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Jobs · OTHR · California

Veteran Peer Support Specialist II

Volunteers of America Los Angeles · Los Angeles, California, United States · 1 wk ago
OTHR$23.11–$24.33/hrInternship

About Us

Voice of America (VOALA) is a non-profit human services organization dedicated to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. We provide a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities, including Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans' services, homeless shelters, low-income housing programs, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org.

PAY RATE

$23.11 - $24.33 per hour

BENEFITS

VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.

Job Summary and Purpose

The Peer Support Specialist II/Battle Buddy is an experienced and certified advocate who assists peers in regaining independence within the community and mastering their recovery/reintegration process. Based on personal experiences, this position offers Veteran empathy, support, and advice as challenges are faced. Battle Buddies provide outreach, support, mentoring/coaching, and empower Veteran and Military Families (MilFam).

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Share personal experiences, skills, strengths, ongoing support, and resource referrals related to mental health and/or substance abuse recovery.
  • Accompany participants to appointments and meetings, housing searches, voucher application/issuance sessions, and other veteran-centered activities.
  • Work with the VPAN Squad Leader to develop recovery plans, ensuring participants have the necessary skills, strengths, supports, and resources to achieve their goals.
  • Facilitate the establishment and maintenance of self-help (mutual support) groups and help participants join existing groups.
  • Act as a reference source for clients to legal, community, social service, and administrative bodies as needed; facilitate support group participation.
  • Support participants in identifying and eliminating barriers to full participation in aid programs.
  • Perform integration with the County’s Coordinated Entry System for housing (CES), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other Service Planning Area (SPA) based systems.
  • Provide peer counseling.
  • Affirm and accompany participants in efforts to obtain benefits from various veteran and community support programs.
  • Refer clients to legal, community, social service, and administrative bodies as needed.
  • Maintain monitoring of assigned participants in the execution of recovery/service plans, including home visits.
  • Monitor support groups and perform learning functions as part of the VPAN Squad Leader role.
  • Participate in other duties as required and may be subject to change.

MANDATED REPORTER

As service providers to the underprivileged and vulnerable in our community, all employees are considered Mandated Reporters and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to proper authorities.

Qualifications

  • Pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment, and education verifications.
  • Meet Funder Approval.
  • Have current TB screening and immunization records (within 5 days of hire).
  • Hold a copy of the current professional license (if applicable).
  • Have a current BLS certification (within 15 days of hire).
  • Complete all required trainings (within 30 days of hire).
  • Be able to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients.
  • Have high school diploma (or GED/High School Equivalence Certificate).
  • Complete 75 hours of evidence-based training(s) including but not limited to: Veteran Administration Approved Peer Certification, Risk Mitigation, and the Veteran Family Peer Navigator model training provided by UCLA.
  • Attend and complete 2-week VA Peer Certification training within 90 days of hire.
  • Have at least one year of experience providing social services or similar leadership/volunteer/service experience.
  • Have personal military experience or experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance abuse issues, or experience in homelessness and reintegration.
  • Preferred qualifications include military background and/or having had immediate family members who served in the U.S. military.
  • Have a current California driver's license and clean driving record.

Essential Duties

Services for this position must be provided on-site. As a result, incumbents must report to work on-site each day of active employment.

Other Duties

May be subject to change.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Voice of America is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This employer participates in E-Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.

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