Lead Peer Specialist: Making a Difference at the VA Bedford Healthcare System

The VA Bedford Healthcare System is currently seeking a compassionate and experienced leader for a Lead Peer Specialist position. This role is more than just a job; it is an opportunity for a Veteran to utilize their personal recovery journey to guide others toward wellness. If you are passionate about mental health advocacy, team leadership, and serving those who served, this position offers a unique career path.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Peer Specialist, you will oversee a team of Peer Specialists and support staff. Your core responsibilities include:

Team Leadership: Coordinating daily workloads, coaching staff, and ensuring team goals align with the facility’s strategic mission.
Mentorship: Utilizing personal recovery experiences to model coping skills and wellness tools for Veterans.
Liaison Work: Acting as a bridge between the peer support team and administrative supervisors to secure resources.
Clinical Integration: Serving as a vested member of the multidisciplinary treatment team to provide input on Veteran wellness and recovery progress.

Comparison Table: Role Expectations

Feature	Lead Peer Specialist Focus
Primary Goal	Leading teams and facilitating recovery programs
Work Setting	Clinical, Community, and VA medical facilities
Communication	High-level consensus building and team coaching
Experience	Personal recovery + specialized federal experience

Requirements

To be eligible, candidates must:

Be a Veteran who has recovered from a mental health or substance use condition.
Possess a valid, unrestricted Peer Specialist certification.
Have at least one year of personal recovery and one year of specialized professional experience at the GS-09 level.
Be a U.S. Citizen and pass a pre-employment physical.

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) with a competitive salary range of $76,981 to $100,070 per year. Locality-based comparability pay is included.

Benefits

The VA provides an industry-leading benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Paid time off (annual and sick leave).
Robust retirement savings programs (Thrift Savings Plan).
Flexible work environments and professional growth opportunities.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Keep your resume under two pages and focus on results rather than just duties.
Documentation Matters: Double-check that your DD-214 and Peer Specialist certification are clearly attached.
Detail is Key: Clearly define your specialized experience, noting the number of hours worked per week for each role.

Serving as a Lead Peer Specialist at the VA Bedford Healthcare System is a meaningful way to advance your career while helping your fellow Veterans achieve their wellness goals. Ensure your application is complete by the August 24, 2026, deadline to take the next step in this rewarding journey.

Why This Lead Peer Specialist Job Matters

Empower your fellow Veterans by leading a team dedicated to recovery, wellness, and peer support within the VA Bedford Healthcare System.

Lead Peer Specialist Job Overview

The VA Bedford Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Lead Peer Specialist to provide clinical and operational leadership to a team of Peer Specialists. This role is uniquely designed for Veterans who have personal experience with mental health or substance use recovery and wish to use their expertise to coach, mentor, and advocate for others. You will act as a bridge between frontline peer support staff and supervisory leadership, ensuring high-quality, compassionate care that adheres to the VA's mission.

Requirements for Lead Peer Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be a Veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition.
Possession of a full, current, and unrestricted Peer Specialist certification from a not-for-profit entity or state authority.
Minimum of one year of personal recovery experience.
At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in federal service.
Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
Must complete online assessments as part of the application process.
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation and background investigation.
Required to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Peer Specialist

Proven experience in mentoring others within mental health or addiction recovery settings.
Strong background in leadership, team coordination, and consensus building.
Demonstrated ability to make sound clinical recommendations to interdisciplinary treatment teams.
Proficiency in crisis intervention and behavioral management techniques.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Flexible scheduling options and work-life balance initiatives.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.

💡 How to Apply Lead Peer Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Lead Peer Specialist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages and highlights relevant experience.
Gather required documentation, including your DD-214, Peer Specialist certification, and most recent SF-50 (if applicable).
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit your full application package by the closing date of August 24, 2026.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume uses clear, results-oriented language and includes hours worked per week for every position.
Submit your resume as a PDF to maintain document formatting.
Double-check that your Peer Specialist certification is valid and attached.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 is legible and clearly shows service dates.
Complete all required assessments promptly, as your results are often reused for future federal applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Veteran to apply?

Yes. This position is strictly limited to Veterans who have personal experience in mental health or substance use recovery.

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position. However, some telework may be authorized based on the nature of the duties and discussions during the interview process.

What documentation is required for current federal employees?

You must submit your most recent SF-50 confirming your position, grade, and time-in-grade eligibility. Award SF-50s are not sufficient.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated health care system in the nation. Driven by the "I CARE" values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the VA provides holistic support to Veterans. By joining the Bedford team, you become part of an organization dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle.