Certified Parent Peer Specialist

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour Job description: Join the WCS Team At WCS, our people make the difference. We're looking for individuals who share our commitment to Respect, Justice, Integrity, and the Pursuit of Excellencepeople who value others, do what's right, strive to grow, and bring their best to the work every day. If these values reflect who you are, we'd love to have you join us. What We're Looking For We're looking for a compassionate and dependable Parent Peer Specialist who brings both professional skills and meaningful lived experience to support parents and caregivers of youth enrolled in Wraparound Milwaukee. You'll use your personal experience parenting a youth with mental health, substance use, co-occurring, juvenile justice, child welfare, or significant life needs to provide hope, encouragement, and practical support to families. You'll help parents recognize their strengths, build confidence, navigate systems, reduce crises, and actively participate as partners in their child's care. What You'll Do As a Parent Peer Specialist, you'll walk alongside parents and caregivers as they navigate the Wraparound process and systems serving their children. Your responsibilities will include: Provide one-to-one peer support to parents and caregivers in community settings, including family homes. Use your lived experience to build trusting, professional relationships with youth and families. Help families navigate mental health/behavioral health, youth justice, child welfare, and other systems. Advocate alongside parents and caregivers so their needs, perspectives, and voices are heard, understood, and respected by the Child and Family Team. Work directly with families to identify and reduce crisis triggers and strengthen parenting and crisis-management skills. Model effective parenting, recovery, problem-solving, and crisis-management strategies. Provide education and support to families before, during, and after crises. Help the Wraparound team understand family needs and develop practical strategies to address them. Work with families to identify sustainable community supports, resources, and natural support networks. Partner with the Care Coordinator to develop strong relationships with community organizations serving Milwaukee youth and families. Collaborate closely with the Wraparound team to ensure youth and family needs are addressed. Support youth and families in accessing mental health services by accompanying them to appointments and community activities when appropriate. Attend and actively participate in Child and Family Team Meetings. Assist with the development and implementation of Plans of Care and Crisis Plans. Complete required documentation in a timely, accurate, and strengths-based manner. Attend and actively participate in weekly supervision. Participate in in-services, staffing, weekly and monthly meetings, consultations, and other required trainings. Provide coverage for coworkers as needed. Perform other job-related duties necessary to support the program and families. ***** OTHER EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED/HSED required. Graduate of state-approved Parent Peer Specialist training. Current Certified Parent Peer Specialist certification, or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment. Lived experience parenting a youth with mental health, substance use, co-occurring, juvenile justice, and/or significant life needs. Ability to complete required Wraparound training. Ability to meet agency and contractor requirements for criminal and caregiver background checks, driving record, and references. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively with children, young adults, parents, caregivers, and families. Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately during crisis situations. Computer skills and accurate docume tation abilities. Ability to meet deadlines and follow oral and written instructions. Demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to work respectfully and effectively with people of different cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, abilities, and other diverse identities. Valid driver's license, reliable automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements preferred. We're especially interested in someone who demonstrates a strengths-based, person-centered, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented approach and who is committed to using lived experience to support youth and families. What to Expect This is a community-based, relationship-focused position. You'll spend time both in the office and throughout Milwaukee County, including visits with families in their homes and other community settings. You can expect: Approximately 40 hours per week with a flexible schedule. Part-time hours are available. Some evening and weekend hours based on family and program needs. Significant community outreach and frequent driving throughout Milwaukee County. A combination of office work, community-based support, home visits, appointments, meetings, and family activities. Opportunities to work alongside Care Coordinators, clinicians, program staff, community organizations, schools, courts, child welfare professionals, and other partners. Regular weekly supervision and ongoing professional development. A collaborative environment focused on family strengths, recovery, partnership, and meaningful outcomes for youth and families. A role where your lived experience can be a valuable tool for helping other parents feel understood, supported, and empowered. ***** APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply Online: https://talentwire.org/A8JzoQ?rf=DCICONSULT