Roles, Position, and Tasks of a Peer Supporter Flashcards
Main role of Peer Specialist include… 1-4
- Providing SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT, UNDERSTANDING, and a LISTENING ear
- Referral and linkage to services
- Providing information on wellness and whole health
- Helping peers Create Goals and encouraging SHARED decision making
Main role of Peer Specialist include… 5-10
- Serving as a MENTOR and ROLE MODEL in the recovery process
- Helping peer clients learn SELF-ADVOCACY skills and ADVOCATING on behalf of the peer
- Supporting peer’s CONNECTION to the COMMUNITY and building RELATIONSHIPS
- Providing education to increase PRACTICAL LIVING SKILLS
IS or IS NOT a role model
Someone who is perfect
Not
IS or IS NOT a role model
A person working on their own recovery on a daily basis
Is a role model
IS or IS NOT a role model
Someone who knows “all the answers”
Is not a role model
IS or IS NOT a role model
Someone who “fixes every problem.”
Is not a role model
IS or IS NOT a role model
A person who expresses hopefulness
Is a role model
IS or IS NOT a role model
a person who shows kindness and compassion
is a role model
IS or IS NOT a role model
Someone who never experiences “big feelings” and/or significant symptoms
Is not a role model
IS or IS NOT a role model
A person who demonstrates integrity
Is a role model
Advocacy
To speak on behalf of a person or a cause
Peer Support and Advocacy
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.
Self advocacy
Based on the idea that a person is responsible for his/her own life and has basic human rights. Speak up for oneself.
Systems Advocay
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.
Organizations involved in systems advocacy
MHA, NAMI, Disability Rights Florida, FADAA
Work done by organizations that do systems advocacy
- Work with legislators to influence content of legislation
- Organize and carry out advocacy days on Capitol Hill
- They encourage members to write letters, send emails, and make phone calls to legislators about important bills
- Train leaders and members on optimal ways to advocate often using the real life stories of peers and family members
- Social media, television, radio, etc.
Developing an Advocacy Plan
- Identify the need or problem. Ask “start” “stop” questions.
- Assess the current situation. List resources, contacts, barriers.
- Identify the person’s options, rights. Is it legal? Is it reasonable?
- Develop the solution. Specific, flexible, not influenced by Peer Specialist Bias.
- Reach Solution – negotiation and documentation.
Peer Specialist Positions 1-6
- Peer Bridger
- Psychiatric hospital peer support
- Florida Assertive Community Treatment member
- Crisis and Respite Services
- Community based service
- Detox and substance use centers
Peer Specialist Positions 7-12
- Veterans programs
- Programs that address homelessness
- Integrated clinic or hospital care
- Supportive employment
- Advocacy agencies
- Managed Care Organizations
Peer Bridger
Works with individuals planning to leave a hospital and re-enter the community. Assist in acclimation and pursuing goals like work, housing, education.
Psychiatric hospital peer support
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.
Florida Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) member
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.
Crisis and Respite Services
Support, identify with, and validate an individual’s experiences which helps relieve anxiety and offer comfort.
Community based services
Work in community health agency. Providing 1 x 1 support, staffing a drop-in center, leading groups, and helping peers navigate multiple systems.
Detox and substance abuse centers
Help in recovery from addictions. Facilitate support groups and oversee recovery education sessions.
Veterans Program
Work in VA facilities and hospitals to provide military veterans 1 x 1 peer support and recovery education.
Program that address homelessness
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
Integrated clinic or hospital care
Hired by primary clinics and hospital systems to support individuals diagnosed with physical diseases and co-existing emotional issues. Ex. Diabetic peer
Supportive Employment
Help a person secure employment and provide encouragement and support for maintaining employment. VR, Clubhouse.
Advocacy agencies
Individual peer support, answering “warm” lines, facilitate classes and support groups.
Managed care organizations
Help members navigate the managed care system, to access services, and facilitate education such as WRAP.
Tasks of a Peer Specialist (1-4)
- To listen.
- To encourage.
- To help individuals explore their hopes and dreams
- To guide – to help develop goals related to work, education, relationships, wellness and housing
Tasks of a peer specialist (5-8)
- To MENTOR and COACH: brainstorm ways to achieve goals, “pros” and “cons” list, encourage power and autonomy
- To help NAVIGATE the mental health/addiction service system
- To help with transportation, finding recreational opportunities, support and faith based groups, housing, food banks and resources for acquiring clothing.
- To EXPLORE risk while maintaining safety (explore certain opportunities while knowing that success will not always occur)
Tasks of a Peer Specialist (9-12)
- To EXPLORE Strengths and provide help in getting PAST BARRIERS, ex. gaps in employment, poverty, criminal records, and lack of transportation
- To FACILITATE recovery classes – WRAP, WHAM, nutrition, exercise, Yoga, music, art
- To facilitate groups – open recovery groups
- To represent peers
Tasks of a Peer Specialist (13-14)
- To keep adequate notes of interventions and phone calls
- To serve as a SUPPORTER– accompany to treatment meetings or appointments to support and prompt
