Roles, Position, and Tasks of a Peer Supporter

Question 1

Main role of Peer Specialist include… 1-4

Answer 1

1. Providing SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT, UNDERSTANDING, and a LISTENING ear
2. Referral and linkage to services
3. Providing information on wellness and whole health
4. Helping peers Create Goals and encouraging SHARED decision making

Question 2

Main role of Peer Specialist include… 5-10

Answer 2

5. Serving as a MENTOR and ROLE MODEL in the recovery process
6. Helping peer clients learn SELF-ADVOCACY skills and ADVOCATING on behalf of the peer
7. Supporting peer’s CONNECTION to the COMMUNITY and building RELATIONSHIPS
8. Providing education to increase PRACTICAL LIVING SKILLS

Question 3

IS or IS NOT a role model

Someone who is perfect

Answer 3

Not

Question 4

IS or IS NOT a role model

A person working on their own recovery on a daily basis

Answer 4

Is a role model

Question 5

IS or IS NOT a role model

Someone who knows “all the answers”

Answer 5

Is not a role model

Question 6

IS or IS NOT a role model

Someone who “fixes every problem.”

Answer 6

Is not a role model

Question 7

IS or IS NOT a role model

A person who expresses hopefulness

Answer 7

Is a role model

Question 8

IS or IS NOT a role model

a person who shows kindness and compassion

Answer 8

is a role model

Question 9

IS or IS NOT a role model

Someone who never experiences “big feelings” and/or significant symptoms

Answer 9

Is not a role model

Question 10

IS or IS NOT a role model

A person who demonstrates integrity

Answer 10

Is a role model

Question 11

Advocacy

Answer 11

To speak on behalf of a person or a cause

Question 12

Peer Support and Advocacy

Answer 12

Our primary role in peer support is assisting individuals to learn how to be their own advocate(s). Role playing is a good way to teach this.

Question 13

Self advocacy

Answer 13

Based on the idea that a person is responsible for his/her own life and has basic human rights. Speak up for oneself.

Question 14

Systems Advocay

Answer 14

Using our voice to transform an entire system such as local mental health agency, state/federal agency that manages mental health/addiction services or managed care organization.

Question 15

Organizations involved in systems advocacy

Answer 15

MHA, NAMI, Disability Rights Florida, FADAA

Question 16

Work done by organizations that do systems advocacy

Answer 16

1. Work with legislators to influence content of legislation
2. Organize and carry out advocacy days on Capitol Hill
3. They encourage members to write letters, send emails, and make phone calls to legislators about important bills
4. Train leaders and members on optimal ways to advocate often using the real life stories of peers and family members
5. Social media, television, radio, etc.

Question 17

Developing an Advocacy Plan

Answer 17

1. Identify the need or problem. Ask “start” “stop” questions.
2. Assess the current situation. List resources, contacts, barriers.
3. Identify the person’s options, rights. Is it legal? Is it reasonable?
4. Develop the solution. Specific, flexible, not influenced by Peer Specialist Bias.
5. Reach Solution – negotiation and documentation.

Question 18

Peer Specialist Positions 1-6

Answer 18

1. Peer Bridger
2. Psychiatric hospital peer support
3. Florida Assertive Community Treatment member
4. Crisis and Respite Services
5. Community based service
6. Detox and substance use centers

Question 19

Peer Specialist Positions 7-12

Answer 19

7. Veterans programs
8. Programs that address homelessness
9. Integrated clinic or hospital care
10. Supportive employment
11. Advocacy agencies
12. Managed Care Organizations

Question 20

Peer Bridger

Answer 20

Works with individuals planning to leave a hospital and re-enter the community. Assist in acclimation and pursuing goals like work, housing, education.

Question 21

Psychiatric hospital peer support

Answer 21

Work within units of psychiatric hospital. Can work 1 x 1 with individuals, attend family meetings, facilitate groups and recovery education sessions. Can work in psychiatric ER attempting to reduce the fear and distress while waiting to see psychiatrist.

Question 22

Florida Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) member

Answer 22

Team of providers who serve individuals in the highest level and most intensive care outside a hospital setting. Peer serves as advocate and positive role model for the person served.

Question 23

Crisis and Respite Services

Answer 23

Support, identify with, and validate an individual’s experiences which helps relieve anxiety and offer comfort.

Question 24

Community based services

Answer 24

Work in community health agency. Providing 1 x 1 support, staffing a drop-in center, leading groups, and helping peers navigate multiple systems.

Question 25

Detox and substance abuse centers

Answer 25

Help in recovery from addictions. Facilitate support groups and oversee recovery education sessions.

Question 26

Veterans Program

Answer 26

Work in VA facilities and hospitals to provide military veterans 1 x 1 peer support and recovery education.

Question 27

Program that address homelessness

Answer 27

Formerly homeless peer specialists visit homeless individuals in the community, offering support and discussing avenues to acquire housing and other services for support. PATH -- Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness

Question 28

Integrated clinic or hospital care

Answer 28

Hired by primary clinics and hospital systems to support individuals diagnosed with physical diseases and co-existing emotional issues. Ex. Diabetic peer

Question 29

Supportive Employment

Answer 29

Help a person secure employment and provide encouragement and support for maintaining employment. VR, Clubhouse.

Question 30

Advocacy agencies

Answer 30

Individual peer support, answering "warm" lines, facilitate classes and support groups.

Question 31

Managed care organizations

Answer 31

Help members navigate the managed care system, to access services, and facilitate education such as WRAP.

Question 32

Tasks of a Peer Specialist (1-4)

Answer 32

1. To listen. 2. To encourage. 3. To help individuals explore their hopes and dreams 4. To guide -- to help develop goals related to work, education, relationships, wellness and housing

Question 33

Tasks of a peer specialist (5-8)

Answer 33

5. To MENTOR and COACH: brainstorm ways to achieve goals, "pros" and "cons" list, encourage power and autonomy 6. To help NAVIGATE the mental health/addiction service system 7. To help with transportation, finding recreational opportunities, support and faith based groups, housing, food banks and resources for acquiring clothing. 8. To EXPLORE risk while maintaining safety (explore certain opportunities while knowing that success will not always occur)

Question 34

Tasks of a Peer Specialist (9-12)

Answer 34

9. To EXPLORE Strengths and provide help in getting PAST BARRIERS, ex. gaps in employment, poverty, criminal records, and lack of transportation 10. To FACILITATE recovery classes -- WRAP, WHAM, nutrition, exercise, Yoga, music, art 11. To facilitate groups -- open recovery groups 12. To represent peers

Question 35

Tasks of a Peer Specialist (13-14)

Answer 35

13. To keep adequate notes of interventions and phone calls 14. To serve as a SUPPORTER-- accompany to treatment meetings or appointments to support and prompt