Become a Peer Specialist at the Washington DC VA Medical Center

Are you a Veteran dedicated to supporting your peers on their journey to wellness? The Washington DC VA Medical Center is currently hiring a Peer Specialist to serve our community. This position offers more than just a job; it is a chance to turn personal experience into a career of advocacy, mentorship, and recovery support.

Job Responsibilities

As a Peer Specialist, you are an integral part of an interdisciplinary team. You will:

Assist Veterans in setting and achieving recovery goals.
Model healthy coping techniques and self-help strategies based on your own journey.
Provide supportive coaching during group and individual meetings.
Document progress and report concerns to the clinical team.
Guide Veterans through VA and community resources.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must:

Be a Veteran discharged under honorable conditions.
Have at least one year of personal recovery experience.
Hold a current, unrestricted Peer Specialist certification.
Possess a valid driver’s license.

Grade Level Comparison

Grade Level	Education Requirement (Substitution)	Experience Oversight
GS-6	6 months graduate study	Closely monitored
GS-7	1 full year graduate study	Minimal supervision
GS-8	1.5 years graduate study	General/Detailed instructions
GS-9	2 years or Master’s degree	Significant independence

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $51,957 to $91,815 per year, commensurate with your grade level and experience. The role features a multi-grade career ladder, allowing for promotion as you meet performance and regulatory milestones.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits, including:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
A secure federal pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Professional development and training opportunities.

Application Tips

Document Everything: Be specific about your experience, hours worked, and duties.
Resume Length: Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less.
Formatting: Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your application is legible and compliant.

If you have the heart to serve and the lived experience to guide others, we invite you to apply. Join the Washington DC VA Medical Center team and help make a lasting impact on the lives of your fellow Veterans.

Why This Peer Specialist - Community Based Job Matters

Transform your personal recovery experience into a career of service by helping fellow Veterans navigate their own journeys toward wellness and independence.

Peer Specialist - Community Based Job Overview

The Washington DC VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Peer Specialist to join our interdisciplinary team. In this role, you will leverage your personal experiences with mental health or substance use recovery to mentor and coach Veterans, helping them set wellness goals, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and successfully access community resources. This position is a unique opportunity to provide compassionate support within a multidisciplinary environment, playing a vital role in our Whole Health care model.

Requirements for Peer Specialist - Community Based

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be a Veteran (discharged under conditions other than dishonorable).
Minimum 1 year of recovery from a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
Full, current, and unrestricted peer specialist certification from a state or non-profit training entity.
Must possess a valid state-issued driver's license.
Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
Completion of mandatory USA Hire online assessments.
Ability to meet time-in-grade requirements if currently or formerly employed by the federal government.

Preferred Qualifications for Peer Specialist - Community Based

Experience in psychiatric therapy aid or recovery advocacy.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively in an interdisciplinary treatment team.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to handle crisis interventions.
Graduate-level education in a field related to mental health or social work.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Generous vacation and sick leave accrual
✓Federal retirement pension plan and TSP matching
✓Structured career ladder promotion potential
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Supportive Whole Health workplace culture

💡 How to Apply Peer Specialist - Community Based Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Peer Specialist - Community Based Job

Log in to or create a USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Complete the required online application questionnaire.
Upload all mandatory documentation, including your DD-214, Peer Specialist Certification, and transcripts if applicable.
Complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if notified.
Submit your application before the closing date of September 11, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists the month and year for start/end dates and average hours worked per week for all positions.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet formatting requirements.
Focus on results-oriented language and highlight specific skills relevant to peer support.
Verify your Peer Specialist certification status before applying.
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 strictly for Veterans who have personally recovered or are recovering from a mental health condition or substance use disorder and hold a valid peer specialist certification.

Can I substitute education for experience?

Yes, graduate-level education directly related to the position can be substituted for a portion of the required specialized experience, depending on the grade level (GS-6 through GS-9).

What is the commitment regarding influenza vaccination?

All Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel are required to receive an annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain a documented medical exemption.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our nation. Operating under the "I CARE" values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the VA strives to create an environment where both Veterans and employees can thrive through the Whole Health approach.