Peer Specialist Positions
The VA Boston Healthcare System is hiring two half-time GS-5/6 Peer Support Technicians in its Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers for Serious Mental Illness (PRRC's--one in Boston and one at the Brockton Campus). APPLICATION must be COMPLETED by September 4th to be considered. The job is currently posted for:
o Current competitive-service Federal employees
o Former competitive-service Federal employees
o Veterans (see VA Human Resources for precise definition)
o Persons with disabilities (see requirements on application page)
The positions require a minimum of: either a four-year college-level degree (or 24 semester hours) in a health-related field; or the equivalent to one year's full-time experience working or volunteering in a health-related setting (i.e., full-time for a year, half-time for two years, etc. (if you apply, please spell out your relevant experience in the application)). Other aspects of this role include:
o Drawing from lived experience, and from peer support experience and training, to assist veterans in recovery from serious mental illness
o Serving as a role model for development of skills in self-empowerment, self-advocacy, and overcoming stigma, as well as in practical skills
o Reaching out to members to help them become involved in program activities and in the larger community
o Orienting new members to the Program
o Providing co-facilitation and facilitation of recovery-oriented and related activities and groups
o Management and co-management of recovery environment (e.g., Recovery Learning Center, or community space within PRRC)
o Serving as main contact person for a subset of program members, assisting them with program adjustment, life issues, and recovery planning
o Learning to coach members on thinking skills through computerized exercises
o Helping members connect with the community through activities and excursions
o Working collaboratively within a team approach as part of PRRC staff, as well as with staff outside the PRRC
o Sharing responsibility for a variety of program tasks
o Helping to maintain recovery-oriented approach within the program
o Documenting program visits
Peer Support Specialist certification is preferred. The VA Boston Healthcare System is an equal opportunity employer for all U.S. citizens. For general information about the PRRC programs and the Peer Support Technician role, please call Melissa Wattenberg at 617-248-1089 (Boston), or Thalia Falcon at 774-826-1960 (Brockton). For information regarding the positions and the application process, please contact VA Human Resources at 774-826-1773 (Fax 774-826-1187), or write: Department of Veterans Affairs, 940 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA, 02301; or see the online position description and application process on the USAJOBS.com website at: usajobs.com