Peer Support Specialist

Volunteers of America Colorado•Grand Junction, CO

10d

About The Position

Volunteers of America Colorado is a nonprofit, faith-based organization that provides human services to vulnerable Coloradoans through programs including housing, emergency shelters, hunger and nutrition services, and community support. The Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience with recovery related to mental health, substance use, and/or other life challenges to support Veterans, service members, and their families who may be at risk for suicide. The role delivers community-based, non-clinical suicide prevention services through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, promoting hope, resilience, and recovery through peer support, outreach, and connection to VA and community resources. This full-time position is based at the Western Colorado Veteran Services Office. Work hours may vary but are typically arranged around a 40-hour workweek, with occasional overtime. Regular travel throughout the program’s service area is required. The employee may work in diverse and sometimes uncomfortable environments, including homeless shelters, service facilities, streets, offices, and other locations needed to fulfill program objectives. The role includes interaction and communication with clients in indoor and outdoor settings, documentation, and physical movements such as bending, kneeling, walking, and lifting 30 to 50 pounds. Pay is $22.00–$24.00 per hour.

Requirements

Must be a Veteran, as required by SSG Fox peer support regulations.
At least one year of sustained recovery experience.
Experience or training in peer support or behavioral health.
Colorado driver’s license and state-mandated automobile insurance.
Understanding of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care.
Familiarity with suicide prevention concepts.
Strong communication and engagement skills.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with VOACO and VA team members and community stakeholders.
Model VOACO’s AIRS attributes: Accountability, Integrity, Respect, and Service; and its HHS virtues: Hungry, Humble, and People Smart.
Ability to travel regularly throughout the program’s service area.
Ability to perform essential job functions, including physical movements such as bending, kneeling, walking, and lifting 30 to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Certified Peer Support Specialist or working toward certification.
Experience working with Veterans or in suicide prevention programs.
Knowledge of VA systems and community resources.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach and engagement with Veterans at risk of suicide.
Provide peer support grounded in shared lived experience.
Connect participants to VA health care, behavioral health, housing, and benefits.
Assist participants with system navigation and advocacy.
Collaborate with VA and community partners to coordinate services.
Facilitate peer groups and community-building activities.
Maintain documentation and program records.
Participate as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Travel for outreach and follow-up services.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Vacation time, separate sick time, paid holidays, floating holidays, personal days, and a volunteer/wellness day.
Tuition assistance.
Pension plan.
403(b) retirement plan with agency match.
Health, dental, vision, and pet insurance.
Life insurance and accident insurance.
Employee Assistance/Work Life Balance Program.
Employee discount program.
LifeLock with Norton.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness.