Caritas of Austin

The Peer Support Specialist provides direct outreach and pre-screening to potential individuals interested in enrolling in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program.. Individual will provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to SSVF program participants to help them access and navigate community and veteran resources.. Provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to SSVF participants through assistance in navigating and accessing veteran and mainstream resources.. Assist Case Management team in preparing discharge plans and follow-up contact with SSVF program participants.. 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

peer support specialist

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist Department: Client Services Program: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Reports To: SSVF Program Coordinator FLSA Status: Non-Exempt – Hourly – Full Time Position Summary COVID-19 Required but subject to recognized exemptions The Peer Support Specialist provides direct outreach and pre-screening to potential individuals interested in enrolling in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program. Qualified candidate must possess a clear understanding of the service delivery system and the resources available for veterans and their families. Individual will provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to SSVF program participants to help them access and navigate community and veteran resources. This individual 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 And Responsibilities Outreach <ul><li>Identify locations frequented by potential veteran applicants (including veteran family members).</li><li>Provide direct outreach to veterans and their families in their naturally occurring environments (i.e., home visits and street outreach).</li><li>Engage and build rapport with target population.</li><li>Provide identification of and pre-screening for eligibility of potential applicants.</li><li>Coordinate initial screening and assessment with Case Management team.</li><li>Participate in Stand Downs and other VA/community outreach activities.</li><li>Provide client access to services and community resources as needed. </li></ul>Support <ul><li>Provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to SSVF participants through assistance in navigating and accessing veteran and mainstream resources.</li><li>Accompany veterans to appointments, when appropriate.</li><li>Provide peer support and mentoring in securing permanent housing.</li><li>Facilitate discussion and training in peer groups, as determined by the Case Management team.</li><li>Monitor and document participation, progress, referrals, and services provided to participant.</li><li>Assist Case Management team in preparing discharge plans and follow-up contact with SSVF program participants.</li><li>Complete paperwork and data reports as requested by the Program Manager.</li><li>Deliver skill training sessions to help clients develop coping skills and life skills.</li><li>Advocate for veteran’s needs and rights within the community and healthcare system.</li><li>Assist veterans in setting and achieving personal goals related to their recovery and rehabilitation. </li></ul>Networking <ul><li>Attending agency, community, and supervisory meetings, as needed.</li><li>Maintain working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services to participants.</li><li>Maintain working relationships with veteran serving organizations.</li><li>Attending in-service training courses and outside conferences/workshops, as requested by the Program Manager. </li></ul>Qualifications Education <ul><li>Required: High School Diploma or GED</li><li>Preferred: Bachelors in human services/related field</li><li>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 </li></ul>Experience <ul><li>Knowledge and experience with the 12-step program for substance abuse or equivalent model</li><li>This position is specific to an individual with prior military experience. Experience or education with human services, homelessness, and veteran resources is a plus.</li><li>Must be able to comply with complex governmental regulations, policies and procedures and demonstrate thorough document compliance efforts and activities. </li></ul>Computer Skills <ul><li>Must be proficient with data management and information systems and have basic knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. </li></ul>Other: <ul><li>Basic knowledge of the resources in the community available for the veteran population, especially services and programs offered by the VA.</li><li>Have basic knowledge of severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse.</li><li>Ability to form partnerships in the community and seek out community resources.</li><li>Strong oral and written communications.</li><li>Strong organizational, time management, and data management skills.</li><li>Proven ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a team</li><li>Ability to multi-task and problem solve under pressure.</li><li>Ability to provide positive customer service to difficult populations. </li></ul>Salary/Benefits: <ul><li>Base Salary Range: $41,114 - $54,702</li><li>Employer paid health, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance for employees</li><li>14 Paid Holidays per year</li><li>20 days of accrued PTO in year one with increases up to 31 days per year</li><li>Retirement plan with employer match</li><li>Discounted Rates on Gold’s Gym and Legal Shield memberships</li><li>Mileage Reimbursement</li><li>Monthly Phone Stipend</li><li>Monthly Paid Parking for employees who office from the Downtown Location </li></ul>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.

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