Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist Centro Hispano - 4.3 Madison, WI Job Details Full-time $45,000 - $47,000 a year 21 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Professional development assistance Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Crisis intervention Spanish Writing skills Local agency collaboration English Administrative experience Driver's License Support groups Case management Driving Productivity software Progress documentation Entry level Community resource coordination Full Job Description The Peer Support Specialist provides culturally responsive support to Latinx community members, helping address barriers related to immigration experiences that may affect healing, empowerment and wellbeing. Through supportive one-on-one relationships, the specialist fosters a sense of belonging, builds trust and connects participants to resources that promote resilience, independence and self-growth to improve quality of life. Guided by the Healing Ethno-Racial Trauma (HEART) framework, the Peer Support Specialist uses strengths-based, healing-focused approaches and works collaboratively with Centro programs and partner organizations to connect participants with case management, referrals, and other supportive services, helping them navigate barriers and foster positive change in their lives and communities.

CENTRO MISSION AND VALUES

Our mission is Empowering Youth, Strengthening Families, Engaging the Community in such a way that Dane County will be a community where Latinx families can aspire upward, to reach their personal goals and dreams because they feel engaged and strengthened with the tools for success. We foster connection . We are a welcoming community, and we take great care to ensure support and belonging for all. We act with mutual respect and dignity. We embrace our diverse cultural assets, which collectively make us stronger. We nourish community. We work together to create and advance opportunities for all. We live with courage . We will question our own assumptions, protect and defend our rights and the rights of others, lead in collaborative ways, and seek help and guidance when we need it. We demonstrate integrity . We make time to clarify our collective principles, do the work it takes to live ethically, and establish systems to hold ourselves and each other accountable.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 90

% Peer Support and related activities Provide emotional support rooted in shared lived experience for participants navigating social challenges or crisis situations, modeling healthy coping and self-help strategies that support their recovery and wellbeing Support participants through challenging situations using problem-solving, de-escalation, relaxation, and grounding strategies as appropriate Assist participants in developing emotional growth and life goals while fostering resilience, self advocacy, and supporting progress toward peer-identified goals Guide participants in connecting with and navigating services from other Centro teams and partner agencies as needed to address their individual needs and circumstances. Meet participants where they are by offering flexible, creative support beyond the office, including appointments, resource navigation, skill-building activities, and other situations where encouragement and guidance are helpful. Lead groups on wellness, life growth and peer support, fostering participation, skill-building, and empowerment. Maintain accurate records of participants' contacts, documenting progress and outcomes for reporting purposes and quality improvement. Participate with the Peer Support team in case discussions to coordinate support and stay informed about participants' growth and experiences. Engage in, attend, and complete all required reporting and training, and comply with all regulations deemed necessary. 10% Administrative Participate in agency meetings and activities, including staff meetings and other required events. Collaborate with other agency teams. Attend team meetings as requested to discuss procedures and/or questions. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must have an immigrant experience or be familiar with barriers faced by immigrants and individuals with other lived experiences, including mental health or reentry from incarceration Possess a certification as a Peer Specialist or be able to obtain one within four months of hire. Reliable transportation with valid driver's license and current vehicle insurance required. Be willing to complete a background check as part of the hiring process. Results will be reviewed in context and do not automatically disqualify applicants. Experience working with individuals from racially, ethnically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse communities. Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed approaches and ability to apply them in peer support work.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to articulate ideas and information verbally and in writing in a clear, and tactful manner both in English and in Spanish. Familiarity with and ability to use Microsoft Office applications. Effective interpersonal skills to build trust with participants and present a safe, collaborative environment for participant development. Ability to connect and empathize with others. Effective listening skills and self-awareness. Effective time and project management skills with the ability to balance multiple tasks. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, building and maintaining effective partnerships with other community organizations. Ability to communicate effectively while using a strengths-based, person-centered approach to support participants. Awareness of local resources, organizations, and service systems available to the Dane County community

Pay:

$45,000.00 - $47,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person