Peer Specialist
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Vancouver, WA, United States
Summary
This Peer Specialist position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements that are detailed in the qualifications section.
Summary
This Peer Specialist position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements that are detailed in the qualifications section.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position - applicants must meet time-in-grade and specialized experience within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement - 04/27/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-06 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-05. For a GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-06. For a GS-08 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-08. The grade may have been in any occupation - but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year - it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade - as required by the announcement. In this instance - you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
Basic Requirements
FOR PEER SPECIALISTS a
Statutory Requirements
Section 405 of Public Law 110-387 - as codified in 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13) - established that to be eligible to receive appointment to a Peer Specialist position - a person must: (1) be a veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition
and(2) be certified by -(a) a not-for-profit entity engaged in peer specialist training as having met such criteria as the Secretary shall establish for a peer specialist position
or(b) a State as having satisfied relevant State requirements for a peer specialist position
b
Length of Experience in Recovery: Must have at least 1 year of recovery from a mental health condition (mental illness and/or substance use disorder)
Successful recovery is exemplified by one who manages symptoms of illness and pursues a healthy lifestyle
lives independently
is employed or volunteers significant time approximating at least a part-time employment schedule
has meaningful relationships with family members and friends
and is socially involved in the community through clubs - hobby groups - church - civic organizations or Veteran organizations in which the individual provides a service to others
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Veteran is defined as a person who served in the active military - naval - air - or space service - and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
Restricted to VETERANS - See IMPORTANT NOTICE
Open to current - permanent employees of the VA (i.e
T38 - T38 Hybrid - and VCS employees on excepted appts covered by an interchange agreement)
Federal employees on a Career/Career-Conditional appt.
Former competitive civil service employees eligible for reinstatement
Veterans eligible under VEOA - VRA - and 30% DAV
Those eligible under the Employment Program for People with Disabilities
and those eligible for CTAP/ICTAP
NOTE: You MUST provide copies of your DD-214 and Peer Specialist Certification - with your application package
Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid - unrestricted State driver's license - have a safe driving record - and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely
Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination
NOTE: We cannot accept photographs - therefore
please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package
If an interview is requested - you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license
English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position
MINIMUM GRADE LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-06: One year of specialized experience at the next lower graded level - which involved post-personal mental health recovery experience as a mentor providing counseling to support peers in mental health and/or addiction recovery - a recovery advocate directly involved with consumers of mental health services - a psychiatric therapy aide - or equivalent work involving in-person communication to support others in mental health recovery
Your work has been closely monitored including having work checked in progress and reviewing completed work for accuracy - adequacy - and adherence to instructions or procedures
GS-07: One year of specialized experience at the next lower graded level - which involved post-personal mental health recovery experience as a mentor providing counseling to support peers in mental health and/or addiction recovery - a recovery advocate directly involved with consumers of mental health services - a psychiatric therapy aide - or equivalent work involving in-person communication to support others in mental health recovery
At this level - routine work has been completed with minimal supervisory oversight and review - however close supervision will have been provided for complex and unusual tasks
GS-08: One year of specialized experience at the next lower graded level - which involved post-personal mental health recovery experience as a mentor providing counseling to support peers in mental health and/or addiction recovery - a recovery advocate directly involved with consumers of mental health services - a psychiatric therapy aide - or equivalent work involving in-person communication to support others in mental health recovery
At this level - you have the ability to work with general instructions for the performance of routine duties and detailed instructions and/or training in performance of the non-routine functions and special assignments
Non-routine
ovel work will have been reviewed by spot checking and after completion to evaluate the adequacy of methods - procedures - results - ability to solve new and changing problems - etc
GS-09: One year of specialized experience at the next lower graded level - which involved post-personal mental health recovery experience as a mentor providing counseling to support peers in mental health and/or addiction recovery - a recovery advocate directly involved with consumers of mental health services - a psychiatric therapy aide - or equivalent work involving in-person communication to support others in mental health recovery
At this level - work will have been performed with considerable independence and you are responsible for making recommendations to the interdisciplinary treatment team that can be relied on for soundness of judgment and maturity of insight on problem situations
-OR- EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION: See Education
For more information on these qualification standards - please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Duties
Duties: IMPORTANT NOTICE: Veteran is defined as a person who served in the active military - naval - air - or space service - and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
Restricted to VETERANS - See IMPORTANT NOTICE
Open to current - permanent employees of the VA (i.e
T38 - T38 Hybrid - and VCS employees on excepted appts covered by an interchange agreement)
Federal employees on a Career/Career-Conditional appt.
