Peer Support Specialist

Who We Are 

ATTIC stands for "Alternatives to Traditional Incarceration of Citizens." We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides support and services to Correctional Clients as they reintegrate into their home communities. We operate residential and other correctional programs throughout Wisconsin that provide case management, counseling and treatment groups, vocational training and high-risk client monitoring and supervision.

Residential Treatment Centers for Correctional Clients operate 24 hours per day with on-duty staff for our clients. Staff monitor client behaviors and whereabouts in the community and enforce program rules and accountability. Substance abuse counseling, cognitive-based programming and correctional case management are provided in an intensive setting. Clients can be granted gradual re-entry into the community based on earned privileges. All service components of our Residential Treatment Centers emphasize trauma-informed care and employ an individualized approach to each client.

The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing pro-recovery, pro-social support to clients in the ACS Madison residential programs.  This role includes using the Specialist’s own lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges to guide, mentor, and inspire hope in people going through similar struggles. The Specialist will provide non-clinical assistance, connecting people to community resources and helping them build practical coping and wellness skills, and must deliver services in a secular manner free of specific religious components. Any groups provided by the Peer Support Specialist must follow the agency prescribed curriculum or guidelines.

The Peer Support Specialist will visit each of the three Madison residential locations weekly to optimize client progress. This position requires advanced knowledge of community resources/reentry services, strong boundaries, and a commitment to upholding ACS's safety and security protocols.  

The schedule requires only 12 hours per week.

Essential Job Functions

Provide support to residential clients through: 

• • encouragement in sobriety and positive reintegration in the community
  • individualized, ongoing guidance, coaching, and support
  • provide a weekly group for clients at each house focusing on community resources, employment, and similar skills
  • outreach to individuals new to the program
  • personal guidance in the completion of daily living skills and life skills such and job- and housing-searches
  • linkage to community supports and informal networks that enhance each client’s recovery and progress 
  • education in how to develop and maintain personal networks
  • assistance with goal-setting and goal-attainment based on each individual’s needs and priorities
  • fostering positive self-advocacy and self-efficacy  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor clients, develop therapeutic relationships, and collaborate with multiple treatment teams.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong boundaries and an understanding of how to maintain safety with justice-involved individuals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to assess participant needs and coordinate appropriate resources.
• Strong crisis management and conflict resolution skills, particularly when working with justice-involved populations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.

Education & Work Experience 

• Certification as a Peer Specialist or Recovery Coach under Wisconsin statutes.
• At least one year of experience in social services, reentry services, or recovery services.
• At least one year of providing peer support services to justice-involved individuals preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with team members in a high-demand environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action
ATTIC Correctional Services, Inc. is in compliance with applicable state and federal statutes and regulations relating to nondiscrimination in employment and service delivery. No otherwise qualified person shall be excluded from employment, be denied the benefits of employment or otherwise be subject to discrimination in employment in any manner on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, disability or association with a person with a disability, arrest or conviction record, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy, political belief, or affiliation, military participation, or use or non use of lawful products off the employer’s premises during working hours. All employees are expected to support goals and programmatic activities relating to nondiscrimination in employment. No otherwise qualified applicant for service or service participant shall be excluded from participation, be denied benefits, or otherwise be subject to discrimination in any manner on the basis of race, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, disability or association with a person with a disability. Under the Food Stamp Act and USDA policy, discrimination is prohibited also on the basis of religion, political beliefs or affiliation. This policy covers eligibility for the access to service delivery, and treatment in all of our programs and activities.

As a Federal Contractor, ACS supports Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which prohibits discrimination of qualified individuals with disabilities, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 which prohibits discrimination of covered veterans; and requires affirmative action in all personnel practices for qualified individuals with disabilities and for covered veterans. 
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Salary : $22