- Position Title
- Peer Specialist
- Agency
- Veterans Health Administration
- Announcement Number
- CAZM-11785069-23-HRW Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Thursday, December 29, 2022 to Thursday, December 28, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you currently employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50). Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted). Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50). Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted). Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
3.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
- have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR,
- retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
4.
1. Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces? (Includes all spouses of members of the armed forces on active duty. Spouses do not have to relocate with active duty service member) To verify your eligibility, submit: (1) Copy of your marriage license. (2) Proof of service members active duty status.
-OR-
2. Are you the spouse of a service member who:
-OR-
3. Are you the spouse of a deceased service member who:
-OR-
2. Are you the spouse of a service member who:
- is retired, released, or discharged from the Armed Forces due to a service-connected injury; AND
- on the date on which the member retires, is released, or is discharged, has a disability rating of 100 percent under the standard schedule of rating disabilities in use by the Department of Veterans Affairs;
-OR-
3. Are you the spouse of a deceased service member who:
- was married to the service member on the date the service member died, while on active duty in the Armed Forces; AND
- has not remarried.
To verify your eligibility, submit: (1) a copy of your marriage license, documentation identifying marital status at the time of death and proof that you have not remarried. (2) DD-214 documenting the death of the service member while on active duty, the death certificate; or a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc. specifying the service member's death while on active duty.
For more information, review USAJOBS Military Spouses resources
Note: The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (NDAA FY19), section 573(e) sunsets these statutory changes on August 12, 2023, after which time the provisions at 5 USC 3330(d) in effect prior to the date of enactment (i.e., August 12, 2018) will apply again.
5.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the Department of Veterans Affairs? If yes, confirm:
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
- you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
6.
Are you a current Federal employee in the excepted service in an agency covered by an Interchange Agreement with at least one year of service in that position?
For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems.
-OR-
Are you a current:
• Postal Career Service Employee;
• Postal Rate Commission Employee;
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee?
For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.
For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems.
-OR-
Are you a current:
• Postal Career Service Employee;
• Postal Rate Commission Employee;
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee?
For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.
7.
Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
8.
Do you have prior Career or Career-Conditional Service with the Federal Government? If so, you may be eligible for reinstatement.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your separation SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your separation SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
- career or career-conditional (Tenure field box 24. is 1 or 2); AND,
- your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field box 34. is 1).
- highest grade previously held (Grade or Level field box 18.)
9.
Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency other than the Department of Veterans Affairs?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
- career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
- your status is in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
10.
Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service. *Note current Federal employees must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements.
- served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
- are entitled to veterans' preference?
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service. *Note current Federal employees must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements.
11.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, you must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
- recently separated (within the past 3 years); OR,
- are a disabled veteran; OR,
- served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition; OR,
- received an Armed Forces Service Medal?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, you must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
12.
Are you an active duty service member expected to be discharged or released under honorable conditions within the next 120 days who will be eligible for Veterans' preference? You may eligible to apply through the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act based on tentative preference.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a "certification" on appropriate letterhead from your branch of service that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. Note: If selected, prior to appointment you will be required to provide your DD-214 and/or other supporting documentation to verify that you are eligible for Veterans' preference.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a "certification" on appropriate letterhead from your branch of service that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. Note: If selected, prior to appointment you will be required to provide your DD-214 and/or other supporting documentation to verify that you are eligible for Veterans' preference.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
2.
Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?
If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
Resume Reminder- Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:
Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
- Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
- Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
- Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
- Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
Veterans' Preference Documentation Reminder: In order to receive appropriate consideration, you should submit proper documentation if you are claiming eligibility for Veterans' Preference, which includes a copy of your DD-214 (member copy 4 or earlier version that shows character of service). Applicant's claiming 10-Point preference should also submit an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference along with the required documentation listed on the form (such as verification of service-connected disability percentage).
TRANSCRIPT REMINDER - If you are basing your qualifications on education (or a combination of education and experience) or if the position requires a college education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application.
Accuracy of Application Reminder:
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).
3.
Please indicate the highest grade you have held in the Federal government.
4.
Please indicate dates of the highest grade you have held in the Federal service (if applicable).
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in a position within the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Administration. Please select the appropriate answer to each of the following set of questions based on your current level of experience and/or education that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience and/or education are subject to verification by investigation. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience and/or education as proof to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task.
The following section includes questions related to the qualification requirements for this vacancy. Please mark only ONE response for each item.
1.
