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Become a Peer Sponsor

Intro to Military Transition Support

Robert Jenkins and Natesha Smith

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Sponsorship Initiative (VSI) provides manualized, certification training to individuals interested in supporting service members and veterans as they transition from military service. The VSI is an evidence-based program designed to reduce transition stressors by matching service members with a community-based sponsor who helps them rejoin their civilian communities by assisting with housing, employment, educational opportunities, and access to mental health support. Participating in this course will equip you with the foundational skills needed to best support military service members and veterans in their transition journey.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Establishing Positive Interpersonal Relationships
Section 3: VSO’s & SMARTER Goals
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners new to working with service members and veterans as they transition from military service
Covers unique strategies, methods, and tools that are highly relevant to working with service members and veterans as they transition from military service
Taught by Robert Jenkins and Natesha Smith, both recognized experts in the field of working with service members and veterans as they transition from military service
Examines the role of a community-based sponsor in assisting service members with housing, employment, educational opportunities, and access to mental health support
Includes hands-on labs, interactive materials, and interactive materials to give learners a practical understanding of the material
Sensitive to the needs of service members and veterans as they transition from military service to civilian life

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Reviews summary

Foundational support for military transition

According to learners, this course offers a well-structured and highly relevant introduction to supporting military transitions. Students consistently praise its focus on establishing positive interpersonal relationships and the professional handling of sensitive topics like suicide prevention. Many found the content practical, providing actionable insights and necessary tools for peer sponsorship. While effective as a solid foundation, some learners with prior experience or a desire for deeper knowledge suggested that parts felt a bit introductory or could benefit from more specific case studies or an advanced module. Overall, it's highly recommended for beginners in this vital field.
Provides actionable strategies for real-world peer support.
"I feel much more equipped to support military service members and veterans in their transition journey."
"The content on SMARTER goals and VSOs was very practical. It equipped me with the necessary tools..."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Expertly addresses delicate subjects like suicide prevention.
"The suicide prevention section was handled with extreme sensitivity and provided actionable insights."
"The section on suicide prevention was handled professionally and responsibly."
"It covers important topics like suicide prevention thoroughly. I appreciated the practical tools and strategies."
Offers a clear, organized, and highly pertinent curriculum.
"This course is incredibly well-structured and highly relevant for anyone looking to support military transitions."
"The content is engaging, and the structure makes it easy to follow. Highly recommend it for anyone considering being a sponsor."
"Useful and concise. I appreciate the practical advice provided throughout the course."
Some early sections might feel slightly redundant.
"I found some parts a bit repetitive, especially early on, but the overall message is powerful."
"While largely effective, I noticed some concepts revisited more than necessary in the initial modules."
Ideal for beginners, but some desire more advanced topics.
"I wish there was more depth on specific case studies or diverse scenarios that sponsors might encounter. It felt a bit theoretical at times."
"Good course overall. An advanced module would be beneficial for those who want to dive deeper..."
"Some parts felt a bit introductory for someone already familiar with military culture."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Become a Peer Sponsor: Intro to Military Transition Support with these activities:
Review Section 1: Introduction
Reviews key foundational information you will need about the class.
Browse courses on Introduction
Show steps
  • Identify the key topics discussed in this section.
  • Revisit your class notes, the course introduction, or reach out to the instructor.
Review Basic Financial Literacy Concepts
Boost foundational understanding of financial management to assist service members in making informed financial decisions.
Browse courses on Personal Finance
Show steps
  • Review online resources on budgeting, saving, and investing.
  • Attend workshops or webinars on financial planning for veterans.
Connect with Experts in Veteran Support
Seek guidance and mentorship from professionals experienced in supporting veterans.
Show steps
  • Attend networking events and conferences.
  • Reach out to local veteran service organizations.
  • Join online forums and discussion groups.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice Active Listening Skills
Enhance interpersonal communication skills to build rapport and trust with service members.
Show steps
  • Engage in role-playing exercises with a partner.
  • Practice attentive listening, empathy, and non-judgmental communication.
  • Seek feedback and continuously improve listening skills.
Join a Support Group for Military Families
Connect with others who have served and gain valuable insights and support.
Show steps
  • Identify local support groups for military families.
  • Attend meetings and engage with other members.
  • Share experiences and provide support to others.
Review Suicide Prevention Techniques
Build and strengthen essential crisis intervention and suicide prevention skills.
Browse courses on Suicide Prevention
Show steps
  • Access the provided training materials.
  • Review the different suicide prevention techniques.
  • Learn the warning signs of suicide.
  • Practice using the learned techniques through role-playing exercises.
Explore Educational Opportunities for Veterans
Gain knowledge about educational resources and programs available to service members and veterans.
Show steps
  • Utilize the VA website and other online resources.
  • Attend webinars and virtual workshops on educational opportunities.
  • Connect with local veteran service organizations for guidance.
Create a Resource Guide for Veterans
Develop a comprehensive resource guide tailored to the needs of service members and veterans.
Show steps
  • Identify local and national resources for veterans.
  • Categorize resources based on specific needs, such as housing, employment, mental health.
  • Compile and organize the information into a user-friendly format.

