HCA Module 02 - Role of Peer Support

Question 1

Who Are Peer Supporters?

Answer 1

Peer supporters may go by many names and have differing roles. You may hear about “Peer Specialists”, “Wellness Coaches”, “Recovery Coaches,” “Community Health Workers,” and more!

As the field of peer support increases, there are a variety of roles. Regardless of the program, if the helping person shares lived experience, it is peer support. Job titles may vary quite a bit.

Question 2

What is Medicaid peer support?

Answer 2

In Washington, mental health and substance use disorder peer services provided by Certified Peer Counselors may be Medicaid reimbursable in qualified agencies and facilities.

In fact, medically necessary peer support is a Medicaid right. As of July 1, 2019, peer counseling became Medicaid reimbursable for substance use disorder and mental health services.

Although peer support is valuable in many settings, the funding for DBHR training comes from Medicaid funds. The goal of the state training program is to train people who will become Certified Peer Counselors in Medicaid settings. Many of the requirements taught in this class, such as documentation and supervision, may only apply in Medicaid settings.

Question 3

What are the requirements for a Peer Counselor in Washington State?

Answer 3

1. The WAC 182-538D-0200 defines peer counselors as a person who is recognized by a Medicaid agency as a person who self-identifies as a consumer of behavioral health services. Parent or legal guardians of a child under the age of 18 who has applied for, are eligible for, or have received services may also become peer counselors.
2. As of July 1, 2019, people with lived experience with substance use disorder, or parents of children with lived experience with substance use disorder can qualify to become Certified Peer Counselors.
3. A Certified Peer Counselor must also by state law:
   * Be at least 18 years old
   * Show leadership ability
   * Be in recovery for at least one year
   * Demonstrate skills gained in training
4. Certified Peer counselors must also have a high school diploma or GED or be able to show adequate reading and writing skills. Certified Peer Counselors must be able to describe or demonstrate their own or their family’s recovery.

Question 4

What peer supporters don’t do?

Answer 4

• Tell others how to live their lives
• Suggest their own solutions are the best
• Give advice
• Talk about medications or medical issues
• Work outside the scope of their jobs
• Focus on their own problems

Question 5

What are the ethical and practical guidelines developed by the International Association of Peer Supporters?

Answer 5

1. Peer support is voluntary.
2. Peer supporters are hopeful.
3. Peer supporters are open minded.
4. Peer supporters are empathetic.
5. Peer supporters are respectful.
6. Peer supporters facilitate change.
7. Peer supporters are honest and direct.
8. Peer support is mutual and reciprocal.
9. Peer support is equally shared power.
10. Peer support is strengths-focused.
11. Peer support is transparent.
12. Peer support is person-driven.

Question 6

Parents of young children under 18 with mental health challenges are “consumers.”
* True
* False

Answer 6

• True

Question 7

Peer supporters only work in hospitals.
* True
* False

Answer 7

• False

Question 8

Recovery coaches are a kind of peer support.

Answer 8

• True

Question 9

Peer counseling in Medicaid reimbursable for substance use disorders.
* True
* False

Answer 9

• True

Question 10

Where might you find peer supporters employed? Choosee all that apply.
* Hospitals
* Doctor’s Offices
* PACT Teams
* Crisis Teams

Answer 10

• Hospitals
• Doctor’s Offices
• PACT Teams
• Crisis Teams

Question 11

Which of the following is not a peer support role?
* Discussing recovery with a treatment team.
* Sharing their story with a provider.
* Helping a person develop friendships
* Giving advice about medication.
* Sharing their story appropriately.

Answer 11

• Giving advice about medication.

Question 12

** Match the following roles with their descripitions: work with youth in meeting their goals, a possible job title for a CPC, and work with parents to help children.**
* parent peer scpecialists
* youth peer specialists
* peer specialist

Answer 12

• parent peer scpecialists: work with parents to help children
• youth peer specialists: work with youth in meeting goals
• peer specialist: a possible job title for a CPC

Question 13

Which of the following can peer supporters do in a Medicaid agency? Choose all that apply.
* Teach community skills
* Assist people who are working toward abstinence/MAT/Harm Reduction goals.
* Teach recovery groups such as WRAP.
* Help people in crisis.

Answer 13

• Teach community skills
• Assist people who are working toward abstinence/MAT/Harm Reduction goals.
• Teach recovery groups such as WRAP.
• Help people in crisis.