Empowering Veterans: The Peer Specialist Role at the VA

Are you a Veteran with a personal recovery journey who wants to help others navigate their own path to wellness? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring Peer Specialists for the Women's Clinic within the VISN 6 network, serving the Jacksonville and Wilmington, North Carolina areas. This position offers a unique chance to turn personal experience into a career that supports the men and women who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Peer Specialist, you act as a bridge between the clinical treatment team and the Veterans receiving care. Your primary duties include:

Mentoring: Using your own recovery experience to model coping strategies and self-help tools.
Advocacy: Assisting Veterans in articulating their wellness goals and navigating the healthcare system.
Outreach: Providing support in diverse settings, including homes, community centers, and even street outreach programs.
Crisis Support: Assisting with intervention during emergent situations.

Requirements

To be eligible for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Veteran Status: You must be a Veteran with a history of mental health or substance use recovery.
Certification: You must hold a current Peer Specialist certification.
Recovery Duration: You must demonstrate at least one year of successful recovery.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

Salary Overview

The position is graded between GS-6 and GS-9, offering a competitive federal salary range based on experience and qualifications.

Grade Level	Starting Salary	Max Salary
GS-6 to GS-9	$45,409	$80,243

Benefits

The VA provides an industry-leading benefits package, including robust health insurance, a federal retirement plan, and generous leave accrual. Employees also benefit from a supportive work environment that values continuous learning.

Application Tips

Follow Page Limits: Federal resumes are now limited to two pages. Focus on quality over quantity.
Be Precise: Ensure your start/end dates and hours per week are clearly documented.
Use PDFs: Save your documents as PDFs to ensure they remain readable during the recruitment process.

This position is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to serve your peers. If you have the required experience and a desire to give back, we encourage you to review the full requirements and submit your application via the official USAJOBS portal.

Why This Peer Specialist - Women'S Clinic Job Matters

Transform your personal recovery journey into a professional career that changes lives. Join the VA as a Peer Specialist and empower fellow Veterans on their path to wellness.

Peer Specialist - Women'S Clinic Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Peer Specialist for the Women's Clinic within the VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network. This vital role leverages your lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery to mentor, coach, and support Veterans in their own wellness journeys. You will serve as a key member of an interdisciplinary team, providing outreach in diverse community settings and facilitating critical recovery support services.

Requirements for Peer Specialist - Women'S Clinic

Must be a Veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition.
Must have at least one year of consistent recovery.
Must hold a Peer Specialist certification from a not-for-profit training entity or a State.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
Must register for Selective Service if male and born after 12/31/1959.
Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Peer Specialist - Women'S Clinic

Prior experience working in community-based outreach or peer support settings.
Demonstrated ability to advocate for others within a clinical or social service environment.
Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary treatment teams.
Experience in crisis intervention or supporting individuals with complex needs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Flexible work schedule options including ad-hoc telework
✓Training and professional development opportunities

💡 How to Apply Peer Specialist - Women'S Clinic Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Peer Specialist - Women'S Clinic Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including DD-214, Peer Specialist certification, and transcripts (if applicable).
Submit your complete application package by the closing date of 10/28/2026.
Monitor your email for a link to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if required.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise and focused on relevant experience—do not exceed two pages.
Clearly state your hours worked per week, as part-time work is prorated.
Ensure your DD-214 is legible and clearly displays your character of service.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain document formatting.
Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all structural requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Veteran to apply?

Yes, this position is statutorily limited to Veterans who have recovered or are recovering from a mental health condition.

What is the education requirement?

You may qualify through specialized experience alone or a combination of experience and education (graduate level coursework or a master's degree).

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position, though some roles may offer ad-hoc telework eligibility depending on specific clinical needs.

What if I don't have a degree?

*A: You can qualify based on your specialized experience if you have the required certification.*

Can I apply if I live outside of NC?

*A: Yes, provided you are willing to commute to the duty location.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the VA means joining a team dedicated to holistic care and community support.