Peer Support Apprentice

Overview

Summary This Peer Support Apprentice position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements that are detailed in the qualifications section. This position provides Veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned and does so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion - commitment - excellence - professionalism - integrity - accountability - and stewardship.

Summary This Peer Support Apprentice position may only be filled with a Veteran that meets statutory requirements that are detailed in the qualifications section. This position provides Veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned and does so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion - commitment - excellence - professionalism - integrity - accountability - and stewardship.

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 02/13/2026.

• FOR PEER SUPPORT APPRENTICES - GS-102-5:
  As a Peer Support Apprentice hired to become a certified Peer Specialist - a Veteran must have spent a minimum of 1 year in recovery from a mental health condition (mental illness and/or substance use disorder)
• In all cases - Peer Support Apprentices must actively pursue becoming certified as required to serve as a Peer Specialist by 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13)(B)
• At the time of appointment - the supervisor will provide the Peer Support Apprentice with the written requirements for becoming certified - the date by which he or she must become certified - and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline
• Failure to become certified by the prescribed date will result in removal from this GS-102 occupation and may result in termination of employment
• IMPORTANT NOTICE:
  Veteran is defined as a person who served in the active military - naval - air - or space service - and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
• Restricted to VETERANS - See IMPORTANT NOTICE
• Open to current - permanent employees of the VA (i.e
• T38 - T38 Hybrid - and VCS employees on excepted appts covered by an interchange agreement)
• Federal employees on a Career/Career-Conditional appt.
• Former competitive civil service employees eligible for reinstatement
• Veterans eligible under VRA - and 30% DAV
• Those eligible under the Employment Program for People with Disabilities
• and those eligible for CTAP/ICTAP
• Length of Experience in Recovery Basic Requirement:
  Successful recovery is exemplified by one who manages symptoms of illness and pursues a healthy lifestyle
• lives independently
• is employed or volunteers significant time approximating at least a part-time employment schedule
• has meaningful relationships with family members and friends
• and is socially involved in the community through clubs - hobby groups - church - civic organizations or Veteran organizations in which the individual provides a service to others
• NOTE:
  
  You MUST provide copies of your DD-214 with your application package
• ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:
  In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position
• You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
  Problem Solving Communication Teaches Others Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g.
  
  - Peace Corps - Ameri Corps) and other organizations (e.g.
  
  - professional - philanthropic - religions - spiritual - community - student - social)
• Volunteer work helps build critical competencies - knowledge - and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment
• You will receive credit for all qualifying experience - including volunteer experience
• Note:
  
  A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week
• Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities
• Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment
• Physical Requirements:
  
  The applicant must be able to perform primarily light and sedentary duties with occasionally moderate physical demands - exercise patience - and control emotions - with reasonable accommodation if necessary - without endangering the health and safety of the applicant or others
• The work is primarily sedentary
• Typically - the employee sits to do the work
• There may be some walking - standing - bending - carrying of light items (such as books - papers) - and accessing transportation
• The work may require occasional use of Department of Veteran's Affairs approved behavioral management techniques with Veterans who present a danger to self or others
• Veterans demonstrate varying…