Peer Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Fairview, OR

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Specialist serves as an interdisciplinary team member in a rehabilitation treatment program, assisting physicians and other professional and non-professional personnel. Using personal recovery experience, the specialist supports Veterans in setting recovery and personal wellness goals, learning and practicing skills, monitoring progress, participating in treatment, applying coping techniques and self-help strategies, and advocating for effective services. This is a community-based role within the local VA facility catchment area and may involve providing services in Veterans’ homes, prisons, jails, treatment courts, shelters, tent encampments, during street outreach, and in other community settings.

The position is restricted to Veterans who meet statutory requirements, including having recovered or being in recovery from a mental health condition and holding a current, full, unrestricted peer specialist certification. Applicants must also meet the applicable grade-level qualification requirements through specialized experience or qualifying education. The position has a multi-grade career ladder, with potential promotion to the full performance level without further competition when regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met; selection at a lower grade does not guarantee promotion.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. This is not a virtual position. Work takes place in a wide range of settings, including a medical center, group or family homes, community-based outpatient settings, community organizations, and public or government transport vehicles. The work is primarily sedentary, with occasional moderate physical demands and possible use of approved behavioral management techniques. The environment may be noisy, irregular, unpredictable, and stressful. Relocation, recruitment, critical skills, and permanent change-of-station incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be a Veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition and has at least one year of recovery from a mental health condition, including mental illness and/or substance use disorder.
• Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted peer specialist certification from a qualifying state or not-for-profit training entity.
• Must have a valid, unrestricted state-issued driver's license, a safe driving record, and medical qualification to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely; must pass the agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination.
• Must demonstrate basic written and spoken English proficiency.
• Must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements for the grade sought if currently or formerly a Federal employee subject to those requirements.
• Must meet the grade-specific qualification requirements through one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade or qualifying directly related graduate education, as applicable for GS-06 through GS-09.
• Must complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Must meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete onboarding requirements.
• Must meet Selective Service registration requirements if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Must provide copies of DD-214 and peer specialist certification with the application; transcripts are required when relying on education for qualification.
• Must be able to perform primarily light and sedentary duties with occasional moderate physical demands, with reasonable accommodation if necessary, without endangering health or safety.

Responsibilities

• Participate in VA health care service, training, consultation, and other professional activities as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Use personal recovery experiences to model coping techniques and recovery tools and coach Veterans in skills for managing their health conditions and pursuing personal wellness.
• Observe and report behaviors that may indicate difficulty adapting or responding to treatment, complete appropriate documentation, and promptly communicate concerns to the treatment team.
• Use individual and group meetings to help Veterans identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears by providing a forum to share experiences.
• Handle crisis interventions and other emergent situations as necessary, including situations without specific instructions.
• Inform Veterans about VA and community supports and resources and how to use them in recovery and wellness.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in holistic approaches to wellness and recovery through relevant reading and materials.
• Accompany Veterans to medical, housing, or other treatment-plan appointments as needed, using an agency vehicle or public transportation.
• Help Veterans identify resources and solve problems so they can independently address transportation and other personal needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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