Peer Support Specialist - MUST BE A VETERAN

Rocky Mountain Human Services; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer paid medical options

Dental and vision benefits

Generous paid time off including VAC,S

Life and disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Rocky Mountain Human Services is seeking a Homes for All Veterans (HAV) Peer Support Specialist to assist veterans experiencing homelessness and managing military trauma, mental health challenges, and substance use. You will use your lived experience to promote stabilization and housing while coordinating with VA and community programs.

You will work with Veterans Health Care Navigators, VSS, and VA partners to develop recovery goals, connect individuals to services, and support housing

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 mental health needs, substance use, and/or homelessness.
• Preferred trainings: CPR/AED, CPI, Mental Health First Aid, WRAP, Motivational interviewing within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Use personal lived experience to act as a role model and establish trust with veterans.
• Meet with identified veterans in person to set goals for stable housing and improved mental health.
• Respond to staff requests for peer support with timely outreach and follow-up.
• Attend team meetings to discuss cases and provide feedback to HCN and VSS and VA/community reps.
• Collaborate with HCN to link veterans to community/VA services and engage in recovery/treatment.
• Provide support using a trauma-informed approach, including advocacy, education, and mentoring.
• Assist in developing/facilitating skill-building classes in a group setting.
• Maintain confidentiality and document veteran contact in Case Logic timely.
• Complete paperwork and submit reports as needed.

Skills

Peer support

Trauma-informed care

Recovery-oriented approach

Communication skills

Driving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Case Logic

Job description

Why work at Rocky Mountain Human Services?You will have the opportunity to contribute to an organization that is dedicated to embracing the power of community to support individuals and families in creating their future.RMHS provides great benefits such as:Employer paid medical options, dental, and vision benefitsGenerous paid time off such as vacation, sick, personal, and holidaysLife and disability insuranceTuition reimbursement (full-time employees only)Mileage reimbursement403(B) with company matchFlex Spending Account for Health and Dependent Care CostsEmployee assistance programPosition PurposeThe 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 DutiesUse 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.DocumentationEnsure 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 AbilitiesThe 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 QualificationsMust be a VeteranHigh School Diploma or equivalent1-2 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 QualificationsPrevious experience working in behavioral healthcare.Peer Specialist Training Certificate that includes the Colorado State Core CompetenciesWellness and Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Training CourseCrisis Prevention Institute (CPI)Mental Health First AidCPR/AEDMotivational interviewing (required within six months of hire).Willing to complete SSVF and RMHS trainings and continuing education as necessaryDriving RequirementsValid Drivers LicenseProof of motor vehicle insurancePersonal vehicle in good operating condition for use during workNo major violations in the past three years.No more than two moving violations in the past three yearsAbility to meet and maintain agency driving requirements and operate agency vehicles.Rocky Mountain Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity and the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act.