VVFS Veteran Peer Specialist

Title: VVFS Veteran Peer Specialist

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist I

Hiring Range: $50,000-$55,443

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Veterans Services

Location: Blacksburg Office

Agency Website: www.dvs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The purpose of the Veteran Peer Specialist (VPS) position is to provide individualized peer coaching and advocacy services to veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and transitioning service members throughout an assigned VVFS Region.

The VPS works alongside veteran peers to inspire and support individuals in their personal management of daily living and behavioral challenges. The VPS provides hope, support, knowledge, coaching, role modeling, connection, navigation, and more via the connection of similar personal experience as a military service member or veteran.

Minimum Qualifications

- U.S. Military experience required.

- Minimum of one-year, post-military experience, addressing personal challenges related to post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, transition from military to civilian environment and/or other military service-related concerns.

- Knowledge and experience related to human services and/or behavioral healthcare field.

- Professional knowledge and/or personal experience in behavioral health and supportive services
for veterans, service members, dependents and caregivers.

- Knowledge of human rights, ethical and legal concerns related to providing care coordination
services.

- Knowledge of suicide interventions and mandatory reporting requirements.

- Ability to communicate (written and oral) clearly and effectively. Experience in public speaking
and delivery of subject matter trainings related to SMVF population.

- Ability to engage SMVF population, develop professional relationships, and advocate for those
individuals receiving services.

- Excellent client service skills. The ability to demonstrate creativity in developing strategies to resolve barriers to treatment and supportive services access.

- Excellent knowledge of computers and word processing skills.

- Excellent organization and record keeping skills.

- Ability to work independently and efficiently.

- Ability to work in a team model. Maintain effective inter/intra-agency working relationships.

Additional Considerations

U.S. Military experience required.

-Work experience in human services and/or behavioral healthcare field required. Related field or combination of education, training, or experience may substitute.

-Experience (in social work, psychology, human services, education, or an approved field) preferred. Related field or combination of education, training, or experience may substitute.

- Experience related to programs and services for veterans preferred.

- Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record must be maintained throughout employment.

- Must complete required position training related to Peer Support Services within 6 months of hire.

- Must complete all DVS agency and VVFS program training requirements within 6 months of hire

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: DVS HR Team

Phone: N/A

Email: recruitment@dvs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.