Franklin Rich
Department of Veterans Affairs
Ocala,FL
1
Certification
10
years of professional experience
Experienced Peer Support Specialist with 6+ years supporting Veterans through recovery, relapse prevention, and wellness planning. Skilled in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed communication, resource navigation, and peer support ethics.
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
6 Years 3 Months- Facilitated recovery-oriented peer support sessions for Veterans navigating mental health and substance use challenges.
- Mentored peers in self-advocacy, wellness planning, and goal setting within individualized recovery plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary care teams to coordinate supportive services and strengthen continuity of care.
- Documented peer interventions, progress notes, and recovery outcomes in electronic health records accurately.
- Modeled shared decision-making and trauma-informed communication to build trust with Veterans.
- Connected Veterans with community resources, benefits navigation, and transitional support services.
- Served as a role model for clients, sharing personal experiences of recovery and resilience.
- Introduced groups to Tampa VA. Began facilitating SMART Recovery groups that evolved over several sections including Mental Health and SUDS programs.
Client Services Member Representative
3 Years 10 Months- Assisted members with eligibility, benefits, and TRICARE coverage questions using accurate plan guidance.
- Resolved inbound service inquiries by documenting cases and coordinating follow-up with internal support teams.
- Reviewed claims, authorizations, and referrals to explain status updates and next-step requirements.
- Navigated member systems to update records, verify information, and maintain data accuracy.
- Worked my way into a team lead position until the company closed and I began working for Tampa VA.
Education
No Degree - Business
Associate of Applied Science - Counseling And Case Management
Skills
Recovery guidance
Substance abuse awareness
Relapse prevention
Wellness recovery action plan
Team collaboration
Peer support ethics
Boundary setting
Resource navigation
Crisis intervention
Empowerment strategies
Stress reduction techniques
Team motivation
Relationship cultivation
Multicultural sensitivity
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of Mental health providers to implement SMART Recovery and Taking Charge of My Life and Health groups.
Certification
- NCPS - National Certified Peer Specialist
Timeline
Peer Support Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
03.2020 - 06.2026Read More
Client Services Member Representative
Healthnet Federal Services
05.2016 - 03.2020Read More
Metropolitan State University
Associate of Applied Science from Counseling And Case Management
Read More
University of Minnesota
No Degree from Business
Read More