Peer Support Apprentice - Community Based

Veterans Health Administration•Sioux Falls, SD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Apprentice is an entry-level member of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation treatment team, assisting Veterans in outpatient, inpatient, and community settings. This is a time-limited position intended to provide time to learn and develop the skills needed to work as a peer specialist and earn peer specialist certification. After completing a State- or VA-approved vendor certification process, obtaining the required year of specialized experience, and meeting time-in-grade requirements, the employee may be eligible for a permanent peer specialist position. Certification must be actively pursued; failure to meet the certification deadline may result in removal from the occupation and may result in termination of employment. The apprentice uses personal recovery experience to model coping skills and recovery strategies, support Veterans’ self-management and wellness goals, and encourage self-advocacy, self-determination, personal responsibility, and empowerment. The role promotes hope that recovery and resiliency are achievable for Veterans with mental illnesses, co-occurring disorders, chronic illnesses, or injuries. Most duties are performed under close supervision by a licensed independent provider or a non-licensed provider working under one. Supervisors or designees provide ongoing instruction. The position is time-limited and is not virtual. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Work takes place in settings including a medical center, group or family homes, community-based outpatient settings, community organizations, and transport vehicles. The work is primarily sedentary, but may involve walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, and accessing transportation. The position may occasionally require use of VA-approved behavioral management techniques and flexibility in noisy, irregular, unpredictable, or stressful settings.

Requirements

Must be a Veteran, as defined in the announcement, with qualifying military service and a discharge or release under conditions other than dishonorable.
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 peer specialist certification through a State- or VA-approved vendor process and meet the certification deadline set by the supervisor.
Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted state driver's license, have a safe driving record, and be medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely.
Must pass the agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination.
Must complete the required online assessment and pre-employment physical, and meet background and security investigation requirements.
Must submit a DD-214 with the application package.
Must serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Responsibilities

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