Peer Support Specialist - Veterans Program

Caritas of Austin • Austin, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Support Specialist provides direct outreach and pre-screening to potential individuals interested in enrolling in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program. A qualified candidate must possess a clear understanding of the service delivery system and the resources available for veterans and their families. This position will provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to SSVF program participants to help them access and navigate community and veteran resources. It will also serve as a quality assurance representative to veteran households accessing SSVF funds and participate as a member of the strengths-based Case Management team.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist or Mentor; will also accept LCDC or equivalent qualification OR willingness to complete certification within 1 year of hire date.
• Prior military experience.
• Proficient with data management and information systems and have basic knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Valid Texas driver’s license, ability to drive van or bus and have reliable transportation.
• Must be able to comply with complex government regulations, policies and procedures and demonstrate thorough document compliance efforts and activities.
• Must be sensitive to and respect cultural diversity amongst clients, staff, and volunteers and able to work with diverse racial, ethnic, and economic groups.
• Ability to set appropriate limits, work under deadlines and multi-task.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, self-motivate, and deliver results.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Possess strong work ethics.
• Successfully pass Law Enforcement background screening.
• Mission-driven attitude supplemented with integrity and passion.
• Adherence to the highest ethical standards, personally and professionally.
• A high level of openness and willingness to receive feedback/suggestions from superiors and others, and to learn new skills to improve job performance.
• Basic knowledge of the resources in the community available for the veteran population, especially services and programs offered by the VA.
• Have basic knowledge of severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse.
• Ability to form partnerships in the community and seek out community resources.
• Strong oral and written communications.
• Strong organizational, time management, and data management skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a team
• Ability to multi-task and problem-solve under pressure.
• Ability to provide positive customer service to difficult populations.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s in Human Services/related field.
• Experience or education with human services, homelessness, and veteran resources is a plus.
• Knowledge and experience with the 12-step program for substance abuse or equivalent model

Responsibilities

• Identify locations frequented by potential veteran applicants (including veteran family members).
• Provide direct outreach to veterans and their families in their naturally occurring environments (i.e., home visits and street outreach).
• Engage and build rapport with target population.
• Provide identification of and pre-screening for eligibility of potential applicants.
• Coordinate initial screening and assessment with the Case Management team.
• Participate in Stand Downs and other VA/community outreach activities.
• Provide client access to services and community resources as needed
• Provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to SSVF participants through assistance in navigating and accessing veteran and mainstream resources.
• Accompany veterans to appointments, when appropriate.
• Provide peer support and mentoring in securing permanent housing.
• Facilitate discussion and training in peer groups, as determined by the Case Management team.
• Monitor and document participation, progress, referrals, and services provided to participant.
• Assist Case Management team in preparing discharge plans and follow-up contact with SSVF program participants.
• Complete paperwork and data reports as requested by the Program Manager.
• Deliver skill training sessions to help clients develop coping skills and life skills.
• Advocate for veteran’s needs and rights within the community and healthcare system.
• Assist veterans in setting and achieving personal goals related to their recovery and rehabilitation.
• Attending agency, community, and supervisory meetings, as needed.
• Maintain working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services to participants.
• Maintain working relationships with veteran serving organizations.
• Attending in-service training courses and outside conferences/workshops, as requested by the Program Manager.
• Complies with all applicable training requirements.
• Complies with all company safety, personnel and operational policies and procedures.
• Complies with the work schedule to ensure effective operations of Agency programs.
• Contributes positively as a member of a productive and cooperative team.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including one medical plan fully paid by Caritas of Austin for employee-only coverage, with additional plan options available.
• 20 days of PTO in year one (increasing with tenure) and 14 paid holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Mileage reimbursement, monthly phone stipend, discounted memberships (e.g., LegalShield), and parking for employees working from the downtown location (if applicable).
• Caritas of Austin is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED