Embark on a Fulfilling Career: Peer Specialist at the VA
Are you a Veteran who has walked the path of recovery and feels called to support others on their journey? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for compassionate, resilient individuals to serve as Peer Specialists in Fayetteville, NC. This is more than a job—it is an opportunity to use your personal history to foster hope, stability, and wellness for those who have served our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Peer Specialist, your work is varied and vital. You will:
- Model Recovery: Use your personal experiences to teach coping skills and wellness strategies.
- Support Advocacy: Assist Veterans in setting goals and advocating for their own health care needs.
- Conduct Outreach: Work in diverse environments including homes, shelters, and outpatient clinics.
- Collaborate: Participate as a key member of an interdisciplinary treatment team.
Requirements
This role has specific statutory requirements. Candidates must be Veterans who have successfully navigated mental health recovery and hold a valid peer specialist certification. Furthermore, applicants must be proficient in English and ready to pass a background check.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $47,418 - $83,794 |
| Location | Fayetteville, NC |
| Grade Levels | GS-06 to GS-09 |
| Promotion Potential | Up to GS-09 |
Benefits
Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and generous paid leave. These benefits support not just your professional growth, but your personal wellness as well.
Serving as a Peer Specialist is a profound way to give back to the Veteran community. If you have the passion to mentor others and the qualifications to join our team, we encourage you to apply. Together, we can continue to serve those who have given so much.
Why This Peer Specialist Job Matters
Turn your personal journey into a powerful career as a Peer Specialist, helping fellow Veterans navigate the path to recovery and wellness.
Peer Specialist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Peer Specialist to join our interdisciplinary team in Fayetteville, NC. This unique role is reserved for Veterans who have successfully managed their own mental health recovery and are now ready to mentor, coach, and support other Veterans in their personal wellness journey. As a community-based specialist, you will engage in outreach and support within diverse settings, providing a compassionate, recovery-focused environment for those who have served our country.
Requirements for Peer Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be a Veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition.
- Must possess certification from a not-for-profit peer specialist training entity or a state-recognized certification.
- At least one year of sustained recovery from a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
- Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to pass a background security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Peer Specialist
- Previous experience as a recovery advocate or psychiatric therapy aide.
- Strong ability to model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
- Demonstrated history of community involvement or volunteer work.
- Experience in crisis intervention and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care plans.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Career advancement and promotion potential up to GS-09.
- ✓Supportive work environment dedicated to Veteran wellness.
💡 How to Apply Peer Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Peer Specialist Job
- Register for a USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less.
- Complete the required online assessment.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including DD-214, transcripts, and peer certification.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly lists job titles, duties, and hours worked per week.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet formatting and page limits.
- Highlight volunteer work if it relates to peer support.
- Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire Assessments.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this Peer Specialist position?
This position is exclusively for Veterans who have personal experience recovering from a mental health condition and possess a relevant peer specialist certification.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, this is a community-based role that may require travel to Veterans' homes, community centers, and treatment facilities using public or government transportation.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We are dedicated to providing world-class care to our Veterans. By joining our team, you become a critical link in an interdisciplinary network designed to provide whole-health care that honors the sacrifice of our service members.