Peer Specialist

Quick Facts

• Role: Peer Specialist (interdisciplinary rehabilitation team member)
• Schedule: Saturday–Wednesday, 8:00am–4:30pm
• Telework: Ad-hoc
• Virtual: Not virtual

Description

The Peer Specialist supports Veterans in a rehabilitation treatment program by assisting physicians and other team members. Using lived recovery experience, you coach Veterans to articulate goals, learn and practice recovery/self-management skills, monitor progress, and advocate for effective services. You also facilitate individual and group sessions, provide crisis intervention as needed, and connect Veterans to VA and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Participate as a fully vested member of the multidisciplinary team in service, training, consultation, and professional activities
• Model coping techniques and recovery tools and coach Veterans on self-management of health conditions and pursuit of wellness
• Observe and document signs of difficulty adapting or responding to treatment; report concerns to the treatment team
• Lead/participate in ongoing individual and group meetings to address negative self-talk, fears, and recovery challenges
• Handle crisis interventions and emergent situations without specific instructions when necessary
• Inform Veterans about VA and community supports and resources and how to use them effectively
• Maintain knowledge of current holistic wellness and recovery approaches via reading and ongoing learning
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Full, current, unrestricted Peer Specialist certification
• Must be a Veteran who is recovered or recovering from a mental health condition
• At least 1 year of recovery from a mental health condition
• Selective Service registration for eligible males
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete online onboarding and pre-employment identification/document requirements
• Seasonal influenza vaccination program participation
• Complete a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period
• English proficiency in basic written and spoken English
• Submit copies of DD-214 and Peer Specialist Certification
• Meet grade-specific specialized experience requirements (GS-6/7/8/9) or acceptable education substitutions (with transcripts)
• Ability to perform primarily light and sedentary duties with occasional moderate demands; exercise patience and control emotions; use approved behavioral management techniques if needed

Benefits

A comprehensive federal benefits package is available; eligibility depends on position type and whether full-time, part-time, or intermittent.