Peer Support Specialist

Description:

WHO WE ARE

Volunteers of America Colorado is a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need transform their lives. Through more than 50 distinct human service programs, Volunteers of America changes the lives of more than 140,000 vulnerable Coloradoans each year. VOA services include housing and emergency shelters, hunger and nutrition services, and many other community support programs. Our work touches the mind, body, heart, and ultimately the spirit of those we serve. VOA integrates compassion with highly effective programs that build and strengthen communities.

** A Peer Support Specialist leverages their lived experience of recovery related to mental health, substance use,

and/or other life challenges to support Veterans, service members, and their families who may be at risk for

suicide. This role delivers community-based, non-clinical suicide prevention services under the Staff Sergeant

Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. The position promotes hope, resilience, and recovery

through peer support, outreach, and navigation of VA and community resources.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct outreach and engagement with Veterans at risk of suicide
• Provide peer support grounded in shared lived experience
• Connect participants to VA health care, behavioral health, housing, and benefits
• Assist participants with system navigation and advocacy
• Collaborate with VA and community partners to coordinate services
• Facilitate peer groups and community-building activities
• Maintain documentation and program records
• Participate as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Travel for outreach and follow-up services
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Travel throughout the program’s service area is required on a regular basis.
• Must be able to work in diverse and, at times, uncomfortable environments such as homeless shelters, service facilities, streets, offices, and all other locations as necessary to fulfill program objectives.
• Exposure to Indoor and Outdoor environments, Memory/recall, Sitting and tying/documentation of client interactions, Hearing/Listening, Verbal and Electronic (i.e. email and text message) communication.
• Physical movements such as bending, kneeling, walking, and lifting (30 to 50 pounds) may be required.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

• Full-Time as indicated in posting.
• Work hours may vary but are typically scheduled around a 40-hour workweek designed to fulfill program objectives with occasional overtime requirements.

LOCATION: · Western Colorado Veteran Services Office

Pay Range: $22.00-$24.00/hr

Employee must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of self or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Employee will perform job according to applied laws. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform this role, please contact [email protected] to begin the Interactive Process.

BENEFITS

Vacation Time

Separate Sick Time

Paid Holidays

Floating Holidays

Personal Days

Volunteer/Wellness Day

Tuition Assistance

Pension Plan

403b Retirement Plan with Agency Match

Health, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurances

Life Insurance

Accident Insurance

Employee Assistance/Work Life Balance Program

Employee Discount Program

LifeLock with Norton

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Volunteers of America is an EEO/AA Employer

Position will Remain Open Until Filled

VISA SPONSORSHIP IS NOT OFFERED FOR THIS ROLE

Veterans Strongly Encouraged to Apply

Requirements:

COMPETENCIES

• Models core culture attributes of VOACO that include “AIRS” (Accountability, Integrity, Respect and

Service).

• Models and VOACO’s three strategical critical virtues of HHS (Hungry, Humble, People Smart).
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaboration with VOACO/VA team members and community

stakeholders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION

• Must be a Veteran (required per SSG Fox peer support regulations)
• Must have at least one year of sustained recovery experience
• Experience or training in peer support or behavioral health
• Colorado driver’s license and state-mandated automobile insurance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION

• Certified Peer Support Specialist or working toward certification
• Experience working with Veterans or in suicide prevention programs
• Knowledge of VA systems and community resource

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Understanding of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care
• Familiarity with suicide prevention concepts
• Strong communication and engagement skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience