State employees complete special training to become NV Veterans Advocates

State employees, who are part of a veteran peer mentor group, completed special training to become Nevada Veterans Advocates.

These members, from across nearly 20 state agencies, participated in the 20-hour course offered by NDVS. By becoming an NVA, these peer mentors will help educate active military members, Guard or Reserves, veterans, as well as their families, about earned benefits and opportunities through U.S. military service.

“I am incredibly proud of the state employees who stepped up to be veteran peer mentors,” said Governor Sisolak. “What they learned in this training, and the work they do in state agencies, is a tremendous contribution toward ensuring veterans know we welcome, value, and support them in state employment and beyond.”

Governor Sisolak created the Veteran Peer Mentor Program through Executive Order 2019-05, back in March of 2019.

In case you missed it, check out the Governor’s Press Release below:

Governor Sisolak’s Veteran Peer Mentor Group Undergoes Special Training to Assist Nevada’s Military and Veterans

Governor Steve Sisolak announced that state employee veteran peer mentors — who are part of the Veteran Peer Mentor Program — have completed a major milestone that will strengthen the support structure and access to resources for veterans, members of the Nevada National Guard, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves who work in Nevada executive branch agencies. Last week, the mentor group completed special training to become certified as Nevada Veterans Advocates.

Veteran peer mentors from across nearly 20 state agencies participated in the 20-hour course that was offered by the Nevada Department of Veteran Services. Participants learned about the benefits, programs, and services available to veterans and military members, and will carry that knowledge back to support those in their agencies. Course topics included state and federal benefits and programs, legal and financial services, and suicide prevention.

“I am incredibly proud of the state employees who stepped up to be veteran peer mentors,” said Governor Sisolak. “What they learned in this training, and the work they do in state agencies, is a tremendous contribution toward ensuring veterans know we welcome, value, and support them in state employment and beyond.”

In March of 2019, Governor Sisolak created the Veteran Peer Mentor Program through Executive Order 2019-05. The program is designed to support the mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities for veterans, members of the Nevada National Guard and members of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves employed by the State of Nevada.

The program is housed under the Nevada Division of Human Resource Management and overseen by the Division’s Veterans Coordinator.

There are currently 49 peer mentors, representing 26 state agencies.

The Nevada Veterans Advocate program is offered through the Nevada Department of Veterans Services.

The course is also offered online to Nevada residents. Simply go to www.veterans.nv.gov. Click Community and then Get Involved. Those who complete the entire course are eligible to receive an NVA Certificate and assist the NDVS Outreach Team during a variety of community events throughout Nevada.