Empowering Recovery: Peer Support Apprentice Opportunities at the VA

The journey to recovery is one of the most courageous paths a person can take. At the Department of Veterans Affairs, we believe that those who have walked this path are uniquely equipped to support others. If you are a woman Veteran with a passion for helping your peers achieve their wellness goals, the Peer Support Apprentice position in Grand Junction, Colorado, offers a meaningful opportunity to turn your experience into a lifelong career.

Job Responsibilities

As a Peer Support Apprentice, you are a vital member of our multidisciplinary treatment team. You will:

Model Wellness: Use your personal recovery story to inspire hope and demonstrate effective coping strategies.
Support Recovery: Assist Veterans in setting and achieving personal health goals.
Team Collaboration: Work with licensed clinicians to monitor patient progress and participate in care planning.
Advocacy: Empower Veterans to advocate for their own needs within the healthcare system.

Requirements

This position is specifically designed for women Veterans. You must meet the following criteria:

Veteran Status: Active duty service with an honorable or general discharge.
Recovery Experience: At least one year of sustained recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder.
Certification Pursuit: You must be willing and able to complete a state or VA-approved Peer Specialist certification program.

Eligibility Snapshot

Requirement	Description
Gender Requirement	Women Veterans Only
Education	High School or Equivalent
Certification	Must obtain within designated timeline
Location	Grand Junction, CO

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $40,736 to $52,957 per year, commensurate with federal GS-5 pay scales.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits, including:

Health, vision, and dental insurance.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Access to professional training and career mentorship.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your two-page resume clearly defines your experience. Focus on your volunteerism, advocacy, and how you have maintained your own wellness. Always upload your DD-214 as it is a mandatory document for verification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this a permanent position? A: This is a time-limited apprenticeship designed to facilitate your training. Upon successful certification and completion of requirements, you become eligible for permanent Peer Specialist roles.

Q: Do I need a clinical degree? A: No, this is an entry-level peer-based position. Your primary qualification is your lived experience and commitment to recovery.

Join us in Grand Junction and help shape the future of Veteran healthcare. By becoming a Peer Support Apprentice, you aren't just getting a job—you are joining a community of healers dedicated to making a difference. Apply today to start your next chapter.

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

Empower your fellow Veterans by turning your personal recovery journey into a rewarding career of advocacy and support in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Peer Support Apprentice (Woman Specific-Facility Based) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Woman Veteran to join the Western Colorado Health Care System as a Peer Support Apprentice. This unique, time-limited role serves as an entry point for those passionate about mental health and substance use recovery. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team to provide compassionate, peer-based support to Veterans, helping them navigate their own wellness journeys while you gain the training necessary to become a certified Peer Specialist.

Requirements for Peer Support Apprentice (Woman Specific-Facility Based)

Must be a woman Veteran as defined by the VA MISSION Act of 2018.
Minimum of one year in recovery from a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain Peer Specialist certification within the designated timeframe.
Must provide a copy of your DD-214.
Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
Must be able to perform light to sedentary duties with occasional moderate physical demands.

Preferred Qualifications for Peer Support Apprentice (Woman Specific-Facility Based)

Strong communication skills and the ability to mentor and teach others.
Proven experience navigating personal wellness and recovery.
Active involvement in community organizations, clubs, or Veteran support groups.
Demonstrated ability to model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Annual and sick leave accrual
✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Professional development and certification training
✓Opportunity for transition to a permanent Peer Specialist position

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

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

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Gather and upload all required documents, including your DD-214 and relevant SF-50 forms.
Submit your complete application package by the closing date of 09/30/2027.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly highlights relevant experience, even if volunteer-based.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Double-check that your DD-214 is legible and clearly displays your character of service.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page limit requirement.
Review your responses to the questionnaire for accuracy before final submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for this position?

This position is restricted to women Veterans who have served in the active military, naval, air, or space service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

What happens if I fail to obtain my certification?

Completion of a certified Peer Specialist training program is a mandatory condition of employment. Failure to obtain certification by the required date will result in removal from the occupation and potential termination.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Western Colorado Health Care System is dedicated to serving those who have served our nation. We pride ourselves on a patient-centered, whole-health approach that fosters both physical and mental wellness. Located in the beautiful Grand Junction area, our facility serves thousands of Veterans, offering comprehensive care in a professional and supportive environment.