Become a Peer Specialist at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center

Are you a Veteran committed to giving back? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a unique opportunity for individuals who have personally navigated the journey of recovery to help others do the same. As a Peer Specialist, you act as a mentor, a coach, and an advocate, turning your past challenges into a powerful tool for community health.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will work alongside physicians, social workers, and other clinical staff to provide comprehensive support to Veterans. Key duties include:

Assisting Veterans in articulating their personal recovery goals.
Modeling effective coping techniques based on your own journey.
Leading group and individual meetings to teach wellness skills.
Identifying risks or changes in a Veteran's condition and reporting them to the team.
Helping Veterans connect with community supports and resources.

Requirements

This position has specific eligibility criteria:

Veteran Status: You must be a Veteran discharged under honorable conditions.
Recovery Experience: At least one year of personal recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder.
Certification: You must hold a valid, current Peer Specialist certification.
Language: Proficiency in English is required for patient care roles.

Grade Level Comparison Table

Grade	Requirement	Primary Focus
GS-6	1 Year Specialized Experience	Supervised recovery mentoring
GS-7	1 Year Specialized Experience	Routine tasks with minimal oversight
GS-8	1 Year Specialized Experience	Non-routine assignments
GS-9	1 Year Specialized Experience	Independent judgment and team input

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $45,409 to $80,243 annually, depending on the assigned grade level. Beyond the salary, the VA offers a competitive benefits package, including paid time off, flexible scheduling, and the satisfaction of a career that directly impacts the lives of fellow Veterans.

How to Apply

Check Eligibility: Ensure your Peer Specialist certification is valid for your state.
Resume Prep: Your resume must be two pages or less. Focus on relevant, results-oriented experience.
Documents: Gather your DD-214, transcripts (if applicable), and certification.
Apply Online: Submit your package via the USAJOBS portal before November 6, 2026.

Serving as a Peer Specialist is more than just a job; it is a chance to change lives. If you have the resilience and the desire to guide your peers toward a healthier future, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Peer Specialist Job Matters

Transform your personal recovery journey into a rewarding career supporting fellow Veterans on their path to wellness at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center.

Peer Specialist Job Overview

The Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Peer Specialist to serve as an integral member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. This role is uniquely designed for Veterans who have successfully navigated their own recovery from mental health or substance use conditions. You will provide vital mentorship, model effective coping strategies, and guide fellow Veterans through their personal wellness plans in a compassionate, whole-health environment.

Requirements for Peer Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be a Veteran who has served in the active military, naval, air, or space service.
Must have at least one year of recovery from a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
Possession of a full, current, and unrestricted Peer Specialist certification.
Must be proficient in basic written and spoken English.
Must meet Selective Service registration requirements for males born after 12/31/1959.
Subject to background and security investigation.
Must be able to perform light physical duties with reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications for Peer Specialist

Prior experience working as a recovery advocate or psychiatric therapy aide.
Demonstrated ability to mentor peers within a clinical or community setting.
Experience in facilitating group sessions and individual wellness coaching.
Advanced education in social sciences or related fields (graduate education may substitute for experience).

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Generous paid time off
✓Flexible and predictable work scheduling
✓Comprehensive health and wellness resources
✓Contribution to a mission-driven, emotionally rewarding work environment
✓Career advancement opportunities via a multi-grade career ladder

💡 How to Apply Peer Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Peer Specialist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including your DD-214 and Peer Specialist Certification.
Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM ET on November 6, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to meet federal requirements.
Clearly articulate your recovery-related experience and duties in your resume.
Save and upload your documents as PDFs to maintain formatting.
Verify that your Peer Specialist certification is valid and ready to upload.
Review your SF-50 forms carefully if you are a current or former federal employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Veteran to apply?

Yes, this position is strictly restricted to Veterans who meet the statutory requirements defined by law.

What does the salary range depend on?

The salary range reflects the multi-grade career ladder (GS-6 through GS-9), with placement based on your specialized experience and education level.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center is part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). We are dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military and their families. Our culture is defined by our 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.