Peer Support Specialist-VA Housing Program bei Pathways to Housing DC Inc

The Veterans Affairs Housing Program at Pathways to Housing DC provides comprehensive support to veterans experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. This program is committed to the Housing First model and integrates behavioral health services with housing placement and stabilization efforts. The Peer Specialist plays a vital role in engaging veterans through shared lived experience, fostering trust, and supporting recovery and reintegration into the community.  

This position is part of a multidisciplinary team that works closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs, DC Department of Behavioral Health, and other community partners to ensure veterans receive immediate and long-term support tailored to their unique needs.  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Engage veterans in the development and ongoing review of Individual Recovery Plans (IRPs), ensuring goals reflect their personal recovery journey and housing stability needs. 
• Provide outreach, advocacy, and peer counseling to veterans in transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or those newly entering the program. 
• Use personal recovery experience to model hope, resilience, and self-determination, emphasizing the value of lived experience in overcoming challenges. 
• Support veterans in developing coping strategies, independent living skills, and community reintegration plans. 
• Assist with housing navigation, including coordination with VA housing programs, landlords, and supportive services. 
• Escort veterans to appointments, including medical, psychiatric, and housing-related meetings, while offering emotional support and guidance. 
• Maintain accurate documentation including case notes, progress reports, and service plans in compliance with program standards. 
• Support veterans in budgeting and financial management, including   benefits applications (e.g., VA benefits, SSI/SSDI, SNAP). 

• Coordinate referrals to community-based services, including employment support, substance use treatment, and veteran-specific resources. 
• Advocate for veterans’ access to entitlements and services, ensuring they are informed and empowered to navigate systems effectively. 
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and supervision to enhance service delivery and professional development. 

Qualifications:  

• Must be a self-identified individual with lived experience of mental health or co-occurring behavioral health challenges. 
• Veteran status or experience working with veterans strongly preferred. 
• Lived experience of homelessness, recovery, or reintegration is highly valued. 
• High School Diploma or GED required; college coursework or degree in human services or related field is a plus. 
• Completion of Peer Specialist Certification or training in using personal recovery stories in a professional setting is required. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with diverse populations, especially veterans. 
• Comfortable using personal experiences professionally while maintaining appropriate boundaries. 
• Experience working in housing, behavioral health, or veteran services is