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VOLUNTEER

Peer Support Specailist

Peer Support Specialist – OAR Foundation (Part Time Volunteer)

Job Description:

The Peer Support Specialist at the OAR Foundation will provide vital support to veterans who are coping with moral injury, PTSD, and other emotional challenges resulting from their military service. This role involves offering peer-based support, fostering a sense of belonging, and guiding veterans through recovery by sharing lived experiences, offering emotional support, and connecting them with appropriate resources. The Peer Support Specialist will work closely with the foundation's team to ensure veterans receive the care, understanding, and community they need to heal.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide peer support to veterans experiencing moral injury, trauma, and other emotional difficulties through one-on-one interactions and group sessions.

  • Share personal experiences and coping strategies to help veterans navigate their healing journey, providing empathy and understanding.

  • Facilitate peer support groups that encourage open dialogue, community-building, and shared learning in a safe and confidential environment.

  • Act as a liaison between veterans and mental health professionals, connecting them with resources such as counseling, therapy, and other forms of care.

  • Support veterans in developing coping strategies, building resilience, and finding new purposes through service and community involvement.

  • Educate veterans about mental health resources and the importance of self-care, including connecting them to holistic and traditional treatment options.

  • Assist veterans in identifying and addressing barriers to recovery, including feelings of isolation, shame, and guilt.

  • Foster a supportive community where veterans feel valued, heard, and empowered to take an active role in their recovery.

  • Help create and maintain a confidential and respectful environment for sharing experiences and challenges.

  • Participate in ongoing training and development to stay informed about best practices in peer support, moral injury, and veteran care.

Requirements

  • Lived experience as a veteran, with a focus on moral injury, trauma recovery, or related issues (required).

  • Previous experience in peer support, counseling, or mentoring (preferred).

  • Strong empathy and the ability to connect with veterans on a personal level, offering non-judgmental support.

  • Excellent communication and listening skills, with the ability to facilitate sensitive conversations and build trust.

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with respect and professionalism.

  • Knowledge of mental health resources, especially those relevant to veterans, including both traditional and alternative healing methods.

  • Understanding of moral injury and how it affects veterans’ mental and emotional health.

  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team to achieve goals and support veterans.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to guide veterans through challenges in their recovery journey.

  • Compassionate and patient attitude, with a commitment to the well-being of veterans.

  • Willingness to participate in continuous learning and professional development opportunities related to peer support and mental health.

The Peer Support Specialist is an essential role for a veteran-focused nonprofit like OAR Foundation. This position is ideal for an individual who is passionate about helping others, has firsthand experience of the challenges veterans face, and wants to make a positive impact in the lives of fellow veterans. If you are looking to use your own healing journey to help others, this position provides an opportunity to foster hope and create meaningful change.

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