Peer Support Specialist
About The Position
The Homes for All Veterans (HAV) Peer Support Specialist provides strength-based support to veterans experiencing homelessness who are also dealing with military trauma, mental health issues, and/or substance misuse. Drawing on lived experience, the specialist works one-on-one with veterans to develop recovery goals, build skills, and coordinate or navigate services, promoting stabilization and recovery as veterans obtain housing. The role supports veterans through all stages of recovery, including transitioning into housing, in collaboration with each veteran’s Health Care Navigator (HCN), Veteran Support Specialist (VSS), and VA and community mental health and substance use recovery programs. The specialist models recovery-oriented behavior, encourages engagement, coaches social skills, fosters optimism and hope, and helps veterans develop problem-solving, self-advocacy, decision-making, and goal-setting skills. The position also involves documenting veteran contacts and completing required program paperwork and reports.
Requirements
- Must be a Veteran.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 1–2 years of experience with mental health issues and recovery.
- 1–2 years of experience working as a peer support specialist or in a similar role.
- Personal experience with mental health needs, substance use, and/or homelessness.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Proof of motor vehicle insurance.
- Personal vehicle in good operating condition for work use.
- No major driving violations in the past three years.
- No more than two moving violations in the past three years.
- Ability to meet and maintain agency driving requirements and operate agency vehicles.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience working in behavioral healthcare.
- Peer Specialist Training Certificate that includes the Colorado State Core Competencies.
- Wellness and Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Training Course.
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training.
- Mental Health First Aid.
- CPR/AED.
- Motivational interviewing; required within six months of hire.
- Willingness to complete SSVF and RMHS training and continuing education as necessary.
Responsibilities
- Use relevant personal lived experience to serve as a role model and establish trusting relationships with assigned veterans.
- Meet with veterans in person to support goals for stable housing, improved mental health, and recovery, coordinating with other HAV staff.
- Respond promptly to staff requests for peer support by reaching out to veterans and reporting outcomes to staff.
- Attend team meetings to discuss veteran cases and provide feedback to HCNs, VSSs, and VA and community agency representatives.
- Collaborate with HCNs to connect veterans with community and VA services and engage them in recovery and treatment.
- Provide trauma-informed support, including advocacy, education, and mentoring as needed.
- Assist with developing and facilitating group skill-building classes.
- Maintain confidentiality according to RMHS and HIPAA guidelines.
- Document veteran contacts in Case Logic in a timely manner.
- Complete paperwork required by the Homes for All Veterans programs.
- Write and submit reports as needed and in a timely manner.
- Model recovery-oriented behaviors, encourage veteran engagement, coach social skills, foster optimism, and bolster hope.
- Assist veterans with developing problem-solving, self-advocacy, decision-making, and realistic goal-setting skills.
Benefits
- Employer-paid medical options.
- Dental benefits.
- Vision benefits.
- Paid vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time.
- Life and disability insurance.
- Tuition reimbursement for full-time employees.
- Mileage reimbursement.
- 403(B) with company match.
- Flexible spending account for health and dependent care costs.
- Employee assistance program.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
