Peer Specialist

Quick Facts

• Role: Peer Specialist (Women’s Clinic)

Description

Serve as a fully vested interdisciplinary team member supporting Veterans in a rehabilitation treatment program. Use lived recovery experience to coach Veterans on recovery goals, self-management skills, coping strategies, and wellness. Provide peer support in community settings and assist with resource navigation, appointment accompaniment, and crisis intervention when needed.

Responsibilities

• Participate in VA service training, consultation, and professional activities as part of the multidisciplinary team

• Coach Veterans using recovery experiences to build coping and self-management skills

• Observe behaviors that may indicate difficulty adapting to treatment, complete documentation, and report concerns to the treatment team

• Use individual and group meetings to help Veterans identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears

• Provide crisis intervention and address emergent situations as necessary

• Inform Veterans about VA and community supports and resources

• Maintain knowledge of holistic wellness and recovery by reading books, journals, and other materials

• Operate a motor vehicle or use public transportation to accompany Veterans to appointments and help remove barriers to independent access

• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Must be a Veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition

• Peer Specialist certification from a qualifying not-for-profit training entity or a State that meets peer specialist requirements

• At least 1 year of recovery from a mental health condition; ability to manage symptoms and pursue a healthy lifestyle

• Submit copies of DD-214 and Peer Specialist Certification

• Basic written and spoken English proficiency

• Complete required steps including an online assessment and onboarding

• Selective Service registration (males born after 12/31/1959)

• Subject to background/security investigation; additional background checks may be required in institutional settings

• Seasonal influenza vaccination program participation

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle or access public transportation

• Meet GS-06/07/08/09 specialized experience or education substitution requirements

• Serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period

Benefits

A comprehensive federal employee benefits package. Eligibility depends on the type of position held.