Peer Support Specialist

Position Purpose

The Homes for All Veterans (HAV) Peer Support Specialist provides supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness and are also struggling with military trauma, mental health issues and/or substance misuse using a strength-based approach. Peer Support Specialists work one-on-one with veterans to help develop recovery goals, build skills, and coordinate/navigate services using their lived experience to promote stabilization and recovery while those veterans obtain housing. Working collaboratively with each veteran's Health Care Navigator (HCN), Veteran Support Specialists (VSS), and VA and Community Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery programs, the Peer Support Specialist assists veterans across all stages of the recovery process including transitioning into housing.

Essential Duties

• Use relevant personal lived experience to act as a role model and establish a trusting relationship with assigned veterans.
• Meet with identified veterans in person to achieve goals for stable housing, improved mental health, and recovery in coordination with other HAV staff.
• Respond to requests from staff for peer support with timely outreach to the Veteran, and follow-up with the staff on the outcome of the request.
• Attend team meetings to discuss veteran cases and provide feedback to the HCN and VSS as well as VA and community agency representatives.
• Collaborate with HCN to link veterans to community and VA services and engage them in the recovery/treatment process.
• Provide support services using a trauma informed approach to include advocacy, education, and mentoring, as needed.
• Assist in the development/facilitation of skill building classes in a group setting.
• Maintain confidentiality according to RMHS and HIPAA guidelines.
• Ensure that veteran contact is documented in Case Logic in a timely manner.
• Complete paperwork as required by the Homes for All Veterans programs.
• Write and submit reports, as needed in a timely manner.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The Peer Support Specialist must model recovery-oriented behaviors, encourage veteran engagement, seek opportunities to coach social skills, foster optimism, and bolster hope. Additionally, the Peer Support Specialist will assist in the development of problem-solving, self-advocacy, and decision-making skills and realistic goal setting.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a Veteran
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1-2 years' experience with mental health issues and recovery.
• 1-2 years' experience working in a peer support specialist or similar role.
• Personal experience with any of the following: personal mental health needs, substance use, and/or homelessness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in behavioral healthcare.
• Peer Specialist Training Certificate that includes the Colorado State Core Competencies
• Wellness and Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Training Course
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
• Mental Health First Aid
• CPR/AED
• Motivational interviewing (required within six months of hire).
• Willing to complete SSVF and RMHS trainings and continuing education as necessary

Driving Requirements

• Valid Drivers License
• Proof of motor vehicle insurance
• Personal vehicle in good operating condition for use during work
• No major violations in the past three years.
• No more than two moving violations in the past three years
• Ability to meet and maintain agency driving requirements and operate agency vehicles.