Peer Support Specialist

ABOUT THE FAMILY TREE

The Family Tree Information, Education & Counseling Center is a private nonprofit organization that has served Louisiana individuals and families since 1979. Through our Military & Veteran Connection Initiative (MVCI), a program funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP), we are building a dedicated team to deliver comprehensive suicide prevention services to Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families across Southwest and Central Louisiana (LDH Regions 4 & 5).

POSITION OVERVIEW

Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are hiring two Part-Time Peer Support Specialists to provide flexible, community-based outreach and peer engagement for the LMVCI program. These positions work approximately 20 hours per week and are primarily field-based, meeting Veterans where they are, at community events, VSOs, workforce agencies, faith communities, and other trusted settings throughout the service area. Part-Time Peer Support Specialists play a critical role in building community trust, reducing stigma around mental health and help-seeking, and connecting Veterans to available program services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct flexible, community-based outreach to Veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military-connected families throughout LDH Regions 4 or 5.
• Engage Veterans through relationship-building, peer mentorship, and shared lived experience to reduce stigma and encourage connection to services.
• Assist participants in navigating behavioral health, VA healthcare, and community resources.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate group activities, trainings, and peer engagement events.
• Maintain consistent contact with assigned participants and support retention in program services.
• Submit daily engagement reports on days worked to the Program Coordinator.
• Maintain timely documentation in the EHR system.
• Participate in weekly or bi-weekly team meetings, case consultations, and community partnership activities as scheduled.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation in the EHR system and submit daily engagement reports.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Personal lived experience as a Veteran, Active-Duty Service Member, National Guard or Reserve member, or immediate family member of a service member.
• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, education, counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, working knowledge of Google Drive
• Comfortable engaging individuals experiencing mental health challenges, financial hardship, or social isolation.
• Reliable transportation for field-based outreach throughout the service area.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and documentation standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Peer Support Specialist (Louisiana or equivalent) or willingness to pursue certification within 60 days.
• Prior experience in peer support, mentorship, community outreach, or a Veteran-serving organization.
• QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) gatekeeper training or willingness to obtain within 60 days.
• Familiarity with CRM/DMS database.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

• Part-Time: Approximately 20 hours per week with flexible scheduling. No benefits package for part-time positions; eligibility determined by organizational policy and hours worked.
• Grant-Funded Position: This position is funded through the SSG Fox SPGP (September 30, 2026 – September 29, 2027). Continued employment is contingent on future funding.
• Location: Field-based throughout LDH Regions 4 & 5 with check-ins at the Lafayette office as required.

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 20.0 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lafayette, LA 70508

Salary : $19 - $21