Veteran Peer Specialist - Phoenix

Job DetailsLevelEntryJob LocationUSVETS Phoenix - Phoenix, AZPosition TypeFull TimeEducation LevelHigh SchoolSalary Range$18.34 - $22.93 HourlyJob ShiftDayJob CategoryNonprofit - Social ServicesDescriptionLooking for a rewarding position? How would you like to serve those who served?If you are looking for an opportunity to work for a great organization & make a difference, this is the job for you!Come & join our winning team!Benefits include Paid Vacation, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision and Company matching 401KALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN ENTIRETY FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATIONLOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY.Veteran Peer SpecialistThis position reports directly to the Social Worker or the Program Coordinator (dependent upon which program the position is assigned). With supervision, the Peer Specialist is responsible for providing guidance and services to veterans to achieve their highest level of independence and assists in the daily implementation of day-to-day basic residential services. Peer Specialists support veterans with life skills and any recovery issues to include listening, encouraging, coaching, empowering, and connect them to resources to meet their individual needs. This position is also responsible for coordinating and planning site-wide events with the onsite staff and Community Organizers at each site. This will aid in fostering a cohesive community through engaging activities, holiday-themed celebrations, and other ideas from the community itself Classification: Non-ExemptResponsibilities:For Peer Specialists of all U.S.VETS Programs:Ensures harmonious atmosphere within program by maintaining communication with and being liaison between the clinical staff and program staff and fostering the therapeutic community environment among clientsEstablishes rapport and maintains a professional relationship and boundaries with clients and potential clients. Coordinates individual and group services that help veterans achieve specific life and recovery goals and support success Responsible for preventing or de-escalating any problematic behaviors among clients, including submitting Incident Reports to the Social Worker, Veteran Service Coordinator, Program Coordinator, or Lead Veterans Service Assistant concerning these eventsAssists with maintaining compliance with VA, HUD, and other funder regulations and organization protocols in requestingthird-party documentation and ensuring all program documentation is collected and maintainedParticipates in case conferences, consultations, and staffing with appropriate staff. Facilitates andor participates in monthly Town Hall meetings. Assists Case Managers in maintaining confidential client files in a professional and timely manner ensuring all forms are the most recently revised versions and in compliance with organization standards; all required documents are present, complete, signed by the client and staff as applicable; and documents are placed in the correct order according to organization standards Maintains confidentiality in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standardsAssists in quality management activities, data collection, and preparing reportsAttends scheduled team meetings and trainingsMaintains and submits time sheets, mileage logs, supportive service requests, and other required documentation accurately and in a timely fashionResponsible for addressing client issues timely to ensure non-interruption of services With supervision, facilitates peer-to-peer groups and life skills classes and assists with teaching daily living skills on an individual level to those with specific needsAssists with monitoring program rentparticipant fee compliance to assist clients in prioritizing housingIdentifies and utilizes community resources to meet client needs.Transports clients to community medical, housing, errands, and other appointments and accompanies for peer support as neededCoordinates therapeutic, socialrecreational activities and outingsPerforms other duties as assignedAdditional Program-Specific Duties:U.S.VETS has various programs in which a Peer Specialist may be assigned to one or more, including Veteran Support to Self-Reliance, Transitional Housing, Long-Term Supportive Housing, Mental Health, and Veteran Peer Access Network programs, that have additional program-specific duties as outlined below. For Peer Specialists working with Veteran Support to Self-Reliance Pilot (VSSR) program:Provide peer counseling, referrals, and advocacy to formerly homeless veteransFacilitate peer groups during and after regular program hours to include cooking, arts, movie nights, and other activities as requested by veterans.Monitor and engage tenants to respond to, assess, or report any identified issues requiring attentionProvide non-clinical support around access to substance use and mental health servicesEnsure timely and accurate filing of progress notes using a web-based data systemAssist Veteran challenged with collecting hoardingFor Peer Specialists working with Transitional Housing (TH) programs:Assists with ensuring clients are accounted for daily through contact, bed check, andor daily sign-in logs Reviews and determines client eligibility for passes and communicates decision to Case Manager consulting as neededConducts toxicology