Peer Specialist

Department of Veterans Affairs • Salem, VA

362d • $44,117 - $77,955

About The Position

This Peer Specialist position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements that are detailed in the qualifications section. This position functions as an interdisciplinary team member, assisting physicians and other professional/non-professional personnel in a rehabilitation treatment program. Peer Specialists perform a variety of therapeutic & supportive tasks that include assisting Veterans in articulating their goals for recovery & personal wellness.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must have a full, current, and unrestricted peer specialist certification.
• Must be a Veteran.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• May be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• Participation in the COVID-19 vaccination program is required.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of common psychiatric disorders, including knowledge of addictions and dual diagnosis.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to inspire confidence and motivate individuals.
• Understanding of how roles of ethnicity, race, spirituality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and local community and other subcultures may influence recovery.

Responsibilities

• Assists Veterans in identifying their skills, strengths, supports, and resources needed to aid them in achieving their recovery and wellness goals.
• Participates in the service, training, consultation, and other professional activities of VA health care services and functions as a fully vested member of the multidisciplinary team.
• Assists Veterans to articulate personal recovery and wellness goals through the use of individual or group meetings.
• Orients new Veterans to the program's services, hours, locations, staff, and other pertinent information necessary for the Veterans to understand how to effectively utilize the program services.
• Assists Veterans in determining the steps needed to achieve their self-directed recovery and wellness goals.
• Contributes to the development of an effective discharge plan that is based upon their understanding of the Veteran's goals and interests.
• Completes assignments based on peer support service knowledge, skill and proven sound judgment.
• Works with Veterans with very complex mental illnesses and challenging situations that require effective communication and decision-making skills.
• Provides and advocates for effective wellness and holistic, recovery-based services that aid Veterans in daily living.
• Observes behaviors that might indicate difficulty adapting or responding to treatment and reports concerns to the treatment team in a timely manner.
• Uses ongoing individual and group meetings to teach Veterans how to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears.
• Assists Veterans in building social skills in the community that enhance community reintegration using techniques such as role playing and social skills training.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees