Peer Support Specialist - Veterans Program

Caritas of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 46,490 - 56,490; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits including full coverage plan

20 days PTO in year one

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Mileage reimbursement

Monthly phone stipend

Discounted memberships

Job summary

Caritas of Austin is seeking a Peer Support Specialist in Austin, TX. This full-time role focuses on providing outreach and support for veterans and their families. Responsibilities include assisting participants in accessing resources, engaging in community outreach, and providing peer support and mentoring. Candidates should have a high school diploma, certification as a Peer Support Specialist, and prior military experience. The position offers health benefits, 20 days PTO, and a base salary of $46,490-$56,490 based on experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist or Mentor is required; LCDC will be accepted.
• Prior military experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct outreach and pre-screening for potential participants.
• Engage with veterans and their families in community settings.
• Assist with accessing and navigating community and veteran resources.

Skills

Communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Organizational skills

Time management

Data management skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certification as a Peer Support Specialist or Mentor

Bachelor’s in Human Services or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Location: Austin, TX

Job Id: 649

# of Openings: 1

JobTitle: Peer Support Specialist
Department: Client Services
Program: Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Reports To: Program Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Full Time

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit all of the following:

• A detailed resume outlining relevant experience
• A cover letter tailored to the position
• A list of professional references
• A fully completed application

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Position Summary

The Peer Support Specialist provides direct outreach and pre-screening to potential individuals interested in enrolling in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program. A qualified candidate must possess a clear understanding of the service delivery system and the resources available for veterans and their families. This position will provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to SSVF program participants to help them access and navigate community and veteran resources. It will also serve as a quality assurance representative to veteran households accessing SSVF funds and participate as a member of the strengths-based Case Management team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive)

• Identify locations frequented by potential veteran applicants (including veteran family members).
• Provide direct outreach to veterans and their families in their naturally occurring environments (i.e., home visits and street outreach).
• Engage and build rapport with target population.
• Provide identification of and pre-screening for eligibility of potential applicants.
• Coordinate initial screening and assessment with the Case Management team.
• Participate in Stand Downs and other VA/community outreach activities.
• Provide client access to services and community resources as needed

Support

• Provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to SSVF participants through assistance in navigating and accessing veteran and mainstream resources.
• Accompany veterans to appointments, when appropriate.
• Provide peer support and mentoring in securing permanent housing.
• Facilitate discussion and training in peer groups, as determined by the Case Management team.
• Monitor and document participation, progress, referrals, and services provided to participant.
• Assist Case Management team in preparing discharge plans and follow-up contact with SSVF program participants.
• Complete paperwork and data reports as requested by the Program Manager.
• Deliver skill training sessions to help clients develop coping skills and life skills.
• Advocate for veteran’s needs and rights within the community and healthcare system.
• Assist veterans in setting and achieving personal goals related to their recovery and rehabilitation.

Networking

• Attending agency, community, and supervisory meetings, as needed.
• Maintain working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services to participants.
• Maintain working relationships with veteran serving organizations.
• Attending in-service training courses and outside conferences/workshops, as requested by the Program Manager.

Other Responsibilities

• Complies with all applicable training requirements.
• Complies with all company safety, personnel and operational policies and procedures.
• Complies with the work schedule to ensure effective operations of Agency programs.
• Contributes positively as a member of a productive and cooperative team.

Qualifications

Education

• Required – High School Diploma or GED.
• Required – Certification as a Peer Support Specialist or Mentor; will also accept LCDC or equivalent qualification OR willingness to complete certification within 1 year of hire date.
• Preferred – Bachelor’s in Human Services/related field.

Experience

• Required – Prior military experience.
• Preferred – Experience or education with human services, homelessness, and veteran resources is a plus.
• Knowledge and experience with the 12-step program for substance abuse or equivalent model

Computer Skills

• Must be proficient with data management and information systems and have basic knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Other Requirements

• Valid Texas driver’s license, ability to drive van or bus and have reliable transportation.
• Must be able to comply with complex government regulations, policies and procedures and demonstrate thorough document compliance efforts and activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be sensitive to and respect cultural diversity amongst clients, staff, and volunteers and able to work with diverse racial, ethnic, and economic groups.
• Ability to set appropriate limits, work under deadlines and multi-task.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, self-motivate, and deliver results.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Possess strong work ethics.
• Successfully pass Law Enforcement background screening.
• Mission-driven attitude supplemented with integrity and passion.
• Adherence to the highest ethical standards, personally and professionally.
• A high level of openness and willingness to receive feedback/suggestions from superiors and others, and to learn new skills to improve job performance.
• Basic knowledge of the resources in the community available for the veteran population, especially services and programs offered by the VA.
• Have basic knowledge of severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse.
• Ability to form partnerships in the community and seek out community resources.
• Strong oral and written communications.Strong organizational, time management, and data management skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a team
• Ability to multi-task and problem-solve under pressure.
• Ability to provide positive customer service to difficult populations.

Salary/Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $46,490-$56,490, with final offer based on education and experience
• Health Benefits:Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including one medical plan fully paid by Caritas of Austin for employee-only coverage, with additional plan options available.
• Time Off:20 days of PTO in year one (increasing with tenure) and 14 paid holidays.
• Retirement:403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Additional Perks:Mileage reimbursement, monthly phone stipend, discounted memberships (e.g., LegalShield), and parking for employees working from the downtown location (if applicable).
• Student Loan Forgiveness:Caritas of Austin is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Learn more:https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

Caritas of Austin is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.