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Peer Professional Employer Toolkit

Example Job Description

This example peer professional job description is from the Peer Professional Employer Toolkit.

Job title: Peer Support Professional

Location: Milwaukee

Department: Comprehensive Community Services

Full time/part time: Full time

Job summary: The peer support professional provides peer recovery support services to individuals enrolled in Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), including individuals receiving services in outpatient, substance use, residential, and community-based settings. Using lived experience, this role supports individuals in identifying strengths, pursuing recovery goals, and building meaningful connections. Services are delivered in a person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed manner that promotes self-direction and multiple pathways to recovery.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Provide peer recovery support services grounded in mutuality, respect, and shared lived experience
  • Use lived experience appropriately to model recovery, inspire hope, and support behavior change
  • Establish and maintain trusting, culturally responsive relationships that honor individual choice and self-determination
  • Support individuals in developing, implementing, and updating individualized recovery and wellness goals, including proactive crisis planning
  • Assist individuals in identifying personal strengths, building natural supports, and engaging in meaningful roles within their communities
  • Support individuals in navigating challenges and exploring options during times of distress to promote wellness and stability
  • Provide education on recovery principles and wellness strategies to support individuals in their recovery goals
  • Assist individuals in researching, accessing, and connecting to community resources aligned with their goals
  • Promote awareness and understanding of individual rights and supports individuals in self-advocacy
  • Participate as an active member of the CCS team, contributing to recovery planning and ongoing service coordination
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members while maintaining the distinct role and perspective of peer support
  • Support coordination of services, including assisting individuals in accessing transportation for CCS-related appointments as appropriate
  • Complete accurate, timely, and person-centered documentation in accordance with program and organizational requirements
  • Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all applicable policies, procedures, and professional standards
  • Establish and maintain appropriate, ethical boundaries in all interactions
  • Participate in supervision, team meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development

Core competencies:

  • Demonstrate the ability to build mutual, respectful relationships based on shared experience
  • Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, including active listening
  • Demonstrate commitment to recovery-oriented, person-centered, and trauma-informed practices
  • Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in all interactions
  • Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and respect for diverse backgrounds and identities
  • Demonstrate adaptability and ability to respond effectively to changing needs and environments
  • Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

Required qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Wisconsin certified peer specialist (or eligible within required time frame)
  • Lived experience with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring challenges with a commitment to recovery
  • Ability to use lived experience appropriately in a professional setting
  • Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance that meets agency requirements
  • Ability to meet background check and agency requirements

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience providing peer recovery support services
  • Experience facilitating or co-facilitating groups
  • Knowledge of recovery planning, wellness tools, and community resources

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of recovery principles and multiple pathways to recovery
  • Demonstrate the ability to support goal setting, problem-solving, and self-advocacy
  • Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills
  • Demonstrate the ability to respond effectively to emotionally complex or rapidly changing situations
  • Demonstrate basic computer skills, including use of documentation systems and Microsoft Office

Compliance accountabilities: The peer support professional must act in accordance with organization policies and procedures, complete all required compliance training and continuing education, and maintain understanding of all internal operating procedures and applicable laws and regulations.

Glossary