Career center

Learners who complete Become a Peer Sponsor: Intro to Military Transition Support will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Military Transition Coordinator
Military Transition Coordinators help to plan a service member's successful transition from military to civilian life. They work with service members and their families to identify their needs, develop a transition plan, and connect them to resources. This course would help a Military Transition Coordinator to develop the skills needed to better understand the unique challenges military service members face. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, and accessing mental health support.
See salaries and explore the career path for Military Transition Coordinator
Peer Support Specialist
Peer Support Specialists provide support and guidance to individuals with mental health or substance use challenges. They work with people to develop coping mechanisms, manage stress, and achieve their recovery goals. This course would help a Peer Support Specialist to better understand the unique challenges that military service members face. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, and recognizing and supporting someone who is experiencing suicidality.
See salaries and explore the career path for Peer Support Specialist
Career Counselor
Career Counselors help individuals to identify their career goals, develop job skills, and find suitable employment opportunities. They work with people to assess their interests, skills, and values to help them make informed career decisions. This course would be useful for a Career Counselor to gain a better understanding of the unique challenges that military service members and veterans face when transitioning to civilian employment. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, and identifying resources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Career Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors assist individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, advance in, or maintain employment. They help people to identify their career goals, develop job skills, and find suitable employment opportunities. This course would provide a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the skills to better assist the transitioning military service member population. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, and identifying available resources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers serve as bridges between health care and community resources. They work with individuals and families to promote healthy behaviors, provide health education, and connect people to needed services. This course would be helpful for a Community Health Worker to develop the skills to better serve military service members and veterans. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, identifying resources, and providing support.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help individuals, families, and communities to address social and economic challenges. They provide counseling, support, and advocacy to help people overcome barriers and improve their well-being. This course would be helpful for a Social Work to better understand the unique challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life and to better assist their clients who are experiencing this transition. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, identifying resources, and addressing mental health concerns.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
VA Caseworker
VA Caseworkers provide support and services to veterans and their families. They work with veterans to help them access benefits, connect with resources, and overcome challenges. This course may be useful for a VA Caseworker to better understand the unique needs of veterans. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, and identifying resources.
See salaries and explore the career path for VA Caseworker
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare Social Workers, also known as Medical Social Workers, support the mental and emotional health of patients and their families during times of medical need and crisis. Their work involves helping patients cope with the challenges of illness, providing emotional counseling, and organizing support networks. This course would be useful for a Healthcare Social Worker to better understand the unique challenges that military service members transition through. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, and being able to recognize and support someone who is experiencing suicidality.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Social Worker
Case Manager
Case Managers help individuals to navigate complex systems, such as healthcare, housing, and social services, to access resources and support. They work with individuals to develop goals, identify barriers, and create a plan to achieve their goals. This course may help a Case Manager to better understand the unique challenges that military service members transitioning to civilian life face. The course covers topics such as setting goals, identifying resources, and establishing positive interpersonal relationships.
See salaries and explore the career path for Case Manager
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselors provide counseling and support to individuals with mental health challenges. They work with people to identify their goals, develop coping mechanisms, and manage their symptoms. This course may help a Mental Health Counselor to gain a better understanding of the unique challenges that military service members may face and better able to provide support.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mental Health Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselors help individuals to overcome addiction and substance misuse. They work with people to identify the underlying causes of their addiction, develop coping mechanisms, and create a plan for recovery. This course may help a Substance Abuse Counselor to better understand the unique challenges that military service members face and to provide support to those who are struggling with substance use. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, and recognizing and responding to suicidality.
See salaries and explore the career path for Substance Abuse Counselor
Human Resources Specialist
Human Resources Specialists work to recruit, hire, and develop employees within an organization. They are responsible for creating a positive work environment and ensuring that employees have the resources and support they need to be successful. This course may help a Human Resources Specialist to support transitioning military service members who are seeking employment. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, and providing resources and support.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Specialist
Youth Counselor
Youth Counselors provide support and guidance to at-risk youth. They work with youth to help them develop coping mechanisms, make positive choices, and avoid risky behaviors. This course may be helpful for a Youth Counselor to better understand the unique challenges military youth face. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, and identifying resources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Youth Counselor
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of colleges and universities. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the institution's resources to ensure that students have a positive and successful learning experience. This course may be helpful for a Higher Education Administrator to better understand the unique needs of military-connected students. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, and identifying resources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Administrator
School Counselor
School Counselors work with students to provide academic, social, and emotional support. They help students to develop coping mechanisms, manage stress, and make positive choices. This course may be helpful for a School Counselor to support students who are transitioning from military families. The course covers topics such as establishing positive interpersonal relationships, setting goals, and identifying resources.
See salaries and explore the career path for School Counselor

