You are not Alone

This is from a conference talk given to substance abuse treatment providers about the "trifecta" of issues many women veterans face. Eating disorders, addictions and trauma cripple many of our Sister Warriors.

This is NOT an easy read.

VA hiring Peer Support Specialists

This is to inform you that VA is in the process of hiring and training 800 Peer Specialists in the coming year.  Additionally, VA has awarded a contract to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance to provide certification training for Peer Specialists. All Peer Specialists are expected to be hired by Dec. 31, 2013, and will work as members of mental health teams.  Currently there are job openings in 33 states.

The grades for these positions are GS-6 through GS-9; however, a Veteran who meets all the qualifications listed below except for the certification could enter into VA employment as a Peer Support Apprentice, GS 5, and VA will pay to get the Veteran certified during his/her first year of employment. The following are the required qualifications for this position:

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements for Peer Specialists, GS 102-6/9:

(1)        be a Veteran who has recovered or is recovering from a mental health condition; and, exercise patience, and control emotions, with reasonable accommodation, if necessary, without endangering the health and safety of the applicant or others. (See also VA Directive and Handbook 5019)

CERTIFICATION

Be certified by-

(1)     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

(2)     complete State requirements for a peer specialist position.

LENGTH OF EXPERIENCE AS A CONSUMER OF MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY SERVICES 

(1)     Veterans eligible under 38 U.S.C. 7402(b) (13) must have a minimum of 1 year in personal recovery from a mental health condition; and

(2)     be discharged under honorable conditions.

Mental health care providers seeking opportunities to serve our Nation’s Veterans can find additional information online at www.vacareers.va.gov and www.usajobs.gov.

Jobs are currently open at VA Medical Centers in the following states: AL,AR,CA,CO,FL,GA,IL,IN,IA,KY,LA,ME,MD,MI,MS,MO,NV,NJ,NY,NC,OH,OK,OR,PA,SC,TN,TX,UT,VT, VA, WA, WV and WI.

Information for veterans

The Oregon Department of Veteran’s Affairs has published a 40-page comprehensive benefit magazine containing state and federal veteran benefits information including:

• the disability claims process;
• contact information for veterans services offices;
• how to access health care; veteran transportation;
• veteran trauma education;
• long term care options;
• dependent and survivor benefits;
• burial benefits; education options;
• home loan information;
• taxation deferral and exemptions;
• employment resources and preferences;
• auto adaptive and clothing allowances;
• IDs, DMV license plates;
• medals and records;
• homelessness resources,
• veterans court’s information and
• recreation benefits and memorials. 

You can read the entire magazine online at:

http://www.oregon.gov/odva/Documents/Veterans%20Benefits%20Magazine%202012%20sm.pdf 

Feel good story

Part of my job is I will believe in you until you can believe in yourself. If I didn't care, I would not be able to do this job.

Several of you have heard me say: I am here to walk beside you. Not behind you and push, not ahead of you and pulling.

This story hit a nerve for me and I hope you enjoy it as well.

SEEKING: Executive Assistant

One of my outreach contacts has an open position and I am not always sure WHO has WHAT skill set.  Feel free to contact me at the office or on the cell: 503.926.0521 if you want additional information.

"A large, established, reputable and rapidly growing commercial construction firm in Tigard, OR has a job opportunity for an Executive Assistant to support a team of five busy sales professionals and their managers. Main responsibilities will include: complex scheduling, preparing marketing materials for external clients, assisting with budgeting, expense reporting, written communication between sales team and customers and more. This is a temp-to-hire opportunity. The salary for this position is $17-$20 per hour. "

Irina is actively seeking qualified candidates.

WHVRP JOB CLUB ... Homework for 04.17.2013

SO, for WHVRP Job Club this week, I want to review some of the things I learned at the Incight Job Fair.  And, just so you can feel prepared and I am going to give you some things to think about until then.

• What is the worst interview blooper?  Could you have said it differently?

• Worst dressed at an interview (this example I will share from an employer).

• Does it matter what format of resume you use? (Two groups of employers weigh in on this one).

Beaverton School District

"ED Zapp" is the recruiting software many school districts utilize to find potential employees.

This morning, I checked the postings by the Beaverton School District and found several "interesting" postings.  If you are seeking either immediate, part time/on call work, summer positions in building maintenance, or fulltime positions ... this might be the place to look.  Most public schools are easily accessible by public transit so that worry can be set aside.

Try looking here.