Peer Specialist, Veterans Services

Overview

We are seeking qualified professionals to join a mission-driven team dedicated to serving veterans and their families. Our program is led therapists and trained veteran peers who bring both professional expertise and lived military experience to the work of supporting those who served.

The team provides a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Crisis intervention and counseling for veterans experiencing acute distress.
• Peer- and clinician-led group sessions designed to promote healing, connection, and resilience.
• Public events and outreach initiatives to build community awareness and support for veterans.
• Care coordination and referrals linking veterans to appropriate treatment, resources, and supports.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative, evidence-informed program that addresses the complex needs of veterans. Team members will play a vital role in fostering recovery, stability, and successful reintegration by ensuring that veterans receive timely access to care and meaningful support.

Responsibilities

Primary Job Function and Responsibilities:

• provides support and guidance to fellow veterans, leveraging their own lived experience to help others navigate recovery and wellness goals. This role involves building relationships, offering support, and connecting veterans with resources. Promoting self-determination, recovery, self-advocacy, and self-direction; assisting individuals in identifying strengths; wellness goals; setting objectives, and identifying barriers;
• Establishing rapport and trust with veterans through shared experiences, acting as a role model for recovery. Assisting individuals in obtaining information about their benefits (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, etc.).
• Identifying and engaging with veterans who may benefit from peer support services, including outreach to those in various settings like hospitals, community centers, or even on the streets. 
• Engaging individuals in outpatient programs and services to encourage recovery;
• Modeling self-advocacy skills;
• Connecting veterans with relevant VA and community resources, such as mental health services, housing assistance, and employment programs. 
• Providing education to other staff to increase their understanding of Veteran culture and Veteran-specific issues, and to promote a culture in which an individuals’ points of view and preferences are recognized, understood, respected, and integrated into service delivery;
• Providing immediate support and intervention in crisis situations, following established protocols. Sharing his or her own personal story to model how to choose, obtain, and maintain stability;
• Supporting individuals in making informed decisions about treatment, housing, benefits, and building community connections;
• Supporting the individuals in developing crisis plans and safety plans;
• Maintaining accurate records of interactions and reporting relevant information to the treatment team. Assisting in overcoming barriers to recovery and addressing challenges;

 Supervision and Consultation:

• Seeks supervision and consultation as needed
• Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement

 Record Keeping:

• Maintains confidential files containing required information
• Maintains documentation for those individuals receiving services
• Provides timely documentation that meets requirements of various funding sources including, Medicaid, and others.

 Courteous and respectful towards consumers, visitors and co-workers:

• Treats consumers with care, dignity, and compassion
• Respects consumer’s privacy and confidentiality
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others
• Assists consumers and visitors as needed
• Personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others
• Is sensitive to the consumer’s needs, expectations and individual differences
• Is gentle and calm with consumers and families

 Administrative and Other Related Duties as Assigned:

• Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities.
• Actively participates in AltaPointe committees as required.
• Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner.
• Follows AltaPointe policies and procedures.
• Attends to required in-service training and other workshops. 

Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent and Peer Specialist Certification through State of Alabama Department of Mental Health. A crucial requirement is the peer specialist's own recovery journey from mental health challenges or substance use. Must be 23 years of age, maintain a valid Alabama driver license and an acceptable driving record, and have proof of current liability insurance. Proof of status as a current or former service in one of the five branches of United States Armed Services.

• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population
• Knowledge of Veteran-specific issues
• Knowledge of cultural diversity
• Knowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and interventions common to acute psychotic consumers; as well as, to non-violent crisis intervention practices
• Knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation principles
• Knowledge of available community employment resources
• Knowledge of educational methods appropriate to adults with psychiatric disorders

Experience providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred.  Ability to work as an effective team player is essential.