VA has always recognized the value and importance of Veterans being able to see recovery taking place and have a fellow Veteran help them navigate the VA system. As VA peer specialists, or peer support apprentices, you have the opportunity to share experience and knowledge with fellow Veterans as they make the transition into civilian life. The transition can sometimes be difficult with health challenges, mental health issues, employment concerns and more. However, peer specialists and peer support apprentices can help Veterans navigate their way into civilian life more successfully by offering the right tools, resources, and necessary support.

Peer specialists are actively engaged in his/her own recovery and can provide peer support services to others engaged in similar mental health treatment. Peer support apprentices meet all the requirements of a peer specialist but are not yet certified.

As a VA peer specialist or peer support apprentice, you could help fellow Veterans build fuller, richer lives. Find out if you are eligible for either position at the Peer Support Applicants FAQs page and click here to apply for positions today.

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4 Comments

  1. Joe Passarelli FMF Corpsman, Vietnam May 28, 2013 at 14:16

    Peer Specialist is an awesome idea. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to get training and/or hired for it or the apprentice position. However, I will continue to try to get employed at the Mather VA Hospital in Sacramento, Ca. Does anybody have any advice or a contact name to speed this along? I have a BS in psychology and years of experience in the mental health field. I’d like to get a foot in the door for employment at the new mental health and rehab center under construction now.
    Thanks.

  2. Sandra Kendell May 21, 2013 at 13:57

    I want to encourage every veteran that has a heart for that which you have stood for over the years to reach out and touch, connect, and become involved. Being a member of the US Military is not like joining any other organization, we are all trained to be on one accord and to serve…with pride, dignity, and honor, first God and our Country, others, ourselves and ultimately the world as we all travel the globe throughout our lives. The soldiers (fighting men and women) of the 21 century are unique to the world as we live in a very cruel and violent world which makes it seem that “war” is a daily realization. They have placed their lives (mentally, spiritually, and physically) on the lines that we may stand proud in our liberties…Now they need us….Let us not forget…united we stand…divided we fall…God bless America!

  3. John Houston May 20, 2013 at 16:28

    I am a retired Lt Col, USAF.
    If there is something I can do in/around Tampa….I’m glad to help.

    –JH

  4. D. C. Wright USMC Retired May 18, 2013 at 00:19

    Do y’all need any Vietnam vets in the SF Bay Area? Or, eventually, in the Norfolk VA area?

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