Veteran Peer Navigator

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POSITION SUMMARY

VNC provides a caring veteran partner to vets who may need extra help in accessing services due to the life and mental health challenges they are facing. As a Veteran Peer Navigator (VPN), you’ll become a wingman or shipmate to the struggling veteran, providing resources, encouraging participation in one’s own recovery, and providing accountability for the veteran, restoring self-confidence and enabling the veteran to become more resilient, problem solving and self-sustaining.

As a VPN, you’ll be with them on their entire journey, there is no hand-off. You work with pre-screened collaborators to chart a navigation plan for the veteran and their family. It may include assistance in acquiring VA program benefits, intensive outpatient treatment for substance abuse, mental health counseling for depression, anxiety, PTS and/or trauma, family and marriage counseling, legal services, employment and work training, and other services that may include access to housing, transportation, food, clothing, medically assisted treatment, physical/medical treatment, and/or dental services.

You will be able to use your lived experience to guide and empower them to have the confidence and self-esteem to value and help themselves. You’ll share the life skills you have learned, and help to care for the veteran client and their families as they restore their sense of self-esteem and a renewed sense of purpose.

LENGTH OF CONTRACT

1 year with the option to extend if agreed upon by both parties

TIME COMMITMENT

Three to four five-hour shifts a week

Potential for more than 15-20 hours as agreed upon

Shifts will be staggered to accommodate needs and schedules to ensure someone is always on call

LOCATION

Veterans Navigation Center

4420 Hotel Circle Court, Suite 300

San Diego, CA 92108

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

To be successful in this role, you should have a strong understanding of mental health recovery principles and be able to effectively communicate and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, you should possess excellent interpersonal skills, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude.

We only require proof of military service and a desire to give back. We provide you with the tools you need to support your fellow veterans.

Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom is preferred

MILEAGE

We will not require any driving beyond your commute to/from our office, so VPNs will not need to be reimbursed for mileage.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Our Veteran Peer Navigators (VPNs) go through three to four months training. This is an online self-paced training using the well-recognized HealthStream Onboarding Training (this includes training on veteran benefits, HIPPA, Confidentiality, Sexual Harassment and more). Upon completion of onboarding, the training culminates in 80 hours of online state certification National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) training followed by a test. Once passed, the VPNs become state certified Peer Support Specialists and can begin supporting veterans and their families right away. There’s also a six month follow up for the Peer Support Specialist to receive any additional support needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a certified peer support specialist, your main role would be to provide support and assistance to individuals who are facing mental health challenges and/or substance use issues in addition to seeking other veteran benefits. You would use your personal experience and recovery journey to inspire and empower others on their own path to wellness. Other Responsibilities include:

• Build rapport and establishing a trusting relationship with clients
• Providing emotional support to veterans and military families by actively listening, connecting them to resources to meet their individual needs and empowering them to thrive
• Assess their needs by utilizing techniques you’ll learn such as Motivational Interviewing
• Collaborating with other mental health professionals and veteran service providers to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Assist clients in setting and achieving their recovery goals.
• Encourage donations through various fundraising platforms
• Actively engage in fundraising and outreach efforts and encourage others to do the same
• Work to remove barriers veterans face by connecting them to resources like housing, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, job placement and legal services
• Available to support participants at set times as agreed upon
• Provide peer counseling, referrals, and advocacy to veterans, spouses and/or their dependents
• Coordinate services that help veterans achieve specific goals and supports them throughout the duration of the process
• Help facilitate and encourage participation in peer groups during and after regular program hours; Facilitating support groups and educational workshops to promote mental health awareness and self-care.
• Attends scheduled team meetings and trainings as necessary at times that are agreed upon
• Maintain confidentiality in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards
• Respect the confidential nature of conversations held with military families seeking support and follow requirements outlined by local, state and federal laws
• Maintain and submit time sheets, and other required documentation accurately and in a timely manner
• Identify and utilize resources to meet the veteran’s needs
• Provide non-clinical guidance surrounding access to substance abuse treatment and supply vets with financial resources if needed
• Act in accordance with 501(c)(3) regulations and be willing to ask if you need guidance
• Prevent or de-escalate any problematic behaviors and report any major concerns (including intent to self-harm or suicidal tendencies) to leadership
• Advocating for clients' rights and helping them navigate the mental health system.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential client records.
• Participating in ongoing training and professional development to enhance your knowledge and skills.