Peer Support Specialist (Full-Time & Part-Time)

Job Description

Fresh Start’s Assessment Center for Boys is seeking dedicated, compassionate and skilled Peer Support Specialists to provide individualized support and guidance to youth and foster families. Peer Support Specialists use their lived experience in foster care, child welfare, or the youth justice system to promote healing, resilience, and self-advocacy for youth in our program between the ages of 12 and 17.

Benefits (Full-Time Employees Only):

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• 401K Retirement Plan

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support:

• Provide lived experience, knowledge, and support to children enrolled in the program.
• Engage in one-on-one and group support with foster youth and families, fostering hope, building trust, and empowering individuals to achieve their goals.
• Share personal stories and experiences to inspire and encourage youth participation in services.
• Identify and address barriers to accessing services and supports for youth and families.
• Help foster families navigate the foster care system and access appropriate resources.
• Promote self-advocacy and self-determination among youth in care.
• Provide practical assistance, mentoring, advocacy, and direct support to youth as needed.
• Participate in meetings and activities with program participants when appropriate.
• Offer after-care support for a period of 60 days post-discharge for children placed beyond five business days.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work collaboratively with foster parents, caseworkers, and other professionals to develop and implement individualized support plans.
• Participate in team meetings and case conferences to ensure coordinated care.
• Communicate effectively with foster families and youth, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Advocacy:

• Advocate for the rights and needs of foster youth and families within the system.
• Promote positive change within the foster care system by identifying systemic barriers.
• Connect clients with community-based resources and support networks to enhance their well-being.

Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and timely records of client interactions and progress.
• Follow established policies and procedures for documentation and confidentiality.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Education: High School Diploma, HSED or GED, baccalaureate preferred
• Having lived experience in the foster care, kinship, and/or youth justice system is a bona fide occupational qualifier for this position.
• Training or willingness to be trained in engagement strategies, behavior management, and de-escalation techniques under the supervision of our clinical psychiatrist and leadership.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills with the ability to build relationships with youth and families.
• Knowledge of community resources and supports for foster youth.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, based on the needs of youth.
• Practice cultural competence by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of youth and their families.

Additional Requirements:

This is a driving position; applicants must have:

• A valid Wisconsin driver’s license
• A reliable vehicle in good condition
• Proof of auto insurance maintained throughout employment

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their current resume and a brief cover letter outlining their lived experience and interest in supporting youth in foster care.

Fresh Start is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals with lived experience in foster care, kinship and/or juvenile justice to apply

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Weekends as needed

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $23