Peer Support Specialist (TEMP)

JVS SoCal•South El Monte, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As part of the Los Angeles Veterans Peer Access Network (VPAN), the Veteran Peer Support Specialist will conduct outreach throughout Los Angeles County to connect with Veterans, National Guard members, Military Reservists, and their families. The goal is to provide increased access to resources and benefits. The Peer Support Specialist will act as a liaison and advocate for Veterans in need of assistance across various aspects of life. JVS SoCal is seeking a Veteran Peer Support Specialist to offer in-person, peer-based support to military Veterans and their families. This role draws on lived experience to build trust, motivate engagement, and assist Veterans as they navigate barriers to employment, housing, VA benefits, and more. The Veteran Peer Support Specialist serves as a bridge between Veterans, partners, and community resources, ensuring that participants remain engaged and supported and make progress toward addressing their barriers.

Requirements

BA or BS degree in Career Counseling, Communications, or another related field preferred.
Background or experience in Case Management, Career Counseling, or Mental Health.
Prior Military Experience is highly desirable.
Peer Support Certification or aligned experience.
Requires a minimum of 2 years’ experience in Veteran Services or career counseling.
Passion to work and connect in Veteran-related areas.
Requires a high level of customer service and counseling expertise with the ability to multitask.
Prior experience with Veterans, Veteran organizations, and high-risk populations is desired.
Knowledgeable about the range of services in the community and develops and maintains relationships with partners to deliver a comprehensive array of services to clients.
Demonstrated experience communicating effectively with stakeholders in written and oral form, including electronic media, using positive interpersonal skills.
Skill in facilitating groups, writing case notes, and working with a diverse population.
Proficient in Microsoft Office software and other relevant software.
Reliable transportation is required to travel between work sites, attend meetings, conduct outreach, and support participants.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move between locations throughout the workday.
Ability to work in various field conditions include harsh living conditions, uneven terrain, inclement weather, and encampment settings.
Must be able to lift 15lbs with a fair amount of sitting, answering telephones, and movement within the office setting.
Requires travel throughout LA County.
Full-time (may include occasional evenings or weekends based on program needs)

Responsibilities

Provide in-person peer support to Veteran participants using lived experience to foster trust, rapport, and motivation.
Conduct regular in-person check-ins with Veterans to support engagement, goal progression, and retention in services.
Support Veterans in navigating and accessing benefits and resources.
Use an effective level of engagement to welcome clients and identify needs and expectations to create a positive client experience.
Administers and interprets a variety of assessment tools to assess clients' needs.
Model positive coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and career readiness behaviors.
Assists Veterans in identifying goals and developing individualized service plans to assist with attaining identified goals.
Coordinate closely with community partners and resources to ensure clients receive the necessary support to address barriers to participants' success.
Accompany Veterans, as needed, to in-person appointments, workshops, orientations, or employer-related activities.
Record participant interactions, progress notes, and outcomes in required data systems while complying with program and funder requirements. Assist in data collection and report preparation.
Provide post-service outreach after closing the service request.
Process supportive services requests to assist Veterans with temporary financial assistance.
Support outreach efforts to engage Veterans in employment and training programs.
Represent JVS SoCal at in-person orientations, workshops, job fairs, and Veteran-focused events.
Promote a Veteran-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach in all interactions.
Assists with coordinating individual or peer-led groups on various topics.
Present workshops in the areas of general Veteran benefits, housing programs, educational programs, employment programs, and accessing VA Health Care benefits.
Host office hours at the local Veteran Access Point, responsible for fostering partnerships at the assigned VAP and collaborating with on-site partners to host engagement events.
Actively participate in community events hosted by the program or MVA.
Maintains compliance with agency and funder protocols and procedures.
Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards
Must obtain MESA Peer Support Certification within 4 months of hire.