Empowering Recovery: Peer Specialist Roles for Women Veterans at the Sioux Falls VA

Are you a woman Veteran with a journey of recovery and a passion for helping others? The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is looking for a Peer Specialist to join their dedicated interdisciplinary team. This unique role allows you to use your personal history of overcoming mental health or substance use challenges to serve as a mentor and guide for fellow Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Peer Specialist, your role is central to the rehabilitation process. You will:

Assist Veterans in setting and achieving recovery goals.
Model effective coping techniques based on your personal experiences.
Teach skills for self-management of health conditions.
Advocate for Veterans to ensure they receive the services they need.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to provide input on patient care.

Requirements

This position has specific statutory requirements:

Veteran Status: You must be a woman Veteran with a discharge other than dishonorable.
Recovery: A minimum of 1 year of recovery experience is required.
Certification: You must hold a valid Peer Specialist certification.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

Salary and Grade Comparison

Grade Level	Education Requirements	Primary Responsibility Level
GS-6	6 months grad ed / internship	Supervised routine work
GS-7	1 year graduate education	Minimal supervision
GS-8	1.5 years graduate education	Routine/special assignments
GS-9	2 years grad ed / Master's	Independent practice

Benefits

The VA provides an exceptional benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. Working at the Sioux Falls location also offers the distinct advantage of working in a state with no state income tax, maximizing your take-home pay.

This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to give back to your community. By sharing your journey and your tools for success, you can help other women Veterans find their path to wellness. If you meet the criteria and are ready to start this rewarding chapter of your career, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Peer Specialist - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized Job Matters

Transform your personal recovery journey into a powerful career as a Peer Specialist, helping fellow women Veterans navigate their paths to wellness at the Sioux Falls VA.

Peer Specialist - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized Job Overview

The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated woman Veteran to join our multidisciplinary team as a Peer Specialist. In this facility-based role, you will use your personal experience with mental health or substance use recovery to mentor, coach, and support other women Veterans. This is a vital position within our Whole Health System, providing compassionate, peer-led care to those who have served our nation. If you are passionate about community outreach, recovery advocacy, and supporting fellow Veterans, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Requirements for Peer Specialist - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized

Must be a woman Veteran (discharged under conditions other than dishonorable).
Must have at least 1 year of personal recovery from a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted peer specialist certification from a state or non-profit entity.
Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must provide a DD-214 and Peer Specialist Certification with the application.
Ability to complete an online assessment during the application process.

Preferred Qualifications for Peer Specialist - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized

Experience in peer mentoring, psychiatric therapy assistance, or recovery advocacy.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision for routine tasks.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to an interdisciplinary team.
Advanced education (graduate level) in a field related to mental health or social sciences.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary with potential recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified applicants.
✓Comprehensive health insurance and federal benefits package.
✓Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art teaching hospital environment.
✓No state income tax in South Dakota.
✓Work-life balance with standard daytime scheduling.
✓Professional development and training opportunities within the VA system.

💡 How to Apply Peer Specialist - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Peer Specialist - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized Job

Register for a USAJOBS account if you do not have one.
Review the full announcement carefully to ensure you meet the 'Women Veteran' and 'Certification' requirements.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Gather your required documents: DD-214, Peer Specialist Certification, and SF-50 (if currently or previously employed by the Federal government).
Complete the online application and questionnaire.
Access and complete the required USA Hire Assessment when prompted.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must not exceed two pages to be considered.
Be specific and clear about your experience; do not leave the agency to make assumptions about your duties.
Include the number of hours worked per week for all previous positions.
Save and upload your documents, especially your resume, as a PDF to ensure proper formatting.
Practice using the resources available on the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center before taking your assessment.
Track your application status through your USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this position restricted to women only?

This restriction is authorized under the VA MISSION Act of 2018 and Public Law 115-271 to ensure the specific needs of women Veterans are adequately met by specialized staff.

What documentation is required to prove my status as a Peer Specialist?

You must provide a copy of a full, current, and unrestricted peer specialist certification issued by a state or an accredited non-profit entity.

Can I apply if I do not have a degree?

Yes. While graduate education can be used to qualify for higher grade levels, the primary qualification is based on recovery experience and professional certification.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served. The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is a key part of this mission, offering a wide array of healthcare services including primary care, psychiatry, and rehabilitation. We pride ourselves on creating a Whole Health System where Veterans are empowered to take charge of their well-being.