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Become a Peer Sponsor: Intro to Military Transition Support.
Cover image
Creating Change
Save
Provides a treatment manual for PTSD and substance abuse, which are common challenges faced by veterans.
Creating Change
Paperback
Check
Creating Change
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Save
Offers practical advice on how to develop personal effectiveness and interpersonal skills, which are essential for peer sponsors.
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Paperback
Check
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Mindful Way through Depression
Save
Provides a mindfulness-based approach to preventing relapse in depression, which common challenge faced by veterans.
The Mindful Way through Depression
Paperback
Check
The Mindful Way through Depression
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Emotional Intelligence to Improve Your Life
Save
Explores the importance of emotional intelligence in interpersonal relationships and leadership.
Emotional Intelligence to Improve Your Life
Paperback
Check
Emotional Intelligence to Improve Your Life
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Coyote's Swing
Save
Explores the history of PTSD and the challenges faced by veterans in accessing treatment.
Coyote's Swing: A Memoir and Critique of Mental...
Paperback
$$
Coyote's Swing: A Memoir and Critique of Mental...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Way of the Warrior
Save
This classic work on military strategy offers insights into the challenges of leadership and decision-making in a military context.
The Path of the Warrior Ornate Box Set: The Art of...
Hardcover
$$
The Way of the Warrior: Deluxe Silkbound Editions...
Hardcover
$$
The Way of the Warrior: The Way of the Samurai, The...
Hardcover
$$

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Course image
Effort
Approximately 4-6 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Columbia University
Instructors
Robert Jenkins
Natesha Smith
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners new to working with service members and veterans as they transition from military service
Covers unique strategies, methods, and tools that are highly relevant to working with service members and veterans as they transition from military service
Taught by Robert Jenkins and Natesha Smith, both recognized experts in the field of working with service members and veterans as they transition from military service
Examines the role of a community-based sponsor in assisting service members with housing, employment, educational opportunities, and access to mental health support
Includes hands-on labs, interactive materials, and interactive materials to give learners a practical understanding of the material
Sensitive to the needs of service members and veterans as they transition from military service to civilian life
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