Veteran Peer Support Specialist

Position Description

Veteran Peer Support Specialist JOB TITLE: Veteran Peer Support Specialist Job Summary: The Peer Support Specialist functions as an interdisciplinary team member, assisting program staff, behavioral health clinicians and other community health professional/non-professional personnel in a Veteran Affairs (VA) suicide prevention program. Peer specialists perform a variety of healing and supportive tasks that include assisting Veterans, active duty military and or their family members in articulating their goals for mental wellbeing, personal wellness, learning, practicing new skills, helping them monitor their progress, assisting them in their social environments by modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies based on the peer specialist’s own lived experience, and supporting them by advocating for obtainment of effective services. The Peer Support Specialist must have effective communication with coworkers and rural community partners, collaborate with APIA staff and attend required project and division meetings. Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent, BS in Human Services preferred. Must be a military veteran who has lived experience receiving behavioral health or substance misuse recovery services, who are committed to their own recovery, and willing to help the in the recovery journey of fellow veterans and active duty service members. Existing knowledge of the area resources available to Veterans strongly preferred. Preferred skills: Mental Health First Aid, S.A.V.E. or QPR Gatekeeper Trainer, Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing and/or other culturally relevant practice-based. Interest and knowledge of Native lifestyles preferred. Willingness and means to travel. Ability to manage and coordinate program goals and objectives with minimal amount of supervision. Must have a valid Alaska Driver’s License. Willing to take training and attend workshops and meetings periodically to enhance job performance and knowledge. Ability to frequently travel to multiple remote locations. Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Inc. 1131 East International Airport Road Anchorage, Alaska 99518 nancyb@apiai.org Phone: (907) 276-2700 Fax: (907) 279-4351 * Native preference will be given to qualified applicant pursuant to P.L. 93-638.