Peer Support Specialist - Temporary

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.

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.

Requires travel throughout LA County.

Full-time (may include occasional evenings or weekends based on program needsKEY RESPONCIBILITIESVeteran Peer Support & Engagement 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.

Program Support & Coordination 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.

Outreach & Community Engagement Support outreach efforts…