U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
PEER SPECIALIST
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
Join to apply for the
PEER SPECIALIST
role at
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
located within the Homeless Program at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Pay Range U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided pay range: Base pay range: $52,414.00/yr – $92,615.00/yr (actual pay based on skills and experience). Closing date: 01/07/2026.
Summary This Peer Specialist position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements detailed in the qualifications section.
Qualifications Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Time‑in‑Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time‑in‑grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date. For GS‑6: 52 weeks at GS‑5; GS‑7: 52 weeks at GS‑6; GS‑8: 52 weeks at GS‑7; GS‑9: 52 weeks at GS‑8. These requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement or Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
Basic Requirements
Statutory Requirements (Section 405 of Public Law 110‑387, 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13)) – must be a veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition.
Certified by a not‑for‑profit peer specialist training entity or state program.
At least 1 year of recovery from a mental health condition (mental illness and/or substance use disorder).
Demonstrated successful recovery – manages symptoms, pursues healthy lifestyle, lives independently, employed or volunteering part‑time, meaningful relationships, and community involvement.
English language proficiency – basic written and spoken English required.
Minimum grade‑level qualifications – at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower graded level involving post‑personal mental health recovery and in‑person communication with peers (GS‑6, GS‑7, GS‑8, GS‑9). Optional education substitution: successful completion of graduate education (see table).
Restricted to veterans: must submit DD‑214 and Peer Specialist Certification with application.
Additional qualification statements continued in Additional Information section.
Duties
Function as an interdisciplinary team member assisting physicians and other personnel in a rehabilitation treatment program.
Assist Veterans in articulating recovery goals, practicing new skills, monitoring progress, and modeling coping techniques.
Participate in service, training, and consultation activities; fully vested member of multidisciplinary team.
Use personal recovery experience to coach Veterans in self‑management and wellness skills.
Observe and document behavioral indicators; report concerns to treatment team.
Conduct individual and group meetings to address negative self‑talk and fears.
Handle crisis interventions and emergent situations as necessary.
Inform Veterans about VA and community resources.
Maintain knowledge of current trends in holistic wellness and recovery.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Promotion potential: eligible for promotion without further competition upon meeting regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements.
Work schedule: Full time, Sunday‑Wednesday 9:30 AM‑8:00 PM (compressed/flexible).
No telework authorized.
Position Description/PD numbers and relocation/recruitment incentives: not available.
Seniority Level Entry Level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other – Government Administration
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PEER SPECIALIST
role at
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
located within the Homeless Program at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Pay Range U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provided pay range: Base pay range: $52,414.00/yr – $92,615.00/yr (actual pay based on skills and experience). Closing date: 01/07/2026.
Summary This Peer Specialist position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements detailed in the qualifications section.
Qualifications Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Time‑in‑Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time‑in‑grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date. For GS‑6: 52 weeks at GS‑5; GS‑7: 52 weeks at GS‑6; GS‑8: 52 weeks at GS‑7; GS‑9: 52 weeks at GS‑8. These requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement or Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
Basic Requirements
Statutory Requirements (Section 405 of Public Law 110‑387, 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13)) – must be a veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition.
Certified by a not‑for‑profit peer specialist training entity or state program.
At least 1 year of recovery from a mental health condition (mental illness and/or substance use disorder).
Demonstrated successful recovery – manages symptoms, pursues healthy lifestyle, lives independently, employed or volunteering part‑time, meaningful relationships, and community involvement.
English language proficiency – basic written and spoken English required.
Minimum grade‑level qualifications – at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower graded level involving post‑personal mental health recovery and in‑person communication with peers (GS‑6, GS‑7, GS‑8, GS‑9). Optional education substitution: successful completion of graduate education (see table).
Restricted to veterans: must submit DD‑214 and Peer Specialist Certification with application.
Additional qualification statements continued in Additional Information section.
Duties
Function as an interdisciplinary team member assisting physicians and other personnel in a rehabilitation treatment program.
Assist Veterans in articulating recovery goals, practicing new skills, monitoring progress, and modeling coping techniques.
Participate in service, training, and consultation activities; fully vested member of multidisciplinary team.
Use personal recovery experience to coach Veterans in self‑management and wellness skills.
Observe and document behavioral indicators; report concerns to treatment team.
Conduct individual and group meetings to address negative self‑talk and fears.
Handle crisis interventions and emergent situations as necessary.
Inform Veterans about VA and community resources.
Maintain knowledge of current trends in holistic wellness and recovery.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Promotion potential: eligible for promotion without further competition upon meeting regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements.
Work schedule: Full time, Sunday‑Wednesday 9:30 AM‑8:00 PM (compressed/flexible).
No telework authorized.
Position Description/PD numbers and relocation/recruitment incentives: not available.
Seniority Level Entry Level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other – Government Administration
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