Peer Support

Summary

This Peer Specialist position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements detailed in the qualification section. The role supports an interdisciplinary team in a VA rehabilitation treatment program, assisting Veterans in articulating recovery goals, practicing new skills, and advocating for services.

Applicants who are current Federal employees who have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time‑in‑grade requirements. For a GS‑6 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS‑5 level. For a GS‑7 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS‑6 level; for a GS‑8 position, 52 weeks at the GS‑7 level;

and for a GS‑9 position, 52 weeks at the GS‑8 level. An SF‑50 showing your time‑in‑grade eligibility must be submitted with the application. If the most recent SF‑50 is within the past year, an additional SF‑50 is required.

• Statutory requirements under Section 405 of Public Law 110‑387 (38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13)) that the applicant is a veteran who has recovered from a mental health condition and is certified by an approved entity.
• At least 1 year of recovery from a mental health condition.
• Successful recovery exemplified by managing symptoms, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, living independently, having meaningful relationships, and being socially involved in community, clubs, or veteran organizations.
• Veteran defined as a person who served in active military, naval, air, or space service and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Open to current permanent VA employees, federal employees on Career/Career‑Conditional appointments, former competitive civil service employees eligible for reinstatement, veterans eligible under VEOA, VRA, 30% DAV, Employment Program for People with Disabilities, and CTAP/ICTAP.
• DD‑214 and Peer Specialist Certification must be provided.
• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English is required.

• GS‑6:
  At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower graded level involving post‑personal mental health recovery experience, mentoring, or similar.
• GS‑7:
  Similar experience with increased independence and responsibility.
• GS‑8:
  Similar experience with further independence and supervisory oversight.
• GS‑9:
  Similar experience with considerable independence and responsibility for making recommendations.

• GS‑6:
  Six months of graduate education or a one‑year post‑bachelor’s internship.
• GS‑7:
  One full year of graduate education.
• GS‑8:
  One and a half years of graduate education.
• GS‑9:
  Two full years of graduate education or a master’s degree.

• Position also announced as a Peer Support Apprentice for Veterans without required certification.
• Functions as an interdisciplinary team member, assisting physicians and other personnel in rehabilitation treatment.
• Prepares Veterans to articulate recovery goals, practice new skills, monitor progress, and model coping techniques.
• Participates in service‑training‑consultation and other professional activities as part of the multidisciplinary team.
• Uses personal recovery experiences to coach Veterans in self‑management and wellness.
• Observes behaviors that may indicate treatment adaptation difficulties and reports concerns to the team.
• Provides crisis interventions and addresses emergent situations.
• Informs Veterans about VA and community supports and resources.
• Maintains knowledge of holistic approaches to wellness and updates through reading.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:00 pm. The position is not virtual.
• Relocation/recruitment incentives:
  None authorized; PCS not authorized. Full performance promotion possible per regulatory requirements.

The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.