Peer Specialist

Quick Facts

Role: Peer Specialist (interdisciplinary rehabilitation team member)

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:00 pm or 8:00 am–4:30 pm (subject to facility needs)

Work model: Not virtual

Description

The Peer Specialist assists physicians and other team members in a rehabilitation treatment program by using lived recovery experience to coach Veterans toward recovery goals, self-management, and personal wellness.

You will support individual and group meetings, help Veterans recognize and challenge negative self-talk, monitor progress and behaviors that may indicate difficulty with treatment, and provide crisis intervention when needed.

Responsibilities

• Participate in service, training, consultation, and professional activities as a full member of the multidisciplinary team
• Use personal recovery experience to model coping techniques and coach Veterans on skills for self-management
• Observe behaviors indicating difficulty adapting or responding to treatment; complete appropriate documentation and report concerns to the treatment team
• Use ongoing individual and group meetings to teach Veterans how to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears
• Handle crisis interventions and other emergent situations without specific instructions
• Inform Veterans about VA and community supports and resources and how to use them effectively
• Maintain working knowledge of current trends and developments in holistic wellness and recovery
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Full, current, and unrestricted Peer Specialist certification
• Veteran status and lived recovery from a mental health condition (mental illness and/or substance use disorder)
• At least 1 year of recovery
• Selective Service registration for eligible males
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete VA online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
• Ability to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period
• Proficient in basic written and spoken English
• Provide copies of DD-214 and Peer Specialist Certification
• Meet applicable GS-6/7/8/9 experience requirements or qualifying education substitution

Benefits

A federal career includes a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility depends on the type of position and whether the role is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.