Lead Peer Specialist: Advancing Veteran Wellness at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing compassionate, whole-health care to those who have served. An essential part of this mission is the Peer Specialist program, which utilizes the lived experiences of Veterans to guide others through their recovery journeys. We are currently seeking a Lead Peer Specialist to join the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. This role is perfect for a mission-driven leader who is ready to take their advocacy to the next level.
Job Responsibilities
As a Lead Peer Specialist, your work goes beyond one-on-one support. You will:
- Lead and Mentor: Facilitate and coach a team of peer support staff, ensuring they are equipped to meet program goals.
- Liaise with Management: Act as the primary point of contact between your team and the supervisory structure.
- Support Recovery: Model coping techniques and recovery tools while helping Veterans navigate community resources.
- Collaborate: Participate as a fully vested member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, providing insight on patient progress.
Comparison: Standard vs. Lead Peer Specialist
| Feature | Standard Peer Specialist | Lead Peer Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Impact | Individual Veteran focus | Team-level management |
| Mentorship | Peer-to-peer support | Mentoring peers & support staff |
| Administrative Role | Documentation of services | Workflow management & coordination |
| Collaboration | Direct patient interaction | Multidisciplinary team representation |
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-10 position, you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen and a Veteran.
- Possess a valid, unrestricted Peer Specialist certification.
- Have at least one year of personal experience in mental health or addiction recovery.
- Demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.
Salary Overview
This position is classified under the GS-10 grade level, with an annual salary range of $84,971 to $110,456. The salary is competitive and commensurate with federal pay standards for the region.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous retirement savings options.
- Significant paid leave for vacation and illness.
- Career advancement opportunities in the largest integrated healthcare system in the US.
Application Tips
- Focus on Quality: Ensure your resume clearly demonstrates your leadership and recovery-based experience.
- Mind the Limit: Federal agencies now strictly enforce a two-page limit on resumes.
- Document Everything: Ensure your DD-214 and Peer Specialist certification are uploaded clearly.
If you are a Veteran passionate about peer-led recovery and leadership, this position at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System is an ideal next step. Apply today to contribute to our mission of service and care.
Why This Lead Peer Specialist Job Matters
Empower your fellow Veterans by leveraging your own recovery journey in this vital leadership role at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System.
Lead Peer Specialist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Lead Peer Specialist to join the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. In this role, you will lead a team of peer support staff, acting as a bridge between frontline specialists and management. By utilizing your personal experience with mental health or substance use recovery, you will guide Veterans through their own wellness journeys while ensuring that your team provides high-quality, compassionate care. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of peer-delivered services within a world-class academic teaching hospital environment.
Requirements for Lead Peer Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be a 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.
- Possession of a full, current, and unrestricted Peer Specialist certification.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level.
- Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Lead Peer Specialist
- Demonstrated experience in mentoring or advocating for individuals in mental health recovery.
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and manage a team in a clinical or support setting.
- Strong communication skills with experience in conflict resolution and consensus building.
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Competitive salary based on GS-10 pay scale.
- ✓Retirement benefits including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Accrual of paid annual and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training within a VA teaching hospital.
- ✓Work-life balance with telework eligibility options.
💡 How to Apply Lead Peer Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Lead Peer Specialist Job
- Create or log in to your account at USAJOBS.
- Review the full job announcement and ensure your resume is no longer than two pages.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including your Peer Specialist Certification, DD-214, and recent SF-50 if applicable.
- Submit your application package before the deadline of 11:59 PM (ET) on September 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure proper formatting and inclusion of necessary information.
- Clearly highlight your recovery journey and leadership experience using results-focused language.
- Double-check that all required certifications and military documentation (DD-214) are attached before submitting.
- Ensure your SF-50 documentation clearly demonstrates one year of time-in-grade if you are a current federal employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to non-veterans?
No. By law, this Peer Specialist position is restricted to Veterans who have recovered or are recovering from a mental health condition.
Can I work remotely?
This is not a virtual position. However, telework may be authorized at the supervisor's discretion based on the nature of the duties.
What is the resume length requirement?
Effective September 2025, resumes must be no longer than two pages to remain eligible for consideration.
What is the closing date?
Applications must be submitted by September 8, 2026.
Is a background check required?
Yes, all selected candidates must pass a security investigation.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS) is a world-class facility serving as a hub for medical research, education, and patient care. Affiliated with the Stanford University School of Medicine, VAPAHCS provides a rich academic environment where state-of-the-art technology meets dedicated clinical practice. By joining our team, you are becoming part of a network that spans California, Nevada, and Hawaii, dedicated to the health and wellness of our nation's heroes.