Peer Support Apprentice - Facility - RRTP

Summary

This Peer Support Apprentice position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements that are detailed in the qualifications section.

• Applicant must meet all requirements by the closing date – 03/27/2026.
• FOR PEER SUPPORT APPRENTICES – GS-102-5: a Veteran must have spent a minimum of 1 year in recovery from a mental health condition (mental illness and/or substance use disorder).
• Applicants must actively pursue certification as a Peer Specialist by 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13)(B).
• At appointment the supervisor will provide written requirements for certification, the deadline, and the consequences for not meeting the deadline.
• Failure to become certified by the prescribed date will result in removal from this GS‑102 occupation and may lead to termination of employment.
• IMPORTANT NOTICE:
  Veteran is defined as a person who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Restricted to VETERANS – see IMPORTANT NOTICE above.
• Open to current permanent employees of the VA (e.g. T38, T38 Hybrid, VCS employees on excepted appointments covered by an interchange agreement).
• Federal employees on a Career/Career‑Conditional appointment.
• Former competitive civil service employees eligible for reinstatement.
• Veterans eligible under VRA – and 30 % DAV.
• Those eligible under the Employment Program for People with Disabilities.
• Those eligible for CTAP/ICTAP.
• Length of Experience in Recovery – the applicant must have been successfully recovering: manages symptoms, pursues a healthy lifestyle, lives independently, is employed or volunteers part‑time, has meaningful relationships, and is socially involved in community or veteran organizations.
• NOTE:
  
  Must provide copies of DD‑214 with the application package.
• ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY – must be proficient in basic written and spoken English per 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
• The applicant will be rated on the following competencies:
  Problem Solving, Communication, Teaching Others, and Experience (paid and unpaid, including service through national programs such as Peace Corps, Ameri Corps, etc.).
• Volunteer work is credited toward experience and demonstrates relevant competencies.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  capable of performing primarily light and sedentary duties with occasional moderate demands, exercising patience, controlling emotions, and handling environmental stressors with accommodation if necessary.
• Work is primarily sedentary with occasional walking or light carrying; may involve departmental behavioral management techniques.
• Work settings may include medical centers, group or family homes, community outpatient settings, community organizations, or transport vehicles.
• Reference: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/

• This vacancy is also being announced as a Peer Support Specialist under announcement CBTD‑‑26‑MK for Veterans who possess the required certification.
• TIME‑LIMITED POSITION:
  Provides the apprentice time to learn and develop necessary skills to perform as a peer specialist and earn certification.
• After successful completion of a State or VA‑approved vendor’s certification training, required experience, and time‑in‑grade requirements, the applicant may be eligible for a permanent peer specialist position.
• The Peer Support Apprentice functions as an interdisciplinary team member, assisting physicians and other professionals in a rehabilitation treatment program.
• Performs therapeutic and supportive tasks: assists Veterans in articulating goals, practicing new skills, monitoring progress, modeling coping techniques, and supporting self‑advocacy.
• Acts as a role model, exhibits competency in personal recovery, and provides information and peer support services in outpatient, inpatient, and community settings.
• Develops ability to assist others in treatment based on principles of recovery, wellness, and resiliency, promoting self‑determination and empowerment.
• Provides hope that recovery and resilience are achievable goals, assisting Veterans with mental illnesses and/or co‑occurring disorders, chronic illnesses or injuries.
• Performs a wide range of tasks to…