Veteran Specialist

Responsibilities: Use lived experience to provide peer support, hope, reassurance, and advocacy for Veterans in recovery. Coach Veterans (individually and in groups) to build coping skills, challenge negative self-talk, and reduce fear/shame. Provide trauma-informed support and help Veterans understand symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Conduct outreach and engage Veterans and community members in a variety of community settings. Help Veterans set goals and develop/maintain individualized service, support, and wellness plans (e.g., WRAP).Model recovery by sharing your personal recovery story and demonstrating self-determination and use of natural supports. Connect Veterans to resources and peer-run programs, groups, and community partners to meet identified needs. Assist with self-advocacy and advocacy for services, benefits/entitlements, and unmet needs. Support Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as needed (e.g., appointments, shopping, housekeeping, employment exploration).Facilitate Veteran peer recovery support groups. Monitor for warning signs (missed appointments, relapse risk, safety concerns) and document/report concerns promptly. Support crisis situations in collaboration with clinical/medical staff. Serve as a liaison with the treatment team; coordinate care through meetings and ongoing communication with clinicians. Participate in supervision, training, professional development, and provide consultation/cross-training to team members. Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities: Sensitivity to the problems, hopes, and rights of persons with mental health conditions, and/or substance abuse, and/or military trauma based on personal life experience. Have the capacity to participate in disagreements in a respectful manner. Be willing to be non-judgmental of those with unfamiliar religious backgrounds, race, cultures, sexual orientations, different attitudes toward housing and private property, choice of significant people in their life, and current chosen paths to healing and recovery. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; approachable and professional. Good judgment-- to know what is an urgent issue and what is a crisis, when to question a client and/or community member and when to leave him/her alone. Self-starter with commitment to the Veteran community; models ongoing personal growth and learning. Have the confidence in decision-making and the willingness to debrief and learn new skills through each situation. Ability to maintain confidentiality, comprehend laws, regulations, and policies and the ability to follow such laws, regulations, policies and report when they are being violated. Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats. Ability to coordinate care and work collaboratively with community partners. Must have strong computer skills including the ability to document in the electronic medical record, use electronic time tracking, and the ability to use Google Workspace specifically Drive, Meets, Spreadsheets, Word documents, and email. Ability to work as a team member, establish priorities, and manage time effectively to meet deadlines. Demonstrate ability to work independently and follow verbal and written instructions. Experience or willingness to learn how to navigate high stress environments where individuals may be verbally hostile. Detailed-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork. Ability to maintain professional boundaries. Ability to navigate VA system and benefits, in order to communicate and educate potential participants, community partners, and colleagues RequiredExperience working with Veterans and/or strong understanding of Veteran culture, military service, and the unique impacts of transition to civilian life (including mental health, substance use, and trauma-related needs).Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods. Ability to adhere to WVCW's drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy, and productive work environment. Physical ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects and climb stairs. Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check PRIOR TO STARTING ONSITE. WVCW follows federal guidelines when completing drug screening, this includes marijuana. Will be required to carry a cell phone for work use. Must hold a valid driver's license for a minimum of three years, successfully pass a DMV background check, and meet the criteria for an "acceptable" driver as outlined in WVCW's Fleet Safety Policy. Must be willing to provide leadership and services in the community. Must adhere to the agency's non-discrimination policies. Must have strong computer skills or willingness to learn.