Peer Specialist Apprentice

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Ann Arbor (MI)

On-site

USD 45,000 - 58,000

Full time

10 days ago

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Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Ann Arbor, MI is seeking a Peer Specialist Apprentice.

The role involves learning to perform as a peer specialist within Substance Use Disorders outpatient programs, with certification training and progression toward a permanent position. The position requires working under supervision, developing skills through VA-approved training, and assisting Veterans in recovery and wellness, across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.

Qualifications

No educational substitutions at this grade level.

Responsibilities

Participates in the service, training, and consultation of VA health care services as a fully vested multidisciplinary team member.
Assists Veterans in articulating goals for recovery and personal wellness, and supports self-management of health conditions.

Job description

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This Peer Specialist position will work with our interdisciplinary Substance Use Disorders Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient programs. This position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements that are detailed in the qualifications section.

Key Responsibilities

TIME LIMITED POSITION: This time-limited position will provide the peer support apprentice the time to learn and develop the necessary skills to perform as a peer specialist and to earn a peer specialist certification.

After successful completion of a State or VA-approved contract vendor's peer specialist certification training process, and the necessary year of specialized experience, and time-in-grade requirements, the position would be eligible for a permanent, peer specialist position. The Peer Support Apprentice functions as an interdisciplinary team member, assisting physicians and other professional/non-professional personnel in a rehabilitation treatment program.

Peer support apprentices 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 apprentice's own recovery experience, and supporting them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services.

The position functions as a role model, exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills and serves as an advocate, provides information and peer support services for Veterans in outpatient, inpatient and/or community settings.

This individual must develop the ability to assist others in treatment, based on the principles of recovery, wellness, and resiliency, by promoting self-determination, personal responsibility, and the empowerment inherent in self-directed recovery.

By inspiring the hope that recovery and resiliency are achievable goals, the position can assist and empower Veterans, who are diagnosed with mental illnesses and/or co-occurring disorders, as well as other chronic illnesses or injuries, to achieve their personal recovery goals. The position performs a wide range of tasks to assist Veterans in regaining independence within the community and mastery over their own recovery and wellness process.

As an entry level position, most duties are performed under close supervision by either a licensed independent provider (LIP) or a non-licensed provider who works under a LIP. The purpose of the supervision is to facilitate learning and the development of skills. The knowledge required for this position will be attained through ongoing instruction provided by the supervisor or designee (e.g., the Local Recovery Coordinator).

In addition, the position must complete a State or VA-approved contract vendor's certification training process, to be eligible to be hired as a peer specialist. 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 tools to coach Veterans on relevant skills needed 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 through immediate consultation with the supervisor or most available clinical provider.

Maintains a working knowledge of current trends and developments in holistic approaches in wellness and recovery by reading books, journals, and other relevant materials. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Position Description/PD#: Peer Specialist Apprentice/PD99318-S Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements & Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $44932 – $58413/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-05.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Overseas' hiring path.