Empowering Recovery: Peer Specialist Career Opportunity for Women Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing whole-health care to those who have served our country. We are currently seeking a compassionate and dedicated woman Veteran to serve as a Peer Specialist at the VA Western Colorado Health Care System in Grand Junction. This position is a unique opportunity to turn your personal journey of recovery into a professional tool, helping other women Veterans navigate their own paths to wellness.

Job Responsibilities

As a Peer Specialist, your role is to serve as a mentor and coach. You will be an integral member of the treatment team, performing tasks that include:

Goal Articulation: Assisting Veterans in identifying and pursuing personal wellness goals.
Skill Building: Modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
Monitoring Progress: Observing behaviors and providing timely feedback to the clinical team.
Crisis Intervention: Handling emergent situations with grace and professional judgment.
Resource Navigation: Educating Veterans on how to utilize VA and community resources effectively.

Requirements

This position is restricted to women Veterans who meet specific statutory requirements under the MISSION Act. Key requirements include:

Proof of service (DD-214).
At least one year of personal recovery from a mental health or substance use condition.
A valid, state-recognized Peer Specialist certification.
Ability to perform light, sedentary duties with occasional moderate demands.

Salary Overview

This position operates under the GS pay scale with promotion potential. Compensation ranges are determined based on experience and grade level as follows:

Grade Level	Experience Requirement	Key Responsibility Level
GS-6	1 Year Specialized	Closely monitored tasks
GS-7	1 Year Specialized	Routine work with minimal oversight
GS-8	1 Year Specialized	Complex tasks with detailed guidance
GS-9	1 Year Specialized	Independent judgement & team input

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a competitive federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous leave accrual (vacation and sick time).
Retirement plans through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Ongoing professional training and education support.

Application Tips

To be successful in your application:

Respect the Limit: Keep your resume to a strict two-page limit.
Be Specific: Detail your recovery journey and how it has prepared you to help others.
Include Documentation: Missing transcripts or certifications are common reasons for disqualification.

This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to give back to the community of women who have sacrificed for our nation. If you are ready to use your experience to inspire others, we encourage you to apply to the VA Western Colorado Health Care System today.

Why This Peer Specialist (Woman Specific-Facility Based) Job Matters

Empower fellow women Veterans on their journey toward recovery and wellness as a Peer Specialist at the VA Western Colorado Health Care System.

Peer Specialist (Woman Specific-Facility Based) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated woman Veteran to join our team in Grand Junction, Colorado, as a Peer Specialist. This role is exclusively for women Veterans who are passionate about sharing their own recovery journey to support others. You will serve as a vital member of our multidisciplinary team, using your personal insights to help Veterans articulate their wellness goals, learn effective coping techniques, and navigate the recovery process within a compassionate, facility-based environment.

Requirements for Peer Specialist (Woman Specific-Facility Based)

Must be a woman Veteran who has served in active military, naval, air, or space service.
Must have at least one year of personal recovery experience from a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
Must possess a full, current, and unrestricted Peer Specialist certification from a state or a not-for-profit training entity.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Must provide a copy of DD-214 and Peer Specialist Certification.
Must meet Selective Service registration requirements if male (not applicable here due to gender restriction, but standard protocol).
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Peer Specialist (Woman Specific-Facility Based)

Demonstrated ability to function as a fully vested member of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
Experience in facilitating group support meetings and individual coaching sessions.
Strong skills in modeling recovery-oriented coping techniques.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, unpredictable clinical environment.
Graduate-level education in a field related to mental health or social work.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for professional growth and multi-grade career advancement.
✓Work-life balance in an outdoor-focused region.
✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.

💡 How to Apply Peer Specialist (Woman Specific-Facility Based) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Peer Specialist (Woman Specific-Facility Based) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents, including your DD-214, Peer Specialist certification, and SF-50 (if applicable).
Submit your application package before the closing date of 09/30/2027.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is concise and results-oriented, adhering to the strict two-page limit.
Use the official USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets requirements.
Clearly articulate how your personal recovery journey and professional experience align with the Peer Specialist role.
If claiming Veterans' preference, ensure your DD-214 is legible and clearly defines the character of your service.
Save your documents as PDFs to maintain formatting and avoid file issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this position?

This position is open only to women Veterans who meet specific statutory requirements, including having at least one year of personal recovery from a mental health condition and possessing a valid Peer Specialist certification.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is a facility-based position located in Grand Junction, Colorado, and requires in-person presence.

What documentation is required for current or former federal employees?

You must submit an SF-50 that clearly demonstrates your tenure, grade level, and duty location. If your most recent SF-50 is less than a year old, you may need an additional SF-50 to prove one full year of time-in-grade.

Do I need a degree to apply?

*A: While some grade levels allow for education substitution, the primary requirement is personal recovery experience and a valid certification.*

Is there an age limit for applicants?

*A: No, however, you must be a Veteran of the United States armed forces.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Western Colorado Health Care System serves approximately 16,000 Veterans across 47,000 square miles. Our facility offers a blend of clinical complexity and a supportive work environment that emphasizes work-life balance. Located in Grand Junction—a hub for outdoor recreation and natural beauty—our system provides comprehensive acute, chronic, and psychiatric services. By joining our team, you become part of an interdisciplinary staff dedicated to honoring President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle.