1. Peer Support Services December 2018 Sandy Wood RNP

2. What is a Peer support specialist
PSS is an occupational title for a person who has progressed in their own recovery from a mental disorder or substance use disorder and has now been trained and certified to assist others in their personal journey of recovery.

3. If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive
Brené Brown
Peers bring a unique perspective to the treatment team by being willing to share their personal recovery stories with the team and with the people they serve. Because they self-identify as someone with lived experience with the recovery process, they provide expertise not replicated by professional training.

4. Recovery
Is not a cure of an illness or condition…..it is finding the ability to regain control of one’s life. It means not only getting better, but learning how to have a full and satisfying life with stability. It means learning how to practice self care, prevent relapses, set and achieve goals and to believe in oneself again.

5. They listen with respect, acceptance and encouragement to the client’s experiences and help them catch a vision of possibilities for the future.
Peers promote hope and healing, through positive self-disclosure, demonstrating that recovery is possible. They are role models for self-care and the effective use of recovery skills. They share their stories freely with our clients.
Since they have walked this road they understand in a way that others who have not lived with a mental illness or substance abuse disorder cannot.

6. Peers help our clients to
· Understand how to navigate benefit systems like housing, supplemental benefits, etc.
· Gain insight into the stigma of mental illness or substance abuse and how to combat it
· Learn and practice new skills, coping techniques and self-help strategies
· Advocate for themselves to obtain effective services
· Identify and express their goals for recovery
· Become more independent and productive
· Build or rebuild their natural supports
· Participate in the community
· Monitor their own progress
· Get support during a crisis
· Develop Wellness Plan
· Feel empowered

7. Where
PSS services can be provided at the client’s home, at a CA facility, at school, a homeless shelter, group home, RCF, ER, Nursing Home or other community location determined to be helpful.

8. Who and How Often
PSS Services may be ordered for both under 18 and over 18 age ranges and are a Tier 2/3 level service. It requires a PA through OBH.
As with other services on the MTP, the frequency is highly individualized to the needs of the client. It is not uncommon for a peer to have an order for 1-2 times a week contact.
Peers can bill for PSS individual, group or telephonic contacts.

9. Complimentary Services
Peer Support Specialist
QBHP
Share
Converse / talk / discuss
Accompany
Validate
Encourage
Demonstrate
Support
Teach
Educate
Correct
Reinforce
Monitor
Train
Process
Complimentary Services

10. Why Mission Philosophy
Peer Support Specialist services promote hope, healing, advocacy, self-responsibility, a meaningful role in life and empower others to reach their fullest potential.
Philosophy
CA believes that Peer Support Specialists bring a unique perspective to the treatment team by being willing to share their personal recovery stories with the team and with the people they serve.
Why