Peer Support Apprentice (Woman Specific-Facility Based)

Veterans Health Administration • Grand Junction, CO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a time-limited, entry-level position for a woman Veteran who is pursuing certification as a Peer Specialist. The apprentice develops the skills needed to provide peer support and, after completing a State- or VA-approved vendor certification process and meeting the required experience and time-in-grade requirements, may be eligible for a permanent Peer Specialist position. Failure to obtain certification by the deadline set by the supervisor may result in removal from the GS-102 occupation and may lead to termination of employment.

The Peer Support Apprentice works as an interdisciplinary team member in a rehabilitation treatment program, supporting Veterans in outpatient, inpatient, and/or community settings. Drawing on personal recovery experience, the apprentice models coping techniques and self-help strategies, helps Veterans articulate and pursue recovery and wellness goals, practice skills, monitor progress, participate in treatment, and advocate for effective services. The role promotes recovery, wellness, resiliency, self-determination, personal responsibility, and empowerment for Veterans with mental illnesses, co-occurring disorders, chronic illnesses, or injuries.

As an entry-level employee, the apprentice performs most duties under close supervision by a licensed independent provider or a non-licensed provider working under one. Supervisors or their designees provide ongoing instruction. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a facility-based, non-virtual position. Work may occur at a medical center, in group or family homes, community-based outpatient settings, community organizations, or transport vehicles.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be a woman Veteran, as this recruitment is restricted to women 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 Peer Specialist certification through a State- or VA-approved certification training process and meet the certification deadline provided by the supervisor.
• Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Must provide a copy of the DD-214 with the application package.
• 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, or stressful, and may require occasional use of VA-approved behavioral management techniques.
• Applicants must meet the stated recovery criteria: manage symptoms and pursue a healthy lifestyle; live independently; be employed or volunteer significant time approximating at least part-time; maintain meaningful relationships; and participate socially in the community by providing service.
• Subject to background and security investigation and completion of the online onboarding process.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a VA health care personnel requirement.
• 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 managing health conditions and pursuing personal wellness.
• 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.
• Assist with crisis interventions and other emergent situations through immediate consultation with a supervisor or the most available clinical provider.
• Maintain working knowledge of developments in holistic approaches to wellness and recovery through relevant reading.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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