Become a Peer Specialist with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a Veteran who has navigated the challenges of mental health or substance use recovery? Do you have a passion for guiding others on their path to wellness? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a motivated Peer Specialist in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to serve as a vital link in our Whole Health System of care.
Job Responsibilities
As a Peer Specialist, your role is to function as a peer-mentor within an interdisciplinary team. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting Veterans in articulating and achieving their personal recovery goals.
- Modeling effective coping techniques based on your own recovery journey.
- Observing and reporting on patient progress or concerns to the treatment team.
- Leading group and individual meetings to combat negative self-talk.
- Connecting Veterans with essential VA and community support resources.
Comparison of Grade Level Expectations
| Grade Level | Responsibilities Overview | Supervision Level |
|---|---|---|
| GS-6 | Routine tasks, support-focused | Closely monitored |
| GS-7 | Routine recovery advocacy | Minimal oversight |
| GS-8 | Non-routine assignments | Detailed instructions for novel tasks |
| GS-9 | Independent recommendations | Considerable autonomy |
Requirements
To be eligible, you must be a Veteran in recovery (at least one year) and hold a recognized Peer Specialist certification. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, pass an online competency assessment, and meet physical requirements for a primarily sedentary role that may occasionally involve behavioral management techniques.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $50,087 to $88,510 per year, depending on the assigned grade level and experience.
Benefits
Employees of the VHA enjoy robust federal benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health and dental coverage.
- Generous leave accrual (annual and sick).
- Federal retirement contributions.
- Potential for credit toward leave accrual for prior federal or military service.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection, keep your resume to two pages or less. Be transparent about your volunteer and professional experience. Ensure all your documentation, including your DD-214 and Peer Specialist certificate, is legible and uploaded in an accepted format, preferably PDF.
This role offers a unique opportunity to turn your personal journey into a powerful tool for service. By joining the VHA, you become part of a mission-driven team dedicated to the long-term health and wellness of America's Veterans. Apply today and start your next chapter of service.
Why This Peer Specialist Job Matters
Transform your personal recovery journey into a powerful career as a Peer Specialist, helping fellow Veterans reclaim their lives through shared experience and compassionate support.
Peer Specialist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Peer Specialist to join our Substance Use Disorders team in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In this meaningful role, you will serve as an integral member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team, utilizing your personal experience in mental health or substance use recovery to mentor and empower Veterans. You will provide essential support by modeling healthy coping strategies, assisting with recovery goal-setting, and helping Veterans navigate VA and community resources to achieve long-term wellness.
Requirements for Peer Specialist
- Must be a Veteran (discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable).
- Must be recovered or recovering from a mental health condition (mental illness and/or substance use disorder) for at least one year.
- Must hold a Peer Specialist certification from a not-for-profit entity or a State.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
- Must complete an online competency assessment.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to perform light physical duties and behavioral management techniques if necessary.
Preferred Qualifications for Peer Specialist
- Experience in a mentor, recovery advocate, or psychiatric therapy aide role.
- Strong background in interdisciplinary team collaboration.
- Proven history of stable recovery, including community involvement, volunteering, or part-time employment.
- Advanced education in relevant fields (Graduate-level coursework or Master's degrees are applicable for higher grade levels).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave.
- ✓Retirement benefits including pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Supportive work environment focused on whole-health care.
💡 How to Apply Peer Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Peer Specialist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Ensure your resume is two pages or less and follows the required format.
- Gather required documentation, including your DD-214, Peer Support Certification, and transcripts if applicable.
- Submit your application and complete the online questionnaire by the deadline.
- Monitor your email for a link to the USA Hire Assessment if required.
- Check your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages to comply with federal requirements.
- Be specific about your hours worked per week; a full-time week is considered 35-40 hours.
- Clearly highlight your recovery journey and relevant advocacy experience in your resume.
- Ensure all your SF-50 forms clearly demonstrate time-in-grade if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for this Peer Specialist position?
This position is restricted to Veterans who are in recovery from a mental health condition and possess an official Peer Specialist certification.
What is the maximum length allowed for my resume?
Effective September 27, 2025, resumes must be no longer than two pages to remain eligible for consideration.
Do I need a college degree?
While there are education substitutions available, the core requirement is your Peer Specialist certification and recovery experience.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an in-person position based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to honoring those who have served our country. We provide comprehensive healthcare designed to empower Veterans to take charge of their well-being. Our approach emphasizes healing environments and community connection, ensuring every Veteran receives the compassionate, personalized care they deserve.