Become a Peer Support Apprentice: A Career of Compassion and Recovery
Are you a woman Veteran passionate about helping others navigate their recovery journey? The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is hiring a Peer Support Apprentice to join our multidisciplinary team. This role is designed to transform your lived experience into a professional asset, providing you with the training and support to become a certified Peer Specialist.
Job Responsibilities
As a Peer Support Apprentice, you are a vital member of the healthcare team. Your primary role is to model recovery and provide support to Veterans who are working through mental health challenges or substance use disorders. Your daily tasks will include:
- Mentorship: Coaching Veterans on coping techniques and self-management tools.
- Advocacy: Assisting Veterans in articulating their recovery goals.
- Documentation: Reporting observations to the treatment team to ensure continuous care.
- Crisis Support: Engaging with supervisors to handle emergent situations.
- Education: Maintaining a working knowledge of holistic wellness trends.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Identity: You must be a woman Veteran (discharged under honorable or general conditions).
- Experience: A minimum of one year in recovery from a mental health or substance use condition.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Certification: Ability to obtain Peer Specialist certification within your first 12 months.
Eligibility Comparison Table
| Requirement Type | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran Status | Women Veteran | Mandatory |
| Education | High School/Equiv | Not Required |
| Recovery Time | Minimum 1 Year | Mandatory |
| Location | Sioux Falls, SD | On-site |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $40,736 to $52,957 per year, depending on qualifications. Beyond the paycheck, the VA offers a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Federal employee retirement benefits.
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- A collaborative work environment in a state-of-the-art facility.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and focuses on your relevant skills and recovery-oriented experience. Be sure to include your DD-214 and any SF-50 forms if you are a current or former federal employee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the goal of the apprenticeship? A: To provide you with the necessary clinical experience and training to obtain Peer Specialist certification and eventually transition into a permanent role.
Q: Is this position permanent? A: It is a time-limited position (Not-to-Exceed 13 months) with the intention of building your skills for future permanent placement.
If you are a woman Veteran ready to use your story to inspire hope in others, this position is for you. Join us in Sioux Falls and contribute to a mission that changes lives every day.
Why This Peer Support Apprentice - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized Job Matters
Empower fellow women Veterans as a Peer Support Apprentice—turn your personal journey of recovery into a professional mission of hope.
Peer Support Apprentice - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized Job Overview
The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated woman Veteran to join our team as a Peer Support Apprentice. This unique, time-limited position serves as a bridge for Veterans looking to transition into a career as a certified Peer Specialist. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to provide empathetic, recovery-focused support to other Veterans, utilizing your own lived experience to model healthy coping skills and wellness strategies.
Requirements for Peer Support Apprentice - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized
- Must be a woman Veteran (discharged under conditions other than dishonorable).
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must have at least one year of personal recovery experience from a mental health or substance use condition.
- Must be able to obtain state or VA-approved Peer Specialist certification within 12 months.
- Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
- Must complete an online assessment.
- Must provide a valid DD-214.
- Subject to a successful background and security investigation.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Peer Support Apprentice - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized
- Demonstrated ability to maintain independent living and community involvement.
- Active engagement in volunteer work or part-time employment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to act as a role model.
- Previous experience advocating for self or others within healthcare systems.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Training and professional development opportunities
- ✓No state income tax in South Dakota
💡 How to Apply Peer Support Apprentice - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Peer Support Apprentice - Woman Specific-Facility Based--Incentive Authorized Job
- Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Review the full announcement details and prepare your two-page maximum resume.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including your DD-214.
- Monitor your email for a link to the required USA Hire Assessments.
- Submit your complete package by the closing date of September 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to ensure eligibility.
- Clearly define your recovery-related experience, including hours worked per week.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
- Complete the USA Hire assessment as soon as you receive the link; it may take up to 3 hours.
- Clearly label your DD-214 and any other eligibility documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to men?
No. Due to the requirements of the VA MISSION Act of 2018 and the need to provide gender-specific care, this position is restricted to women Veterans.
What happens if I don't get certified within 12 months?
Certification is a condition of employment. Failure to achieve certification within the specified timeframe will result in removal from the Peer Support Apprentice role.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is a facility-based, non-virtual position located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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 in our nation's military. The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, part of the VA Midwest Healthcare System, provides comprehensive care including primary medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and long-term care. We pride ourselves on creating a healing environment where Veterans receive the best possible care from individuals who truly understand their journey.