Peer Support Specialist (53464)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Peer Support Specialist provides recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and veteran-centered peer support services to eligible veterans, service members, and their families participating in the Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Drawing upon lived experience, the Peer Support Specialist builds trusting relationships, promotes hope and resilience, supports suicide prevention efforts, and assists participants in accessing behavioral health services and community resources.

The position works collaboratively with case managers, outreach personnel, clinical providers, and community partners to reduce barriers to care, increase engagement, and promote long-term stability and wellness. Essential functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide individualized peer support to veterans and other eligible participants experiencing behavioral health challenges, social isolation, or increased risk factors associated with suicide.
• Establish supportive relationships through shared lived experience, active listening, encouragement, and mutual respect.
• Assist participants in identifying personal strengths, developing recovery goals, and establishing healthy coping strategies.
• Support participant engagement in behavioral health treatment, suicide prevention services, and other appropriate community resources.
• Recognize warning signs of suicide risk and promptly follow established safety, crisis response, and escalation procedures.
• Collaborate with case managers and clinical personnel to support individualized service plans and continuity of care.
• Facilitate peer support groups, wellness activities, and other recovery-oriented programming as assigned.
• Assist participants in navigating veteran-specific resources, including VA services, community behavioral health programs, housing assistance, and benefits.
• Conduct follow-up contacts to encourage continued engagement and reduce barriers to participation.
• Maintain accurate and timely participant contact notes, service documentation, and program records in accordance with grant requirements and organizational policies.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultations, training, and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Assist with community outreach events and veteran engagement activities as needed.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.