is possible for everyone. The ideal candidate can build trusting, professional relationships, encourage self-advocacy, and help individuals recognize their strengths while navigating their unique recovery journeys.

As a Certified Peer Specialist, you will use your personal recovery experience to offer hope, encouragement, and person-centered support while empowering individuals to make informed choices and take an active role in their recovery.

About Our Space, Inc.

Our Space, Inc. is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges through recovery-oriented, person-centered, and peer-driven services.

Our CCS Program provides individualized, community-based services designed to support recovery, strengthen natural support systems, promote independence, and improve overall wellness.

Position Overview

The Certified Peer Specialist provides individualized, recovery-focused support to individuals enrolled in CCS. Through appropriate sharing of personal lived experience, encouragement, and meaningful connections, Peer Specialists help participants strengthen self-direction, develop confidence, and engage in activities that support their recovery goals.

Peer Support is a professional, nonclinical service grounded in mutual respect, hope, self-determination, and the belief that individuals are the experts in their own recovery.

Key Responsibilities

Recovery-Oriented Peer Support

• Provide individualized peer support services consistent with each participant’s authorized CCS service plan and recovery goals.

• Appropriately share personal lived experience to promote hope, resilience, and self-determination.

• Establish supportive, professional relationships grounded in empathy, trust, and mutual respect.

• Encourage participants to recognize their strengths, celebrate accomplishments, and build confidence in directing their recovery.

• Support individuals in expressing their needs, preferences, and goals while actively participating in recovery planning.

• Promote personal wellness, independence, and meaningful engagement in self-selected community roles.

Community Connections & Self-Advocacy

• Assist participants in identifying recovery-focused community resources, natural supports, and opportunities for meaningful connection.

• Encourage the development of supportive relationships outside the Peer Specialist and CCS Program.

• Support participants in strengthening self-advocacy and communication skills when interacting with service providers and recovery team members.

• Help individuals identify barriers to recovery and explore appropriate resources and supports.

• Promote community involvement, belonging, and social inclusion.

Documentation & CCS Compliance

• Complete accurate, timely, and professional documentation of all peer support services provided.

• Document recovery-focused interventions, participant engagement, progress, and outcomes in accordance with CCS requirements.

• Ensure all services are consistent with authorized peer support activities and individualized recovery goals.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with agency policies, professional ethics, and applicable Wisconsin DHS 36 requirements.

• Communicate relevant concerns, service needs, and recommendations to the appropriate CCS care coordinator.

• Participate in required training, supervision, team collaboration, and quality improvement activities.

Professional Boundaries & Scope of Practice

Certified Peer Specialists are paid professionals who provide recovery-oriented support within clearly defined professional boundaries.

• Maintain professional relationships with participants; peer support is not a personal friendship.

• Provide services during established working hours and communicate availability appropriately. Peer Specialists are not expected to provide 24-hour support.

• Do not provide transportation or run personal errands as stand-alone services. Transportation may occur only when directly associated with an authorized, allowable peer support service.

• Do not provide clinical treatment, medication management, physical health services, or specialized skill-development services outside the scope of peer support.

• Do not independently perform functions assigned to other CCS service providers, such as housing placement, employment services, or direct healthcare coordination.

• Do not provide recreational activities or social outings as stand-alone peer support services.

• Refer needs outside the scope of peer support to the participant’s CCS care coordinator or appropriate service provider.

• Adhere to the Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethics and all applicable agency and program requirements.

Required Qualifications

• MUST hold a current State of Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) certification.

• Personal lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use recovery, or both, and the ability to appropriately utilize that experience in a professional peer support role.

• Completion of an approved Peer Specialist training program and required certification examination.

• Ability to meet Wisconsin DHS 36 training requirements, including the applicable 30-hour pre-CCS employment training requirement or qualifying educational exemption.

• Ability to complete the required Rehabilitation Worker Training Addendum before approval to provide services within Milwaukee County CCS.

• MUST possess a valid driver’s license and maintain current automobile insurance as mandatory conditions of employment.

• Must maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with Our Space, Inc. policies and insurance requirements.

• Must be willing and able to safely transport CCS participants when transportation is directly associated with an authorized, allowable peer support service.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.

• Ability to work independently, manage assigned responsibilities, and maintain professional boundaries.

• Commitment to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and person-centered services.

• Ability to maintain certification, fulfill continuing education requirements, and adhere to professional ethical standards.

• Dependability, professionalism, flexibility, and the ability to collaborate effectively with CCS care coordinators and other team members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience providing peer support services within Wisconsin CCS or another community-based mental health program.

• Familiarity with Wisconsin DHS 36, CCS documentation standards, and recovery-focused service planning.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, or a related field.

• Knowledge of Milwaukee-area community resources, recovery supports, and behavioral health services.

• Experience supporting individuals with diverse mental health and/or substance use recovery needs.

Service Expectations

Peer Support services are generally scheduled for approximately two hours per participant per week, depending on the individual’s assessed needs and approved CCS service plan.

All services must be directly related to allowable peer support interventions and documented in accordance with CCS requirements.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for more than someone who holds a certification. We want someone who truly understands the value of lived experience and the power of human connection.

Someone who recognizes that recovery is not a straight path and that every individual’s journey is unique.

Someone who can offer hope without judgment, encouragement without pressure, and support without taking away an individual’s right to make their own decisions.

Someone who understands that peer support is not about doing things for people, but empowering individuals to recognize their own abilities, make informed choices, and build meaningful lives.

At Our Space, Inc., we believe that lived experience is a strength, recovery is possible, and every individual deserves to be heard, respected, and empowered.