Julian Walk
Sandusky
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Program Manager with 2.5 years of experience managing the ODVS SOR Program at the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. Proven expertise in strategic planning, multi-agency collaboration, and veteran peer recovery initiatives. Successfully trained and certified over 180 veteran peer supporters, enhancing Ohio’s peer recovery workforce. Adept at data tracking, crisis intervention, policy advocacy, and holistic wellness program integration. Passionate about improving veteran mental health, reducing homelessness, and preventing suicide through evidence-based approaches and innovative peer support strategies.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PROGRAM MANAGER – ODVS SOR Program
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
12.2022 - Current
- Advocate for Veteran Peer Endorsement, working toward official recognition of veteran peer supporters in Ohio’s mental health and addiction services framework.
- Implement, manage, and host statewide Veteran Peer Support Training Program, successfully certifying over 180 veteran peer supporters to expand Ohio’s peer recovery workforce.
- Provide one-on-one and group peer support to veterans facing PTSD, depression, and addiction in collaboration with Sandusky Artisans Recovery Community Center and local community peer supports, fostering recovery through shared experiences and mutual support.
- Provide mentorship and guidance for peer apprentices, successfully transitioning them into full-time peer specialist roles.
- Conduct trainings, workshops, and peer group facilitation for veterans in crisis or recovery.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with Ohio MHAS, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Ohio National Guard, County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO), Ohio State University, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), addiction recovery providers, and local veteran organizations to expand peer support networks.
- Oversee program performance, tracking key metrics, grant budget, and program impact while identifying areas for improvement.
- Develop project strategies for achieving organizational goals and enhancing team productivity.
- Manage and lead the State Opioid Response (SOR) Program, ensuring program success and alignment with state and federal recovery laws and policies.
- Established and led a holistic wellness program, including yoga, meditation, mindfulness, sound therapy, and art therapy, and peer support to Ohio Veterans Homes, to aid veterans with PTSD, substance use, and mental health challenges and reduce social isolation and promote well-being.
- Initiated and wellness and recovery pilot programs blending competencies of mental health, addiction recovery, and peer support services within ODVS facilities.
- Lead administrator in the development and organization of Ohio's first endeavors managing and facilitating a SAMSHA Crisis Intercept Mapping Grant and Workshop.
- Enhanced team performance with effective leadership and mentorship.
- Organize and maintain lead facilitator function in mapping Erie County crisis response pathways for veterans, identifying service gaps, and enhancing community collaboration.
- Co-developed and initiated a pilot Veterans Outreach and Resource Support Team, leading to life-saving interventions for veterans in crisis.
- Played a key role in real-world veteran crisis interventions, assisting in suicidal ideation cases, housing instability resolutions, and relapse prevention efforts.
- Participated in veteran crisis intervention summits, peer recovery conferences, and behavioral health initiatives to maintain Ohio’s leadership in veteran support services
OFFICE PROFESSIONAL
Sandusky Veterans Home
03.2022 - 12.2022
- Coordinated training materials and recruitment efforts for veteran peer supporters.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of wellness programs for veterans, focusing on social engagement and holistic health.
- Tracked and analyzed veteran recovery data, ensuring program success and continuous improvement.
- Managed financial documentation and provided administrative support to senior management.
LABORER
Army & Air Force Exchange Service
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Provided customer service support and inventory management.
- Assisted in facility maintenance and logistical coordination.
SERGEANT FIRST CLASS (E-7)
U.S. Army
01.2000 - 01.2017
- Completed three (3) combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Operation Guardian Freedom
- Supervised and trained military personnel in mission-critical operations, logistics, and crisis response
- Provided mentorship and career counseling, ensuring soldiers had access to mental health resources and career development programs
- Managed safety protocols and risk management, ensuring unit preparedness and compliance with Army regulations
- Army Instructor for military recruits with expertise in analyzing and evaluating training programs, policies, and initiatives
- Skilled in developing and delivering effective instruction while leveraging data management tools to enhance training outcomes
Education
Central Texas College
Killeen, TXSkills
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Risk management
- Budget planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Resource allocation
Accomplishments
- ODVS SOR Program Management: Led and managed the State Opioid Response (SOR) Program at ODVS for 2.5 years, ensuring the successful delivery of peer support training and services.
- Veteran Peer Support Training Program: Designed and executed a statewide training initiative, certifying over 180 veteran peer supporters and significantly expanding Ohio’s peer recovery workforce.
- Established a comprehensive pilot wellness and recovery program, integrating mental health support, addiction recovery, and peer mentorship into ODVS facilities.
- Erie County CIM Initiative: Played a lead role in veteran-led crisis response workshop, collaborating with key figures such as the CEPC Community Engagement & Partnership Coordinator for Suicide Prevention at VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, the Northwest Regional Liaison for OhioMHAS, the CFO of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, the Erie County ADAMH Board Director, the Special Populations Lead of the Office of Cultural Competency at OhioMHAS, the ODVS Workforce Development Team, and the Local Recovery Coordinator for VA Central Ohio Healthcare System and bringing together over 30 local community behavioral health and key stakeholders to veteran crisis intervention services.
- Policy Advocacy & Legislative Impact: Championed the Veteran Peer Endorsement, advocating for official recognition of veteran peer supporters in Ohio’s mental health framework.
- Holistic Wellness Integration: Implemented yoga, meditation, sound therapy, and art therapy programs within Ohio Veterans Homes, significantly improving veterans’ social interaction, mental well-being, and overall health.
Certification
- Ohio Certified Peer Recovery Supporter (OhioMHAS) – Jan 2025
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) National Certification – Jan 2023
- Star Behavioral Health Training (Military Cultural Competency Training)
- Human Trafficking Training for Peer Supporters
- Supervision for Peer Recovery Supporters
- Motivational Interviewing
Timeline
PROGRAM MANAGER – ODVS SOR Program
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
12.2022 - Current
OFFICE PROFESSIONAL
Sandusky Veterans Home
03.2022 - 12.2022
LABORER
Army & Air Force Exchange Service
01.2021 - 01.2022
SERGEANT FIRST CLASS (E-7)
U.S. Army
01.2000 - 01.2017
Central Texas College
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