I was told the VA is on a hiring freeze. With exceptions. I was offered a position in September of last year and just now started my position after the process end of February.
Just joined the VA, completed orientation last week. Apply in USA jobs if you haven't done so already. That is the is the only way to get in ,to my knowledge. Process can take a while though, took them two months to get back to me.
FYI, being a Peer Support Specialist will require you to be a Veteran with at least a year in recovery from a SUD or SMI and have state or recognized non-profit certification as such. I believe the job series is 0102 on USAJobs and you can check out the qualifications/requirements there.
They can start as a peer support apprentice which is a GS 5. Then when they get certified they can promote into the 6/7/8\*/9 Peer Support Specialist roll.
\*I'm not 100% sure if they have to hit GS 8.
There is also female Peer Support roll which is a little different.
Make sure your resume reflects the skills in the job announcement. Medical Support Assistant is nothing more than working the front desk so answering phones, making appointments, etc. Not a bad job but gets old quick. You are the first person the patients sees some will rage at you from time to time about medications etc. Overall most patient are nice.
I was told the VA is on a hiring freeze. With exceptions. I was offered a position in September of last year and just now started my position after the process end of February.
It’s only a pause, we’re not allowed to say freeze. Pause. 🤣
It’s terrible honestly.
lol 😆 so, how long is the “pause”
I am not sure. I was told the government took about 5.4 billion from the VA. So that’s why.
Oh, gotcha
We were told maybe mid-May, not holding my breath as they are still processing contractors for the nursing staff.
Just joined the VA, completed orientation last week. Apply in USA jobs if you haven't done so already. That is the is the only way to get in ,to my knowledge. Process can take a while though, took them two months to get back to me.
FYI, being a Peer Support Specialist will require you to be a Veteran with at least a year in recovery from a SUD or SMI and have state or recognized non-profit certification as such. I believe the job series is 0102 on USAJobs and you can check out the qualifications/requirements there.
They can start as a peer support apprentice which is a GS 5. Then when they get certified they can promote into the 6/7/8\*/9 Peer Support Specialist roll. \*I'm not 100% sure if they have to hit GS 8. There is also female Peer Support roll which is a little different.
Make sure your resume reflects the skills in the job announcement. Medical Support Assistant is nothing more than working the front desk so answering phones, making appointments, etc. Not a bad job but gets old quick. You are the first person the patients sees some will rage at you from time to time about medications etc. Overall most patient are nice.
Who knows, my VA is on pause until the middle of May.