VA Peer Support Specialist

University of California - Los Angeles Health
United States, California, Los Angeles
Jan 30, 2026
Description Life-saving breakthroughs, innovative therapies, and next-generation technologies. Through vision, tenacity, and inspiration, UCLA Health's world-class researchers are redefining human health and patient care. Join us and live out your passion for discovery while making an incredible difference in the lives of people around the world. Under the direction of the Management Services Officer (MSO), Principal Investigator (PI), and a clinical supervisor, the Peer Support Specialist provides meaningful peer support to Veterans with mental health concerns who are not currently engaged in treatment. Drawing on lived experience, the specialist builds rapport, encourages engagement, and supports Veterans in using a mental health application to set goals, address barriers, and strengthen recovery skills. The Peer Support Specialist documents services, participates in training and supervision, and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to promote Veteran engagement and progress toward personal mental health goals. Salary: $33.96- $69.54 hourly Qualifications Required: Bachelor's degree in related area and /or equivalent experience / training Minimum 3 years of related experience or training Must be a veteran who has at least 1 year of recovery from a mental health condition (mental illness and/or Presents and expresses ideas and information clearly and concisely in a manner appropriate to the audience, whether oral or written. Actively listens to what others are saying to achieve understanding. Shares information with others and facilitates the open exchange of ideas and information. Excellent organizational and analytical skills; demonstrated attention to detail. Ability to complete work and meet established deadlines in an accurate and timely manner, and to prioritize short and competing deadlines. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to interact collegially with faculty, staff, learners and outside contacts to carry out the mission of the educational program(s) or initiative(s) Comprehensive understanding of UCLA and VA policy and procedures Skills in operating a personal computer including working knowledge of software programs, including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Pro. Preferred: Experience with mental health conditions impacting U.S. Veterans who receive care in the Veterans Health Administration. Knowledge of the mental health conditions impacting individuals with serious mental illness, homelessness, or co-occurring disorder. Demonstrated work experience in clinical care/counseling/peer support OR experience in a related field. A full, current, and unrestricted peer specialist certification.