Peer Support Apprentice

Summary

This Peer Support Apprentice position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements that are detailed in the qualifications section. This position provides Veterans the world‑class benefits and services they have earned and does so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and stewardship.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 02/17/2026.

• FOR PEER SUPPORT APPRENTICES - GS-102-5:
  As a Peer Support Apprentice hired to become a certified Peer Specialist, a Veteran must have spent a minimum of 1 year in recovery from a mental health condition (mental illness and/or substance use disorder)
• All Peer Support Apprentices must actively pursue becoming certified as required to serve as a Peer Specialist by 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13)(B)
• At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the Peer Support Apprentice with the written requirements for becoming certified, the deadline, and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline
• Failure to become certified by the prescribed date will result in removal from this GS-102 occupation and may result in termination of employment
• IMPORTANT NOTICE:
  Veteran is defined as a person who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
• Restricted to VETERANS – see IMPORTANT NOTICE
• 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 and those eligible for CTAP/ICTAP
• Length of Experience in Recovery – Successful recovery is exemplified by one who manages symptoms of illness and pursues a healthy lifestyle
• Lives independently
• Is employed or volunteers significant time approximating at least a part‑time employment schedule
• Has meaningful relationships with family members and friends
• Is socially involved in the community through clubs, hobby groups, church, civic organizations, or Veteran organizations in which the individual provides a service to others
• NOTE:
  
  You MUST provide copies of your DD‑214 with your application package
• ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:
  In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient‑care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• You will be rated on the following competencies for this position: problem solving, communication, teaching others, experience (paid and unpaid, including volunteer work through National Service programs such as Peace Corps and Ameri Corps, professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social organizations). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
  
  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
• NOTE:
  
  A full year of work is considered to be 35‑40 hours of work per week. Part‑time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.
• Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  The applicant must be able to perform primarily light and sedentary duties with occasional moderate physical demands and exercise patience. Control emotions with reasonable accommodation if necessary, without endangering the health and safety of the applicant or others.
• The work is primarily sedentary: typically, the employee sits to do the work. There may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items (e.g., books, papers), and accessing transportation.
• The work may…