testing of clientsConducts room checksinspections to ensure health and welfare of clients Encourages and coordinates client participation in program activities based on the client's program trackmodel and goalsFor Peer Specialists working with Long-Term Supportive Housing (LTSH) programs:Maintain and post calendar monthly of meaningful activities for clients to include at least 2 activitiesclasses per week and a monthly Town Hall meetingFacilitate two shuttle van runs per week to the VA and grocery storeCoordinates services and provides information and referral to both U.S.VETS servicesprograms and resources in the general communityUnder supervision and direction of U.S.VETS, acts as liaison with Property Management team of housing facility in which LTSH clients live. May assist with resident lock-outs and contacts property personnel for major property issuesSeeks support from Clinical staff as needed for crisis intervention and other therapeutic interventionFor Peer Specialists working with Mental Health programs:May report directly to the Clinical Director.Undergraduate in social sciences or related field preferred but will consider candidate attaining degree in social sciences or related field.Minimum of one year of direct practice (paid or volunteer).Maintains hours that are conducive to client needs (evenings and weekends will be required). For Houston site: ensures compliance with Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) grant requirements. For Peer Specialist working with the Rapid Re-Housing Programs to include Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF):Provide identification of and pre-screening for eligibility of potential applicants to include Rapid Resolution (Diversion)Participate in Stand Downs and other VAcommunity outreach activitiesProvide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to participants in the SSVF or other Rapid Rehousing programs through assistance in navigating and accessing veteran and mainstream resourcesProvide assistance in the processing and submission of applications for housingMonitor and document participation, progress, referrals, and services provided toparticipantProvide direct support to the Case Management team as needed during the housing search and placement process. Such assistance may include accessing moving costs, rental monies, and other basic household items for the clientProvide tenant education including tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination and communication with landlordsConduct wellness checks and home visits as neededConducts HQS Inspections on units prior to move inMaintain working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensiveservices to participantsMaintain working relationships with veteran serving organizationsAttend in-service trainings and outside conferencesworkshops, as requested by theProgram CoordinatorFor Peer Specialists focusing on income and benefits advocacy:Collaborates with and may report to the Income & Benefits Specialist or directly to the Clinical Director to assist clients with applying for and navigating the benefits acquisition process.Transports and accompanies clients to benefits appointments with VA, Social Security, etc.Assists clients in creating and adhering to a personal budget to include making rent payments on time to prioritize housingFor Peer Specialists working with the Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) Program:Reports directly to the VPAN Team Leader rather than the Veteran Service CoordinatorMust complete approved Peer Certification, Risk Mitigation, and Peer Navigator coursesAssess, alleviate, and reduce any barriers to empower veterans and military members in their communities to include connecting veterans and their families to critical resources including housing, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, job placement, and legal services Advocate and support veteran healthy functioning through referrals and linkages with a focus on early intervention and prevention and integration with community systems and resourcesWill function as "Battle Buddy" leads to support veterans and military family members through listening, encouraging, coaching, empowering, and connecting them to resources to meet their individual needs Collaborates with key stakeholders in the community and attends scheduled community meetings to include meetings with other grantees in the community, the Department of Mental Health, and funder prepared to collaborate and report on outcomesQualificationsRequirements: Minimum for all Peer Specialists:High School Diploma required.One year of experience in social services or related field preferred.A veteran of the U.S. military or military-related family member is preferred.Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques.Experience working with homeless andor veterans preferred. Experience in a residential environment of persons with histories of homelessness with co- occurring mental health and substance abuse disordersExperience 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 diverse group of clients, staff, and community puter proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Internet and 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. Driver history report which meets company insurance requirements to drive company vehicle and complete a provided driver training course upon hire.

Created: 2025-02-27