As part of the Los Angeles Veterans Peer Access Network (VPAN), the Veteran Peer Support Specialist will conduct Outreach throughout the San Gabriel Valley to connect with Veterans, National Guard, Military Reservists and Their Families to provide increased access to resources and benefits. The Peer Support Specialist will act as a liaison/ advocate for Veterans in need of assistance in various aspects of life.

• BA or BS degree in Career Counseling, Communications, or other related field preferred.
• May be substituted for experience.
• Background or experience in Case Management, Career Counseling or Mental Health.
• Prior Military Experience highly desirable.
• Peer Support Certification or aligned experience a plus.
• Requires a minimum of 2 years’ experience in Veteran Services or career counseling.
• Must have a passion to work and connect in Veteran related areas.
• Requires a high level of customer service and counseling expertise with the ability to multi-task.
• Prior experience with Veterans and high-risk populations is desired.
• Demonstrated experience communicating effectively with stakeholders in written and oral form, including electronic media, using positive interpersonal skills.
• Skill in facilitating groups, writing case notes and working with a diverse population.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office software and other relevant software.
• Must be available to work flexible hours including evenings and some weekends.

KEY RESPONCIBILITIES

• Provide peer support, mentorship, and coach participants in navigating and accessing benefits and resources.
• Assists with coordinating individual or peer led groups in various topics.
• Welcomes clients and identifies needs and expectations to create a positive client experience.
• Administers and interprets a variety of assessment tools.
• Assists Veterans to identify goals and develop plans to assist with attaining identified goals.
• Develops individual service plans that address Veteran needs. Assists in data collection and preparing reports.
• Maintains compliance with agency and funder protocols and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards.
• Is knowledgeable about the range of services in the community and develops and maintains relationships with partners to deliver a comprehensive array of services to clients.
• Will make group presentations and may deliver workshops in the areas of general Veteran benefits, housing programs, educational programs, employment programs and accessing VA Health Care benefits.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Office or classroom environment in fast paced setting. Must be able to lift 15 lbs with a fair amount of sitting, answering telephones, and movement within the Career Center. Requires traveling to employer and client work sites.

ABOUT JVS SOCAL

Founded in 1931, JVS-SoCal is a nonprofit, non-sectarian social service agency providing job training, education, career services, mentoring, and placement assistance to diverse and multicultural populations, transforming lives and empowering individuals to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence. JVS SoCal currently serves over 30,000 clients annually at over 20 locations throughout Southern California. As JVS SoCal continues to grow, we continue to look for qualified, dedicated staff to join us and play a role in transforming lives and bettering our communities throughout SoCal and beyond!