JOB DESCRIPTION
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
SUICIDE PREVENTION (SSG Fox SPGP)
Veteran Services of the Carolinas (VSC)
Approved by Board of Directors, Date: ______
Page 1 of 2 Pages
Position Title: Peer Support Specialist Suicide Prevention (SSG Fox SPGP) Department/Program: Veterans Services of the Carolinas (“VSC”) Reports To: Assistant Program Director Suicide Prevention (SSG Fox SPGP)
Location: Jacksonville, North Carolina
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Work Schedule: Full-time position requiring flexibility, including evenings, and weekends.
Compensation: Hourly rate commensurate with education and experience.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Peer Support Specialist – Suicide Prevention provides peer support, crisis response, outreach, and recovery-oriented services to veterans and service members experiencing behavioral health challenges, suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, homelessness, or other life challenges. Using lived experience, this position promotes hope, resilience, recovery, and community connection while coordinating access to behavioral health, healthcare, and supportive services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Crisis Response & Outreach
Respond to referrals involving veterans experiencing or at risk of behavioral health crises.
Conduct community outreach and participant engagement throughout the assigned service area.
Partner with first responders, behavioral health providers, law enforcement, veteran organizations, and community agencies to support crisis response efforts.
Administer the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and other approved screening tools as required.
Peer Support & Recovery Services
Provide peer mentoring, encouragement, and recovery-oriented support using lived experience.
Assist participants in developing recovery goals, strengthening natural support systems, and increasing community engagement.
Promote participant independence, self-sufficiency, and long-term recovery.
Support continuity of care during periods of crisis and transition.
Care Coordination & Resource Navigation
Assess participant needs and coordinate referrals for behavioral health, healthcare, housing, employment, financial assistance, and other community resources.
Collaborate with case managers, healthcare providers, behavioral health agencies, VA personnel, and community partners to ensure coordinated service delivery.
Maintain current knowledge of community resources and referral processes.
Assist participants in navigating available services and support systems.
Documentation & Ministry Support
Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with grant requirements, confidentiality standards, and organizational policies.
Utilize HMIS, Unite Us, NCServes, NCCARE360, and other required reporting systems.
Participate in staff meetings, supervision, training, ministry initiatives, and organizational activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
JOB DESCRIPTION
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
SUICIDE PREVENTION (SSG Fox SPGP)
Veteran Services of the Carolinas (VSC)
Approved by Board of Directors, Date: ______
Page 2 of 2 Pages
SUCCESS FACTORS
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Commitment to recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and participant-centered care.
Ability to remain calm and effective during crisis situations.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
Professional judgment, emotional resilience, and healthy boundaries.
Commitment to ABCCM's mission, values, and servant leadership culture.
QUALIFICATIONS
Current North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist certification required or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
Veteran status, as required by applicable federal grant requirements.
High school diploma or GED required; additional education in Human Services or a related field preferred.
Lived experience with mental health, substance use, or other qualifying recovery experiences consistent with Peer Support certification requirements.
Experience working with veterans, behavioral health, crisis intervention, or community outreach preferred.
Experience administering the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) preferred.
Valid North Carolina driver's license and reliable transportation required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in office, community, healthcare, residential, and outreach environments throughout the assigned North Carolina service area. Responsibilities require frequent travel, operation of a motor vehicle, community outreach, computer use, and occasional lifting and carrying of materials weighing up to 20 pounds. The position regularly encounters individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, trauma, suicidal ideation, homelessness, and other complex service needs.
MENTAL DEMANDS
Must be able to manage multiple participant needs, crisis response activities, outreach responsibilities, documentation requirements, and community partnerships simultaneously. Requires strong communication, problem-solving, emotional resilience, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain professionalism while working with veterans experiencing behavioral health crises and suicide risk.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ABCCM is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.
ADA Statement ABCCM is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities including veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and either need assistance applying online or need to request an accommodation during any part of the application process or subsequent employment, please email [email protected].
Pay: From $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