Former competitive civil service employees eligible for reinstatement
Veterans eligible under VEOA - VRA - and 30% DAV
Those eligible under the Employment Program for People with Disabilities
and those eligible for CTAP/ICTAP
The Peer Specialist functions as an interdisciplinary team member - assisting physicians and other professional
on-professional personnel in a rehabilitation treatment program
Peer specialists perform a variety of therapeutic and supportive tasks that include assisting Veterans in articulating their goals for recovery and personal wellness - learning - and practicing new skills - helping them monitor their progress - assisting them in their treatment - modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies based on the peer specialist's own recovery experience - and supporting them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services
This position will serve as a community-based peer specialist within the local VA facility catchment area
The working environment may include providing peer support services in places such as Veterans' homes - prisons - jails - treatment courts - shelters - tent encampments - street outreach - etc
Duties include - but not limited to the following: Participates in the service - training - consultation - and other professional activities of VA health care services and functions as a fully vested member of the multidisciplinary team
Uses personal recovery experiences to model coping techniques and recovery tolls to coach Veterans to relevant skills need for self-management of their health condition(s) and pursuit of their personal wellness
Observes behaviors that might indicate difficulty adapting or responding to treatment (e.g. - missed assessment appointments - failure to attend or maintain abstinence - risk to self or others - disruptive behavior) - completes appropriate documentation - and reports concerns to the treatment team in a timely manner
Uses ongoing individual and group meetings to teach Veterans how to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears by providing a forum that allows Veteran to share their experiences
As necessary - handles crisis interventions for Veterans and addresses other emergent situations without the benefit of specific instructions
Informs Veterans about VA and community supports and resources - including how to effectively utilize them in the recovery and wellness process
Maintains a working knowledge of current trends and developments in holistic approaches in wellness and recovery by reading books - journals - and other relevant materials
Position requires operation of a motor vehicle or access to public transportation to perform assigned duties
Accompanies Veterans to appointments as needed - whether medical - housing - or other treatment plan goal appointments - either through agency vehicle or public transportation
Assists Veterans to identify resources and problem solve how to overcome barriers so that the Veterans can independently address transportation and other personal needs
Subsequent background checks may be required if treating Veterans in an institutional setting Performs other related duties as assigned
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (PST) Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Position Description/PD#: Peer Specialist/PD99327S - PD99326S - PD99325S - and PD99324S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder
The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory - qualification - and performance requirements are met
Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This Peer Specialist position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements that are detailed in the qualifications section.
Summary
This Peer Specialist position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements that are detailed in the qualifications section.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position - applicants must meet time-in-grade and specialized experience within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement - 04/27/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-06 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-05. For a GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-06. For a GS-08 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-08. The grade may have been in any occupation - but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year - it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade - as required by the announcement. In this instance - you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
Basic Requirements
FOR PEER SPECIALISTS a
Statutory Requirements
Section 405 of Public Law 110-387 - as codified in 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13) - established that to be eligible to receive appointment to a Peer Specialist position - a person must: (1) be a veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition
and(2) be certified by -(a) a not-for-profit entity engaged in peer specialist training as having met such criteria as the Secretary shall establish for a peer specialist position
or(b) a State as having satisfied relevant State requirements for a peer specialist position
b
Length of Experience in Recovery: Must have at least 1 year of recovery from a mental health condition (mental illness and/or substance use disorder)
Successful recovery is exemplified by one who manages symptoms of illness and pursues a healthy lifestyle
lives independently
is employed or volunteers significant time approximating at least a part-time employment schedule
has meaningful relationships with family members and friends
and is socially involved in the community through clubs - hobby groups - church - civic organizations or Veteran organizations in which the individual provides a service to others
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Veteran is defined as a person who served in the active military - naval - air - or space service - and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
Restricted to VETERANS - See IMPORTANT NOTICE
Open to current - permanent employees of the VA (i.e
T38 - T38 Hybrid - and VCS employees on excepted appts covered by an interchange agreement)
Federal employees on a Career/Career-Conditional appt.
