Peer Specialist

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For submitted application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Peer Specialist

Behavioral Health Services - Milwaukee Mobile Crisis

Hourly Pay Range: $18.95 - $28.43

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply

Closing Date: 3/12/2026 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Job Summary: As a member of Milwaukee Mobile Crisis (MMC), Peer Specialists will provide peer specialist services to both youth and adult clients in crisis. This position will provide supportive and rehabilitative services under the clinical supervision of and in partnership with credentialed MMC staff. Peers on the mobile team will provide services over the phone and in-person within the community.

Job Duties:

• Provide peer counseling and consultation to clients, families, and supports, using your own lived experience and recovery path as a means to be in a supportive role to others. Maximize client choice, self-determination, and decision making in the planning and delivery of services.
• Consult and collaborate with Behavioral Health Services, the Department of Health and Human Services, law enforcement, community, system partners, and behavioral health professionals. Provide education on the recovery process, symptom management, and the persistence required by clients to have a satisfying life.
• Participate in provision of crisis intervention services under the clinical supervision of credentialed staff over the phone and in-person as assigned. Assist with de-escalation, coordination of care, and provide rehabilitative and supportive services.
• Provide assurance through follow-up contacts that crisis intervention is successful. Connect individuals to appropriate services and supports in the community. Arrange for immediate services to reduce danger and risk as needed and as directed by clinical staff.
• Complete timely documentation of services rendered as per DHS 34 and Crisis Service policies within the Electronic Health Record. Participate in on-going education and clinical supervision as outlined in DHS 34.
• Assist with providing transportation as needed. Provide support to BHS Crisis Services as assigned. Participate in community engagement and outreach.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current Wisconsin resident.
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license, able to be maintained throughout employment.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of experience providing peer specialist services to individuals with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness.
• Must be a current or former recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness or substance abuse, should have self-knowledge and self-awareness of own mental health diagnosis/illness and how to effectively live independently and function well, despite the diagnosis.
• Intermediate knowledge of all related computer and software applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
• Intermediate knowledge of electronic health records.
• Able and willing to work irregular hours due to frequent overtime, weekend work, or shift rotation.
• Willing to obtain Wisconsin Peer Specialist certification within 5 months of hire if not already certified (Possibility for extension based on testing availability or job performance).
• Willing and able to travel up to 50% of the time in this role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Licensed as a Certified Peer Specialist in the state of Wisconsin.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.