Veteran Peer Support Specialist

What We Are Looking For

As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, CNS Healthcare's mission is to serve the people of our communities. We are seeking candidates that have a passion for mentoring to help people achieve community inclusion, participation, independence, recovery, and productivity. Our ideal candidate has a special ability to gain the trust and respect of the individuals we serve based on shared experiences.

Compensation Range

• Starting pay for this position is $18.60 - $23.40 hourly rate for uncertified candidates, and $19.88 - $25.33 hourly rate for certified candidates, and is based on non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

What’s In It For You

• CNS Healthcare provides a robust total rewards program to support our team members and their loved ones.
• Comprehensive medical insurance options
• Employer-paid benefits including dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance
• Retail retirement program with generous company default contribution and match
• Generous PTO program starting at 18 days annually
• 16 paid holidays, including 3 floating holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Student loan forgiveness eligibility, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), HRSA, and more

Peer Support

• Provide one-on-one peer support to veterans facing challenges such as post-military transition, mental health concerns, and reintegration into civilian life.
• Foster a supportive and empathetic environment by sharing personal experiences, insights, and coping strategies.
• Advocate for veterans' needs and rights within the organization and in the broader community.
• Collaborate with external agencies and organizations to ensure veterans receive appropriate resources and support.
• Conduct educational sessions for veterans on available resources, benefits, and programs.
• Participate in outreach activities to connect with veterans and raise awareness about the peer support services offered.
• Assist veterans in crisis by providing immediate support and connecting them with appropriate professional services.
• Collaborate with mental health professionals and emergency services as needed.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of peer support interactions, including progress notes, contact notes, and group notes, completely, accurately, and in accordance with CNS policy.
• Provide regular reports on program activities, outcomes, and challenges to supervisors and relevant stakeholders.

Education and Outreach

• Conduct educational sessions for veterans on available resources, benefits, and programs.
• Participate in outreach activities to connect with veterans and raise awareness about the peer support services offered.

Crisis Intervention

• Assist veterans in crisis by providing immediate support and connecting them with appropriate professional services.
• Collaborate with mental health professionals and emergency services as needed.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of peer support interactions, including progress notes, contact notes, and group notes, completely, accurately, and in accordance with CNS policy.
• Provide regular reports on program activities, outcomes, and challenges to supervisors and relevant stakeholders.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with other team members, including mental health professionals, social workers, and case managers, to ensure comprehensive support for veterans.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to the development and improvement of peer support programs.
• Connect individuals to medically necessary and clinically indicated services, including DHS, Social Security, food and clothing banks and other community resources using agency or personally owned vehicle, as assigned.
• Facilitate wellness groups including WRAP, WHAM, Smoking Cessation, among others, and support individuals in those groups in gaining access to community programs and services as they are indicated, especially physical health care and dental services.
• Attend team meetings and receive assignments from supervisor.
• Provide assistance and partnership in:
• Developing advance directive
• Learning about and pursuing alternatives to guardianship
• Developing, implementing and providing ongoing guidance for advocacy and support groups
• Providing ongoing guidance for advocacy and support groups
• Supporting individuals in developing and implementing their goals and objectives identified in the PCP
• Attending outings intended to enhance socialization and providing instruction-based assistance including teaching, prompting, modeling, monitoring encouragement and general support to persons served.

Trauma-Informed Approach

• Utilize a Trauma-Informed approach to deliver services.

Qualifications

• Military Service: Discharge from the military.
• Direct experience with the challenges faced by veterans during and after their military service.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and active listening skills. Ability to convey empathy, understanding, and encouragement.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to build rapport and trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Comfortable sharing personal experiences within professional boundaries.
• Advocacy Skills: Knowledge of veterans' rights and benefits. Ability to advocate for veterans in a variety of settings.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively to find solutions.
• Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to the evolving needs of veterans and the organization.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Preferred: Completed certification process and is an active Certified Peer Support Specialist. Additional education or training in psychology, social work, or a related field.

About CNS Healthcare

CNS Healthcare (CNS) is a non-profit, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) with seven clinics and two clubhouses in Southeastern Michigan. CNS employs approximately 400 employees, paraprofessionals, and support staff, delivering services to more than 7,000 people annually. CNS provides comprehensive integrated health services in partnership with several community organizations, and uses a patient-centered approach to identify, support, and promote the overall health of children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Visit our website to learn more about our mission, vision, and values!