Former competitive civil service employees eligible for reinstatement
Veterans eligible under VEOA - VRA - and 30% DAV
Those eligible under the Employment Program for People with Disabilities
and those eligible for CTAP/ICTAP
NOTE: You MUST provide copies of your DD-214 and Peer Specialist Certification - with your application package
Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid - unrestricted State driver's license - have a safe driving record - and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely
Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination
NOTE: We cannot accept photographs - therefore
please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package
If an interview is requested - you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license
English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position
MINIMUM GRADE LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-06: One year of specialized experience at the next lower graded level - which involved post-personal mental health recovery experience as a mentor providing counseling to support peers in mental health and/or addiction recovery - a recovery advocate directly involved with consumers of mental health services - a psychiatric therapy aide - or equivalent work involving in-person communication to support others in mental health recovery
Your work has been closely monitored including having work checked in progress and reviewing completed work for accuracy - adequacy - and adherence to instructions or procedures
GS-07: One year of specialized experience at the next lower graded level - which involved post-personal mental health recovery experience as a mentor providing counseling to support peers in mental health and/or addiction recovery - a recovery advocate directly involved with consumers of mental health services - a psychiatric therapy aide - or equivalent work involving in-person communication to support others in mental health recovery
At this level - routine work has been completed with minimal supervisory oversight and review - however close supervision will have been provided for complex and unusual tasks
GS-08: One year of specialized experience at the next lower graded level - which involved post-personal mental health recovery experience as a mentor providing counseling to support peers in mental health and/or addiction recovery - a recovery advocate directly involved with consumers of mental health services - a psychiatric therapy aide - or equivalent work involving in-person communication to support others in mental health recovery
At this level - you have the ability to work with general instructions for the performance of routine duties and detailed instructions and/or training in performance of the non-routine functions and special assignments
Non-routine
ovel work will have been reviewed by spot checking and after completion to evaluate the adequacy of methods - procedures - results - ability to solve new and changing problems - etc
GS-09: One year of specialized experience at the next lower graded level - which involved post-personal mental health recovery experience as a mentor providing counseling to support peers in mental health and/or addiction recovery - a recovery advocate directly involved with consumers of mental health services - a psychiatric therapy aide - or equivalent work involving in-person communication to support others in mental health recovery
At this level - work will have been performed with considerable independence and you are responsible for making recommendations to the interdisciplinary treatment team that can be relied on for soundness of judgment and maturity of insight on problem situations
-OR- EDUCATION SUBSTITUTION: See Education
For more information on these qualification standards - please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Duties
Duties: IMPORTANT NOTICE: Veteran is defined as a person who served in the active military - naval - air - or space service - and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
Restricted to VETERANS - See IMPORTANT NOTICE
Open to current - permanent employees of the VA (i.e
T38 - T38 Hybrid - and VCS employees on excepted appts covered by an interchange agreement)
Federal employees on a Career/Career-Conditional appt.
Former competitive civil service employees eligible for reinstatement
Veterans eligible under VEOA - VRA - and 30% DAV
Those eligible under the Employment Program for People with Disabilities
and those eligible for CTAP/ICTAP
The Peer Specialist functions as an interdisciplinary team member - assisting physicians and other professional
on-professional personnel in a rehabilitation treatment program
Peer specialists perform a variety of therapeutic and supportive tasks that include assisting Veterans in articulating their goals for recovery and personal wellness - learning - and practicing new skills - helping them monitor their progress - assisting them in their treatment - modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies based on the peer specialist's own recovery experience - and supporting them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services
This position will serve as a community-based peer specialist within the local VA facility catchment area
The working environment may include providing peer support services in places such as Veterans' homes - prisons - jails - treatment courts - shelters - tent encampments - street outreach - etc
Duties include - but not limited to the following: Participates in the service - training - consultation - and other professional activities of VA health care services and functions as a fully vested member of the multidisciplinary team
Uses personal recovery experiences to model coping techniques and recovery tolls to coach Veterans to relevant skills need for self-management of their health condition(s) and pursuit of their personal wellness
Observes behaviors that might indicate difficulty adapting or responding to treatment (e.g. - missed assessment appointments - failure to attend or maintain abstinence - risk to self or others - disruptive behavior) - completes appropriate documentation - and reports concerns to the treatment team in a timely manner
Uses ongoing individual and group meetings to teach Veterans how to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears by providing a forum that allows Veteran to share their experiences
As necessary - handles crisis interventions for Veterans and addresses other emergent situations without the benefit of specific instructions
Informs Veterans about VA and community supports and resources - including how to effectively utilize them in the recovery and wellness process
Maintains a working knowledge of current trends and developments in holistic approaches in wellness and recovery by reading books - journals - and other relevant materials
Position requires operation of a motor vehicle or access to public transportation to perform assigned duties
Accompanies Veterans to appointments as needed - whether medical - housing - or other treatment plan goal appointments - either through agency vehicle or public transportation
Assists Veterans to identify resources and problem solve how to overcome barriers so that the Veterans can independently address transportation and other personal needs
Subsequent background checks may be required if treating Veterans in an institutional setting Performs other related duties as assigned
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (PST) Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Position Description/PD#: Peer Specialist/PD99327S - PD99326S - PD99325S - and PD99324S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder
The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory - qualification - and performance requirements are met
Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
#J-18808-Ljbffr