Peer Support Specialist

The Benedict Center is a leading provider of services and advocacy to help women in the criminal justice system live safer, healthier lives for themselves, their children and our community.  Our services include community-based substance abuse and mental health treatment, reentry programming, and street outreach & drop-in centers for women in the street sex trade.

Come work with a supportive team to help women lead safer, healthier lives!

The Benedict Center values its staff members - people who want to work with purpose, making a difference in our communities.

POSITION:              Peer Support Specialist – Bridge Program

REPORTS TO:               Bridge Case Manager    

CLASSIFICATION:         Full-time, Non-Exempt

SALARY RANGE:           $17-$18/hour

POSITION PURPOSE:  As part of a team with the Bridge Case Manager, provide individualized, strength-based support and advocacy to women within Women’s Harm Reduction Program (WHRP) and moving into WHRP from Benedict Center Sisters Program. This position is based in our clinic location on MLK Drive, but works with clients in the community and at Sisters Program drop in centers on the North and South sides of Milwaukee.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Engagement, connection, and support
  • Connect with identified clients in an empowerment based, client-centered approach.
  • Support clients in their efforts to achieve collaborative, strength-based case management goals, with focus on progress towards self-sufficiency.  (Areas may include: securing and/or maintaining safe and stable housing; obtaining a stable source of income; job training; apprenticeships; GED work; trades and college education; job readiness education; etc.)
  • Lend insight into steps and strategies for mental health and/or substance use recovery journey.
  • Assist clients with the practice of positive social skills and self-talk.
  • Educate clients about the evidence-based, gender-responsive groups available at WHRP, such as Moving On, Seeking Safety, Beyond Violence, Sexual Abuse Healing, Nurturing Parenting, and others. Support and encourage their attendance.
  • Facilitate peer-led workshops and aftercare group.
  • Support clients in establishing connections and resources by assisting in appointment scheduling and accompanying them to appointments.
  • Troubleshoot barriers and obstacles with client input.
  • Assist in the identification and acquisition of basic life needs resources for clients (e.g. transportation, clothing, grocery cards, co-pays, GED fees, etc.).
  • Provide support when clients are in crisis; connect clients with counseling staff and/or other crisis resources.
  • Support healthy interpersonal relationships with family or supportive persons.
  • Collect data to help track women’s progress towards meeting case plan goals, as well challenge areas.
  • Coordinate services with other Benedict Center Program staff.
  • Participate in program staff meetings, in-service trainings and staff development opportunities.
  • Meet with Supervisor on a regular basis for supervision and support.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Certification as a Peer Support Specialist from a recognized PSS Certification program.
  • Minimum 1 year of experience working as a Peer Support person, preferably in programs that serve women.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Strong commitment to principles of recovery (Harm Reduction or 12-Step) and person-centered services.
  • Ability to work well with women from diverse economic, racial, ethnic, gender, gender expression sexual orientation, and religious backgrounds in an open and respectful environment.
  • Understanding of and commitment to harm reduction practice, trauma-informed care, self-reflection, accountability and cultural competence.
  • Comfort and competency with individuals experiencing mental health and substance use issues, individuals who have engaged in criminal activities, and individuals with varying levels of motivation and engagement.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to mediate and resolve conflict constructively.
  • Commitment to protection of client privacy and confidentiality.
  • Basic experience with entering data and using Word and Excel spreadsheets.
  • Ability to create and maintain professional boundaries.
  • Requires valid driver’s license at time of hire and throughout employment.  Requires acceptable driving record, access to a car for use during work time, and automobile insurance - consistent with Benedict Center driving policy.
  • This position requires lifting up to 20 pounds as well as standing, walking, sitting and driving for extended periods of time.
  • Bilingual, Spanish speaking a plus

TERMS:

  • Paid vacation and personal/sick time
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Fully-paid single health coverage (family coverage available)
  • Dental and vision insurance available
  • 401(k) plan available
  • Short-term disability, life, accident and other insurances also available
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Opportunity to join a caring and committed team of professionals.
  • Benedict Center is committed to a diversified workforce

The Benedict Center is an EEOC employer.

Please send resume to hr@benedictcenter.org