Peer specialists utilize specific methods and practices to develop hopeful relationships with people in their communities.
A peer specialist:
- Engages peers in collaborative and caring relationship
- Provides support: validating experiences and feelings; explores meaningful community roles and conveys hope of recovery
- Shares the lived experience of wellness and recovery in a connecting and relatable way
- Personalize peer support recognizing multiple paths to wellness, respecting each other’s unique strengths, interests and culture perspectives.
- Supports recovery planning proposing strategies, offering support, information and resources for an individual to achieve their own desired tasks and goals.
- Links to resources, services and supports when desired by an individual.
- Provides information about skills related to health, wellness and recovery based on an individual’s interest and goals.
- Supports people define, identify and manage crises.
- Values respectful, person-centered and mutually supportive communication.
- Supports collaboration and teamwork.
- Promotes leadership and advocacy.
- Promotes one’s own growth and development by seeking continued education, mentoring and supportive supervision.
- To learn more about becoming a peer pleases join our Facebook group for support and education on processes.