Veteran Peer Support Specialist

HVNCVR Vet2Vet of Ulster County Veteran Peer Support Specialist

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Veteran Peer Specialist (VPS) is an active member of the Vet2Vet Program and provides peer support services to the Veteran community. Under supervision of the Program Manager, the

Veteran Peer Specialist will function as a role model to Veteran peers; exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills; serve as Veteran advocates, providing information and peer support for Veterans in the Community. The VPS performs a wide range of tasks to assist Veteran peers of all eras and discharge status, in connecting Veterans with resources in the community. Community resources such as booklets, pamphlets and other written materials will be utilized by the Veteran Peer Specialist in the provision of services. Using a formal goal setting process, the VPS will:

• Assist Veterans in articulating personal goals through the use of one-tone, one-on-one interactions, group sessions, and social activities. During these sessions, the VPS will support clients in identifying and creating goals. In addition, they will help develop plans with the necessary skills, an unbiased and objective assessment as well as community supports and resources to aid the Veterans in achieving their goals.
• When essential, assist Veterans with connecting and networking with community organizations that provide support for daily self-defeating thoughts. Converse with

Veterans to determine the steps that would be needed to take in order to achieve these goals and objectives.

• When required and necessary, assist Veterans with sustaining relationships with peer support groups, as well as means of identifying and joining existing groups.
• Use ongoing group sessions to teach Veterans how to identify and combat negative self- defeating talk. Help veterans identify and overcome fears by providing a forum which allows group members and VPS to share their experiences. Use identified literature, media, etc. to help Veterans gain hope while learning to identify their strengths and combat self-defeating thoughts.
• Support Veterans’ vocational choices and assist them in choosing a job that matches their strengths while assisting to overcome job-related anxiety.
• Complete required documents for reporting i.e., Group and Individual Engagement,

Weekly Reporting.

• Attend all monthly meetings.
• Perform other essential duties when necessary i.e., Community Outreach Events.

Knowledge Required by the Position: a. Knowledge and skill to teach and engage in basic problem solving strategies to support

Veterans and their families in decisions that strengthen and encourage positive decisions.

b. Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of when a Veteran is in crisis (i.e. aggressive talk and behavior, thoughts of self-harm or harm towards others, isolation) and the ability to assist the

Veterans to address symptoms using strategies such as positive self-talk while connecting the

Veteran to properly trained emergency personnel. c. Knowledge and skill that are sufficient to utilize community resources that are necessary for obtaining service connection, medical providers, and other resources that positively affects the

Veterans and their families. Knowledge and ability to teach those skills to other Veterans, so they can independently access supportive services. Community resources may include but are not limited to: social security office, Department of Social Service (DSS), MHA, Department of

Veteran Affairs, local Libraries, restaurants, Veterans’ service organizations, housing providers, etc. The VPS may accompany clients to all community resources to assist them in accessing these benefits. d. Knowledge of how to establish and sustain self-help (mutual support) and educational groups by asking input from the Veterans on their strengths and interests. e. A valid driver’s license is required as some driving and/or transportation may be required to take the Veterans to medical appointments, job sites, social activities and other community resources.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

The Peer Specialist is administratively assigned to the Vet2Vet Program in the Hudson Valley

National Center for Veteran Reintegration (HVNCVR) and will receive supervision from the

Program Manager of the program when necessary. The supervisor provides guidance and support when identifying assignments that indicates generally what is to be done, i.e., setting up group or individual meetings, reviewing job applications, etc. The incumbent is expected to handle routine duties independently and is expected to establish common priorities for his/her assignments.

Group teaching and facilitation work may be performed with the assistance of the Program

Manager or other team members. Work can be reviewed by the Program Manager to ensure that it is correct and that it conforms to established policies and previously given instructions.

Assignments that are routine and repetitive are not reviewed by the Program Manager unless there are problems. Work that is new or requires deviations from previous assignments is discussed with the Program Manager if it interferes with providing satisfactory services to another Veteran and their family. The Program Manager and Peer Specialist will collaborate on identifying an appropriate resolution that meet the needs of the Veteran(s) and their family. The incumbent will follow all legal and medical policies as mandated by HVNCVR.

GUIDELINES:

Established procedures and specific guidelines are available to the incumbent to cover the work assignment. Guidelines are applicable and specific to most situations. Incumbent will use

judgment in determining the appropriate guide or instruction to fit the circumstances and in determining what information is required. In situations where the guidelines are not applicable; do not exist or are unclear the incumbent refers the problem to the Program Manager.

COMPLEXITY:

The work involves providing support services for the Veteran and their families. In addition, it requires assisting them in establishing goals and providing the correct mechanisms to identify self-defeating thoughts. Decisions on establishing goals and identifying a formal action plan will always be made in conjunction with meeting the Veteran at their current mental state. Decisions regarding what needs to be done involve choices that require a simple analysis such as organizing facts in narrative and/or logical order and comparing them to past solutions in similar cases or to applicable criteria. Actions that are taken or responses that are made, such as advice to the Veteran differs depending on the facts of the situation.

SCOPE AND EFFECT:

The Peer Specialist assists and guides clients toward the identification and achievement of specific goals defined by the Veteran. The work involves a variety of routine as well as standardized tasks that facilitate work performed by higher level providers. Work performed by the incumbent will promote community socialization, strength building, self-advocacy, self-help, and development of natural supports.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is primarily active. Social activities, group discussions, and other positive development is encouraged. There may be some walking; running; riding bikes; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as books, papers, etc.; accessing transportation and driving the Veteran to appointments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work will be performed in a wide range of settings, including the Veteran’s and family homes; in community-based social settings, community agencies; or in transport vehicles (public).

MEETINGS/TRAINING

Identified training will provide continuous and ongoing knowledge that further enhances the skills and talents of each Peer Specialist.

Attend all monthly meetings to receive updates pertaining to the program as well as discuss challenges within the program.

EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS

HVNCVR Peer Support Program provides flat monthly expense reimbursement(s) to Veteran

Peers providing peer support. The purpose of the expense reimbursement is to reimburse Peer

Specialist for the cost associated with participating in a HVNCVR Vet2Vet Peer Support

Program. Examples of the kinds of costs that volunteers incur include gas and mileage reimbursements.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATION:

Current or former military personnel. Working knowledge of social media. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Professionalism, Verbal Communication, Understanding,

Compassion. Ability to connect with Veterans and family members.

HOURS/RATE:

Part-Time- Hours TBD

Rate: $18

OVERALL:

Respect, Honor, Dignity, Purpose.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 24 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18