Are you a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces? 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. You MUST provide a copy of your DD-214, with your application package
2.
Are you a Veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition?
3.
Are you a Veteran who has spent a minimum of one year in personal recovery from a mental health condition?
4.
Are you currently certified as a Peer Specialist by:
*a not-for-profit entity engaged in peer specialist training as having met such criteria as the Secretary shall establish for a peer specialist position or
*State as having satisfied relevant State requirements for a peer specialist position.
You MUST provide a copy of your certification, with your application package.
*a not-for-profit entity engaged in peer specialist training as having met such criteria as the Secretary shall establish for a peer specialist position or
*State as having satisfied relevant State requirements for a peer specialist position.
You MUST provide a copy of your certification, with your application package.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
5.
Do meet the NEW CRITERIA of a Peer Specialist?
You MUST provide a copy of your certification, with your application package. Effective August 1, 2022: Applicants not already onboard as peer specialists in VHA on August 1, 2022 must have peer specialist certification from one of the following sources to qualify:
You MUST provide a copy of your certification, with your application package. Effective August 1, 2022: Applicants not already onboard as peer specialists in VHA on August 1, 2022 must have peer specialist certification from one of the following sources to qualify:
6.
The peer specialist certification training provided to peer support staff members by one of the VHA OMHSP-contracted peer specialist certification training vendors.
7.
State-issued peer specialist certification that is active and maintained based on the specific state requirements.
8.
Certificate from the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Peer Support Specialist Course (74-hour course) offered to the general public that was completed prior to August 1, 2022.
9.
Certificate from Recovery Innovations International (RI International or RI Consulting) Certified Peer Support Specialist Training also known as Peer Employment Training (approximately 72-hour course) offered to the general public that was completed prior to August 1, 2022.
Effective August 1, 2022, peer specialist certification training certificates showing a completion date after August 1, 2022 from DBSA's and RI International's peer specialist certification training courses offered to the general public will not be sufficient to meet the VHA peer specialist certification requirement. Applicants with either of these training certificates will also need to complete the additional steps required to obtain a state-issued peer specialist certification to qualify for employment as a peer specialist in VHA. VHA-Contracted Peer Specialist Certification Training.
Starting in the summer of 2022, VHA contracts with the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and also with Recovery Innovations International (also known as RI Consulting or RI International) to provide the required peer specialist certification training for GS-5 peer support apprentices. As of August 1, 2022, only DBSA's and RI International's (RI Consulting's) certificates from their VHA-contracted peer specialist certification trainings for VHA peer support apprentices meet VA's peer specialist qualification criteria and will be accepted for applicants not yet employed as peer specialists. The two vendors will stipulate on the training certificates that it is the VHA peer specialist certification training so that it is clear where the peer support apprentices obtained the peer specialist certification training.
Certificates from DBSA and RI International (RI Consulting) peer specialist certification trainings that Veterans pursue on their own from these organizations will no longer be accepted to meet VHA's peer specialist certification requirement if the training is completed on or after August 1, 2022. If a Veteran goes on their own to one of the Veteran-focused peer specialist certification trainings that DBSA or RI International (RI Consulting) offers to the general public, then the Veteran will need to take the additional steps associated with applying for a state-issued peer specialist certification from a state where DBSA or RI International (RI Consulting) is considered an approved peer specialist certification training vendor that meet one of the requirements for the state-issued peer specialist certification. Peer specialists who obtained their peer specialist certification through the VHA-contracted peer specialist certification training with DBSA or RI International (RI Consulting) may live and work in any state. As per the requirements in VHA Directive 1163, to maintain their peer specialist certification, they are required to obtain a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education (CE) per year related to the work of a peer specialist, two hours of which must be on ethics. The DBSA and RI International (RI Consulting) peer specialist certifications do not require renewal.
Effective August 1, 2022, peer specialist certification training certificates showing a completion date after August 1, 2022 from DBSA's and RI International's peer specialist certification training courses offered to the general public will not be sufficient to meet the VHA peer specialist certification requirement. Applicants with either of these training certificates will also need to complete the additional steps required to obtain a state-issued peer specialist certification to qualify for employment as a peer specialist in VHA. VHA-Contracted Peer Specialist Certification Training.
