Job Description

La Causa Social Services is committed to empowering youth and young adults with complex mental health, developmental, and behavioral needs as well as their families through compassion, collaboration, and community-based support.

We are seeking a motivated and recovery-focused Certified Peer Specialist to join our Youth Coordinated Opportunities for Recovery & Empowerment (CORE) and Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) teams. In this role, you will use your own lived experience in recovery to inspire, guide, and support young people in achieving their personal goals and building a foundation for long-term wellness.

Why Join La Causa, Inc.?

• Meaningful work that supports youth and families on their path to recovery
• Collaboration with experienced and compassionate professionals
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Comprehensive benefits and paid leave—including a day off for your birthday!

Your Role:

As a Certified Peer Specialist, you will provide one-on-one support to youth and families engaged in recovery services. You will empower youth to identify their strengths, build coping skills, and access the community resources they need to thrive—all while fostering trust, self-advocacy, and independence.

What You’ll Do:

• Facilitate Individual Support – Engage youth in setting and achieving their recovery goals through strength-based, trauma-informed approaches.
• Provide Community Connection – Link youth and families to community resources, supports, and networks that enhance recovery and independence.
• Assist in Crisis Management – Support individuals in developing effective strategies to manage challenges and crises.
• Promote Team Collaboration – Partner with clinicians, care coordinators, and families to support the youth’s care plan and progress.
• Empower Youth and Families – Encourage skill-building, problem-solving, and self-direction.
• Ensure Compliance – Follow all agency, legal, and contractual requirements, including timely documentation and reporting.
• Build Relationships – Maintain open communication and positive connections with youth, families, and team members.
• Mandated Reporting – Carry out duties as a mandated reporter in alignment with laws and organizational policies.
• Professional Development – Attend meetings, training, and supervision to continue learning and improving skills.
• Be a Team Player – Collaborate with team members to ensure coordinated, high-quality services.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field (Required)
• Master’s degree in social work or related field (Highly Preferred)
• Valid Wisconsin Peer Specialist Certification (Required)
• At least one (1) year of experience providing community-based support
• Strong cultural competency and interpersonal skills
• Bilingual (Spanish and English), spoken and written (Highly Desirable)
• Excellent verbal, written, and documentation skills
• Strong critical thinking and organizational abilities; able to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Must successfully complete and pass all background checks, including an annual influenza vaccination
• Transportation, valid Wisconsin driver’s license, state minimum auto insurance, and must meet La Causa, Inc. driving standards

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong cultural competency and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities across diverse audiences.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills with sound judgment.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Reliable transportation, valid Wisconsin driver’s license, state minimum auto insurance, and ability to meet La Causa, Inc. driving standards.
• Must successfully complete and pass all required background checks, including an annual influenza vaccination.
• Must successfully pass all required pre-employment screenings, including a drug screen.

Work Environment:

• Work takes place in both community and office settings (local travel required)
• This role offers a supportive and balanced schedule with no weekend shifts and limited evening hours, carefully determined by the needs of the families we serve.

Physical Demands:

• The employee is regularly required to drive, stand, sit, reach, stoop, bend, and walk.
• Frequent talking, hearing, and seeing required, finger dexterity necessary.
• Infrequent lifting (such as files) may occur.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

About La Causa, Inc.:

La Causa, Inc., founded in 1972, is one of Wisconsin's largest bilingual, multicultural agencies. Our mission is to provide children, youth and families with quality, comprehensive services to nurture healthy family life and enhance community stability. We have several divisions that provide vital services to the community including Crisis Nursery & Respite Center, Early Education & Care Center, La Causa Charter School, Social Services: Adult Services and Youth Services, and Administration. At the heart of our mission is the dedicated staff that welcomes all into Familia La Causa and serves the children and families of Milwaukee.

You can learn more about La Causa at Join Our Team—Apply Today!

Apply on our Website

or reach out to our internal recruiter Wendy and wendyd@lacausa.org

Be part of something bigger. Join Familia La Causa and help us empower youth and families as a Certified Peer Specialist CORE/CCS–Youth Apply now and take the next step in your career!

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