Job Details

Veteran Peer Specialist

The Veteran Peer Specialist reports directly to the Veteran Service Coordinator (VSC) of U.S.VETS or the Program Coordinator (depending on which program the position is assigned to). Under supervision, the Peer Specialist is responsible for providing guidance and services to veterans to achieve their highest level of independence and assists in the daily implementation of day-to-day basic residential services. Peer Specialists support veterans with life skills and any recovery issues, including listening, encouraging, coaching, empowering, and connecting them to resources to meet their individual needs.

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Responsibilities

For Peer Specialists of all U.S.VETS Programs

• Ensures harmonious atmosphere within program by maintaining communication with and being liaison between the clinical staff and program staff and fostering a therapeutic community environment among clients
• Establishes rapport and maintains a professional relationship and boundaries with clients and potential clients.
• Coordinates individual and group services that help veterans achieve specific life and recovery goals and support success
• Responsible for preventing or de-escalating any problematic behaviors among clients, including submitting Incident Reports to the Veteran Service Coordinator, Program Coordinator or Lead Veterans Service Assistant concerning these events
• Assists with maintaining compliance with VA, HUD, and other funder regulations and organization protocols in requesting third-party documentation and ensuring all program documentation is collected and maintained
• Participates in case conferences, consultations, and staffing with appropriate staff.
• Facilitates and/or participates in monthly Town Hall meetings.
• Assists Case Managers in maintaining confidential client files in a professional and timely manner, ensuring all forms are the most recently revised versions and in compliance with organization standards; all required documents are present, complete, signed by the client and staff as applicable, and placed in the correct order according to organization standards
• Maintains confidentiality in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards
• Assists in quality management activities, data collection, and preparing reports
• Attends scheduled team meetings and trainings
• Maintains and submits time sheets, mileage logs, supportive service requests, and other required documentation accurately and in a timely fashion

• Responsible for addressing client issues timely to ensure non-interruption of services
• With supervision, facilitates peer-to-peer groups and life skills classes and assists with teaching daily living skills on an individual level to those with specific needs
• Assists with monitoring program rent/participant fee compliance to assist clients in prioritizing housing
• Identifies and utilizes community resources to meet client needs.
• Transports clients to community medical, housing, errands, and other appointments and accompanies for peer support as needed
• Coordinates therapeutic, social/recreational activities and outings
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Program-Specific Duties

U.S.VETS has various programs in which a Peer Specialist may be assigned to one or more, including Transitional Housing, Long-Term Supportive Housing, Mental Health, and Veteran Peer Access Network programs, that have additional program-specific duties as outlined below.

• For Peer Specialist working with the Rapid Re-Housing Programs to include Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF):
  • Provide identification of and pre-screening for eligibility of potential applicants to include Rapid Resolution (Diversion).
  • Participate in Stand Downs and other VA/community outreach activities.
  • Provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to participants in the SSVF or other Rapid Rehousing programs through assistance in navigating and accessing veteran and mainstream resources.
  • Provide assistance in the processing and submission of applications for housing
  • Monitor and document participation, progress, referrals, and services provided to participant.
  • Provide direct support to the Case Management team as needed during the housing search and placement process. Such assistance may include accessing moving costs, rental monies, and other basic household items for the client
  • Provide tenant education including tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination and communication with landlords.
  • Conduct wellness checks and home visits as needed.
  • Conducts HQS Inspections on units prior to move in.
  • Maintain working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services to participants.
  • Maintain working relationships with veteran serving organizations.
  • Attend in-service trainings and outside conferences/workshops, as requested by the Program Coordinator.

• For Peer Specialists focusing on income and benefits advocacy:
  • Collaborates with and may report to the Income & Benefits Specialist or directly to the Director of Behavioral Health to assist clients with applying for and navigating the benefits acquisition process.
  • Transports and accompanies clients to benefits appointments with VA, Social Security, etc.
  • Assists clients in creating and adhering to a personal budget to include making rent payments on time to prioritize housing.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required
• One year of experience in social services or related field preferred
• A veteran of the U.S. military or military-related family member is preferred
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
• Experience working with homeless and/or veterans preferred
• Experience facilitating support groups preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Professional manner and appearance
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Ability to take direction
• Ability to work effectively with diverse group of clients, staff, and community members
• Computer proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Internet and ability to use client tracking databases and electronic case records.
• Valid driver’s license required. Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

U.S.VETS subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. It is our policy to provide employment, compensation, and other benefits related to employment based on qualifications, without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, U.S.VETS intends to comply fully with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and the information requested on this application will be used only for purposes consistent with those laws.