Become a Peer Specialist with the VA: A Rewarding Career Path

Are you a Veteran with a passion for helping others navigate their recovery journey? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a unique opportunity for individuals to serve as Peer Specialists in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. This role allows you to use your personal recovery experience to provide support, advocacy, and encouragement to fellow Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Peer Specialist, you will act as a bridge between clinical staff and the Veterans receiving treatment. Key responsibilities include:

Recovery Mentorship: Helping Veterans set wellness goals based on your own lived experience.
Skill Building: Teaching and modeling coping techniques for self-management.
Team Collaboration: Functioning as a key member of an interdisciplinary mental health treatment team.
Crisis Response: Assisting in crisis interventions and identifying behaviors that may signal a need for additional care.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-7 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Veteran Status: You must have served in the military and been discharged under honorable conditions.
Professional Experience: One year of specialized experience in mental health recovery or a related advocacy field.
Education: A bachelor's degree or one year of related graduate education may qualify you for this role.
Documentation: You must provide proof of service (DD-214) and, if using education, valid academic transcripts.

Comparison Table: Qualifications

Qualification Type	Requirement
Experience	1 Year Specialized (GS-06 equivalent)
Education	1 Full Year Graduate Study
Citizenship	Mandatory U.S. Citizenship
Background Check	Required (Non-sensitive/Low Risk)

Salary Overview

The salary for this position ranges from $50,460 to $80,243 per year, commensurate with your experience and qualifications within the GS scale.

Benefits

Working for the federal government comes with an array of benefits, including:

Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for career progression and promotion potential up to the GS-9 level.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of selection:

Respect the Limit: Keep your resume to exactly two pages.
Be Specific: Detail how your recovery experience translates to clinical support.
Formatting: Use the USAJOBS resume builder for best results.

This Peer Specialist position is more than just a job; it is a way to give back to the Veteran community. If you have the drive to make a difference, apply today through the USAJOBS portal.

Why This Peer Specialist Job Matters

Transform your personal journey into a powerful tool for healing—join the Veterans Health Administration as a Peer Specialist and make a life-changing difference for those who served.

Peer Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Peer Specialist to join our interdisciplinary team in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. In this role, you will leverage your personal recovery experience to serve as a mentor, coach, and advocate for Veterans navigating mental health and addiction recovery. You will work within a residential rehabilitation environment, modeling effective coping strategies and helping Veterans articulate their wellness goals.

Requirements for Peer Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be a Veteran (discharged under conditions other than dishonorable).
One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level in mental health peer recovery, advocacy, or psychiatric aide roles.
Alternatively, successful completion of one full year of graduate education directly related to the position.
Must pass a pre-employment urinalysis for illegal drug use.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must undergo a background/security investigation.
Must complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Commitment to participating in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Peer Specialist

Demonstrated ability to function as a fully vested member of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
Experience in teaching coping techniques and recovery tools to support self-management.
Strong interpersonal skills to identify behavioral changes and report concerns to clinicians.
Proficiency in managing crisis interventions and providing guidance in emergent situations.
Experience navigating both VA and community-based support resources.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary with defined pay scales.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal retirement system participation.
✓Accrued annual and sick leave based on length of service.
✓Opportunities for professional development and promotion.
✓Meaningful work in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

💡 How to Apply Peer Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Peer Specialist Job

Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
Ensure your resume is no more than two pages and tailored to the job requirements.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including transcripts (if applicable) and your most recent SF-50 if currently or formerly employed by the Federal government.
Submit your complete application package by the closing date of 11/10/2026.
Monitor your email for notifications regarding your status and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must strictly adhere to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be rejected.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting aligns with Federal standards.
Be specific about your recovery experience—the agency cannot make assumptions about your background.
If claiming Veterans Preference, ensure your DD-214 is legible and clearly displays your character of service.
Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact across all devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Veteran to apply?

Yes. This position is reserved specifically for Veterans who meet the statutory requirements of having served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

What is the work schedule?

This position operates on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule, from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. Federal regulations now mandate a two-page limit for resumes. Applications with longer resumes will be deemed ineligible.

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this is an onsite position located in Wilkes Barre, PA.*

How do I know if my education qualifies?

*A: Your education must be from an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served our nation. By joining our team, you become a vital part of a mission-driven organization focused on holistic health care and compassionate service for Veterans, their families, and their caregivers.