Peer Specialist Apprentice

Veterans Health Administration • Ann Arbor, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Specialist Apprentice works as an interdisciplinary team member in Substance Use Disorders Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient programs, assisting Veterans with recovery and wellness in outpatient, inpatient, and community settings. The apprentice uses personal recovery experience to model coping skills and self-help strategies, help Veterans set and pursue recovery goals, learn and practice skills, monitor progress, participate in treatment, and advocate for effective services. The role promotes self-determination, personal responsibility, hope, resilience, and empowerment for Veterans with mental illness, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, chronic illnesses, or injuries.

This is an entry-level, time-limited position intended to provide training and experience toward becoming a certified Peer Specialist. Most work is performed under close supervision by a licensed independent provider or a non-licensed provider working under one. The apprentice receives ongoing instruction and must complete a State- or VA-approved contract vendor certification training process. After successful certification, the required year of specialized experience, and time-in-grade requirements, the position may be eligible for conversion to a permanent Peer Specialist position.

The position is not virtual. Work may take place in the Medical Center, group or family homes, community-based outpatient settings, community organizations, or transport vehicles. The work is primarily sedentary, but can involve walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, and accessing transportation. Work settings may be noisy, irregular, unpredictable, or stressful. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requirements

• Must be a Veteran as defined in the announcement and meet the statutory eligibility requirements; the position is restricted to Veterans.
• Must have spent at least one year in recovery from a mental health condition, including mental illness and/or substance use disorder.
• Must actively pursue certification as required to serve as a Peer Specialist and complete a State- or VA-approved contract vendor certification training process.
• Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Must submit copies of a DD-214 with the application package.
• Must complete the required application steps, questionnaire, and online assessment.
• Must complete a background/security investigation and online onboarding process; acceptable identification is required for pre-employment requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Must be able to perform primarily light and sedentary duties, with occasional moderate physical demands, and exercise patience and emotional control; reasonable accommodation may be available.
• Must be able to work flexibly in settings that may be noisy, irregular, unpredictable, and stressful, and use approved behavioral management techniques when needed.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the service, training, consultation, and other professional activities of VA health care services as a member of the multidisciplinary team.
• Use personal recovery experiences to model coping techniques and recovery tools and coach Veterans in skills for managing health conditions and pursuing wellness goals.
• Observe behaviors that may indicate difficulty adapting or responding to treatment, document observations, and promptly report concerns to the treatment team.
• Use individual and group meetings to help Veterans identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears by sharing experiences.
• Handle crisis interventions as necessary and address emergent situations through immediate consultation with a supervisor or available clinical provider.
• Maintain knowledge of current developments in holistic approaches to wellness and recovery through relevant reading and other materials.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; the specific benefits offered depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Potential credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is required and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed