Peer Specialist, Veteran's Services

Responsibilities

Primary Job Function and Responsibilities

• Provides support and guidance to fellow veterans, leveraging their own lived experience to help others navigate recovery and wellness goals. This role involves building relationships, offering support, and connecting veterans with resources. Promoting self-determination, recovery, self-advocacy, and self-direction; assisting individuals in identifying strengths; wellness goals; setting objectives, and identifying barriers;
• Establishing rapport and trust with veterans through shared experiences, acting as a role model for recovery. Assisting individuals in obtaining information about their benefits (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, etc.).
• Identifying and engaging with veterans who may benefit from peer support services, including outreach to those in various settings like hospitals, community centers, or even on the streets. 
• Engaging individuals in outpatient programs and services to encourage recovery;
• Modeling self-advocacy skills;
• Connecting veterans with relevant VA and community resources, such as mental health services, housing assistance, and employment programs. 
• Providing education to other staff to increase their understanding of Veteran culture and Veteran-specific issues, and to promote a culture in which an individuals’ points of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into service delivery;
• Providing immediate support and intervention in crisis situations, following established protocols. Sharing his or her own personal story to model how to choose, obtain, and maintain stability;
• Supporting individuals in making informed decisions about treatment, housing, benefits, and building community connections;
• Supporting the individuals in developing crisis plans and safety plans;
• Maintaining accurate records of interactions and reporting relevant information to the treatment team. Assisting in overcoming barriers to recovery and addressing challenges;

Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent and Peer Specialist Certification through State of Alabama Department of Mental Health. A crucial requirement is the peer specialist's own recovery journey from mental health challenges or substance use. Must be 23 years of age, maintain a valid Alabama driver license and an acceptable driving record, and have proof of current liability insurance. Proof of status as a current or former service in one of the five branches of United States Armed Services.

• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population
• Knowledge of Veteran-specific issues
• Knowledge of cultural diversity
• Knowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and interventions common to acute psychotic consumers; as well as, to non-violent crisis intervention practices
• Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation principles
• Knowledge of available community employment resources
• Knowledge of educational methods appropriate to adults with psychiatric disorders