Peer Support Specialist (52945)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Peer Support Specialist provides peer-based support, outreach, engagement, and resource navigation to veterans and service members at risk for suicide. Drawing appropriately upon lived experience and trauma-informed principles, the Peer Support Specialist builds trust, promotes hope and recovery, reduces barriers to services, and helps participants connect with behavioral health, wellness, and community resources while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Engage veterans and service members through peer-based outreach, relationship building, encouragement, and recovery-oriented support.
• Use lived experience appropriately and purposefully to promote hope, self-advocacy, resilience, recovery, and participant engagement.
• Assist participants with identifying personal goals, strengths, natural supports, and barriers to care.
• Provide information, linkage, accompaniment, and navigation support related to behavioral health, substance use treatment, housing, benefits, employment, wellness, and other community resources.
• Maintain regular contact with assigned participants and support continued engagement with recommended services and supports.
• Collaborate with the Case Manager, Program Director, health care providers, veteran-serving organizations, and community partners to support coordinated care.
• Recognize and report safety concerns in accordance with program procedures and support participants in accessing appropriate crisis or clinical resources when needed.

• Model recovery-oriented behaviors, healthy boundaries, self-advocacy, and effective use of community supports.
• Document peer contacts, outreach efforts, referrals, participant progress, and other required service information accurately and timely.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, supervision, training, outreach events, and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct and confidentiality.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Strong communication, empathy, active listening, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to establish trust while maintaining appropriate professional and ethical boundaries.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of recovery principles, trauma-informed care, peer support practices, and veteran-specific resources preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and accurately complete required documentation.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to use electronic records, databases, email, and standard office applications.
• Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion;
• Ability to work well in a team environment;
• Military/Veteran status required.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality;
• Professional appearance and demeanor;

• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required; and
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal history background check.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Prior experience working with veteran populations and/or in suicide prevention is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to use lived experience in a professional, recovery-oriented, and participant-centered manner.
• Must be a veteran or current/former service member with lived experience navigating recovery, mental health challenges, or transitional issues
• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Certified Peer Support Specialist required, or ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire, consistent with applicable program requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting.
• Regular travel throughout the assigned service area is required to support outreach, community partnerships, participant services, meetings, and program activities.
• Travel between WestCare facilities, VA facilities, community partner locations, and outreach sites may be required.
• Position requires regular interaction with Veterans and individuals who may be experiencing behavioral health concerns, emotional distress, significant psychosocial stressors, or suicide risk.
• Some evening or weekend work may be required to support outreach events, community activities, or program needs.