Starting in the summer of 2022, VHA contracts with the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and also with Recovery Innovations International (also known as RI Consulting or RI International) to provide the required peer specialist certification training for GS-5 peer support apprentices. As of August 1, 2022, only DBSA's and RI International's (RI Consulting's) certificates from their VHA-contracted peer specialist certification trainings for VHA peer support apprentices meet VA's peer specialist qualification criteria and will be accepted for applicants not yet employed as peer specialists. The two vendors will stipulate on the training certificates that it is the VHA peer specialist certification training so that it is clear where the peer support apprentices obtained the peer specialist certification training.
Certificates from DBSA and RI International (RI Consulting) peer specialist certification trainings that Veterans pursue on their own from these organizations will no longer be accepted to meet VHA's peer specialist certification requirement if the training is completed on or after August 1, 2022. If a Veteran goes on their own to one of the Veteran-focused peer specialist certification trainings that DBSA or RI International (RI Consulting) offers to the general public, then the Veteran will need to take the additional steps associated with applying for a state-issued peer specialist certification from a state where DBSA or RI International (RI Consulting) is considered an approved peer specialist certification training vendor that meet one of the requirements for the state-issued peer specialist certification. Peer specialists who obtained their peer specialist certification through the VHA-contracted peer specialist certification training with DBSA or RI International (RI Consulting) may live and work in any state. As per the requirements in VHA Directive 1163, to maintain their peer specialist certification, they are required to obtain a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education (CE) per year related to the work of a peer specialist, two hours of which must be on ethics. The DBSA and RI International (RI Consulting) peer specialist certifications do not require renewal.
10.
Please select the statement below that best describes your experience and/or education to meet the specific qualification requirement for the GS-06 grade level.
11.
Please select the statement below that best describes your experience and/or education to meet the specific qualification requirement for the GS-07 grade level
12.
Please select the statement below that best describes your experience and/or education to meet the specific qualification requirement for the GS-08 grade level
13.
Please select the statement below that best describes your experience and/or education to meet the specific qualification requirement for the GS-09 grade level.
***Application Package Notification & Important Information***
We appreciate your interest in available positions within the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. It is our goal to forward every eligible and qualified candidate for consideration.
Due to the nature of our systems, it is imperative that your application package be accurate and complete. Therefore, prior to finalizing your application package and submitting for consideration:
Please Note: Until the closing date of the announcement, you can update or edit your package. However, once your application package is submitted and the announcement period closes, we are unable to add documentation or alter your responses. By submitting your package for consideration, you are attesting that your application package is complete and accurate.
Some helpful tips:
*Resume - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:
*Veteran's Preference - In order to receive appropriate preference consideration, you must submit proper documentation if you are claiming eligibility for Veteran's preference, which includes a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4 or earlier version that shows character of service). Applicant's claiming 10-point preference should also submit an SF-15, Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference along with the required documentation listed on the SF-15 form (such as verification of service-connected disability percentage).
*Current or former VA or Federal Employees - You must submit a copy of a current and/or highest grade held SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action (not an award SF50)
*Proof of current certification, licensure, or registration (if applicable).
We appreciate your interest in available positions within the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. It is our goal to forward every eligible and qualified candidate for consideration.
Due to the nature of our systems, it is imperative that your application package be accurate and complete. Therefore, prior to finalizing your application package and submitting for consideration:
- Ensure all documents are appropriately selected, are legible, and have uploaded successfully (we recommend viewing them a second time to ensure no errors have occurred in the process). Missing documents may cause your application package to be ineligible for consideration.
- Ensure that all responses to the assessment questions are accurate and correctly reflect your current situation. Question responses are used in determining if you meet specific eligibility and qualification requirements.
Please Note: Until the closing date of the announcement, you can update or edit your package. However, once your application package is submitted and the announcement period closes, we are unable to add documentation or alter your responses. By submitting your package for consideration, you are attesting that your application package is complete and accurate.
Some helpful tips:
*Resume - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:
-
- Job title
- Grade Level (for federal positions)
- Duties (be as detailed as possible and ensure they demonstrate how you meet the specialized experience and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for the position)
- Month & year start/end dates (e.g., June 2019 to April 2020)
- Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
*Veteran's Preference - In order to receive appropriate preference consideration, you must submit proper documentation if you are claiming eligibility for Veteran's preference, which includes a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4 or earlier version that shows character of service). Applicant's claiming 10-point preference should also submit an SF-15, Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference along with the required documentation listed on the SF-15 form (such as verification of service-connected disability percentage).
*Current or former VA or Federal Employees - You must submit a copy of a current and/or highest grade held SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action (not an award SF50)
*Proof of current certification, licensure, or registration (if applicable).