Veteran Peer Specialist

Veteran Peer Specialist Reports directly to the Social Worker or the Program Coordinator, depending on the program assignment. The Peer Specialist provides guidance and services to veterans, helps them achieve independence, and supports day‑to‑day residential services. Responsibilities include life skills support, coaching, and connecting veterans with resources. Benefits Paid Vacation Sick Time Paid Holidays Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage Company matching 401K Responsibilities Ensure harmonious atmosphere within the program, maintaining communication between clinical staff and program staff and fostering a therapeutic community environment among clients. Establish rapport and maintain a professional relationship and boundaries with clients and potential clients. Coordinate individual and group services that help veterans achieve specific life and recovery goals and support success. Prevent or de‑escalate problematic behaviors among clients, submitting Incident Reports as required. Assist in maintaining compliance with VA, HUD, and other funder regulations, requesting third‑party documentation and ensuring all program documentation is collected and maintained. Participate in case conferences, consultations, and staffing with appropriate staff. Facilitate and/or participate in monthly Town Hall meetings. Assist Case Managers in maintaining confidential client files in a professional and timely manner, ensuring all forms are the most recent versions and in compliance with organization standards. Maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA standards. Assist in quality management activities, data collection, and preparing reports. Attend scheduled team meetings and trainings. Maintain and submit timesheets, mileage logs, supportive service requests, and other required documentation accurately and in a timely fashion. Address client issues promptly to avoid interruption of services. With supervision, facilitate peer‑to‑peer groups and life‑skills classes and assist with teaching daily living skills on an individual level to those with specific needs. Assist with monitoring program rent/participant fee compliance to help clients prioritize housing. Identify and utilize community resources to meet client needs. Transport clients to community medical, housing, errands, and other appointments and accompany them for peer support as needed. Coordinate therapeutic, social/recreational activities and outings. Perform other duties as assigned. Program‑Specific Duties Veteran Support to Self‑Reliance Pilot (VSSR) Provide peer counseling, referrals, and advocacy to formerly homeless veterans. Facilitate peer groups during and after regular program hours, including cooking, arts, movie nights, and other activities requested by veterans. Monitor and engage tenants to respond to, assess, or report any identified issues requiring attention. Provide non‑clinical support around access to substance use and mental health services. Ensure timely and accurate filing of progress notes using a web‑based data system. Assist veterans challenged with collecting/hoarding. Transitional Housing (TH) Assist with ensuring clients are accounted for daily through contact, bed checks, and/or daily sign‑in logs. Review and determine client eligibility for passes and communicate the decision to Case Manager as needed. Conduct toxicology testing of clients. Conduct room checks/inspections to ensure health and welfare of clients. Encourage and coordinate client participation in program activities based on the client’s program track/model and goals. Long‑Term Supportive Housing (LTSH) Maintain and post a monthly calendar of meaningful activities for clients, including at least two activities/classes per week and a monthly Town Hall meeting. Facilitate two shuttle van runs per week to the VA and grocery stores. Coordinate services and provide information and referral to both U.S.VETS services/programs and resources in the general community. Act as liaison with Property Management team of the housing facility in which LTSH clients live under supervision and direction of U.S.VETS; assist with resident lock‑outs and contact property personnel for major property issues. Seek support from Clinical staff as needed for crisis intervention and other therapeutic intervention. Mental Health Programs May report directly to the Clinical Director. Preferred: Undergraduate degree in social sciences or related field; consideration of candidates attaining the degree. Minimum of one year of direct practice (paid or volunteer). Maintain hours conducive to client needs (evenings and weekends required). For Houston site: ensure compliance with Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) grant requirements. Rapid Re‑Housing Programs (SSVF) Provide identification and pre‑screening for eligibility of potential applicants, including Rapid Resolution (Diversion). Participate in Stand Downs and other VA/community outreach activities. Provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to participants in the SSVF or other Rapid Re‑Housing programs through assistance in navigating and accessing veteran and mainstream resources. Assist in the processing and submission of applications for housing. Monitor and document participation, progress, referrals, and services provided to participants. Provide direct support to the Case Management team during the housing search and placement process, including accessing moving costs, rental monies, and other household items. Provide tenant education including tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination, and communication with landlords. Conduct wellness checks and home visits as needed. Conduct HQS Inspections on units prior to move‑in. Maintain working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services to participants. Maintain working relationships with veteran‑serving organizations. Attend in‑service trainings and outside conferences/workshops as requested. Income and Benefits Advocacy Collaborate with—or report to—the Income & Benefits Specialist or directly to the Clinical Director to assist clients with applying for and navigating the benefits acquisition process. Transport and accompany clients to benefits appointments with VA, Social Security, etc. Assist clients in creating and adhering to a personal budget to include making rent payments on time to prioritize housing. Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) Reports directly to the VPAN Team Leader rather than the Veteran Service Coordinator. Must complete approved Peer Certification, Risk Mitigation, and Peer Navigator courses. Assess, alleviate, and reduce barriers to empower veterans and military members in their communities by connecting them to critical resources (housing, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, job placement, legal services). Advocate and support veteran healthy functioning through referrals and linkages with a focus on early intervention and prevention. Function as “Battle Buddy” leads to support veterans and military family members through listening, encouraging, coaching, empowering, and connecting them to resources. Collaborate with key stakeholders in the community and attend scheduled community meetings, including meetings with other grantees, the Department of Mental Health, and funders prepared to collaborate and report on outcomes. Qualifications High School Diploma required. One year of experience in social services or related field preferred. Veteran of the U.S. military or military‑related family member preferred. Knowledge of empowerment and self‑advocacy techniques. Experience working with homeless and/or veterans preferred. Experience in a residential environment of persons with histories of homelessness and co‑occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Experience facilitating support groups preferred. Strong oral and written communication skills. Professional manner and appearance. Ability to work independently and within a team. Ability to take direction. Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of clients, staff, and community members. Computer proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Internet; ability to use client tracking databases and electronic case records. Valid driver’s license required. Must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course upon hire. Driver history report which meets company insurance requirements to drive company vehicle and complete a provided driver training course upon hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr