What does a Peer Support Specialist do?
Published 3 min read
A peer support specialist is a person who has recovered from mental illness and helps others who are going through the same thing. They provide emotional support and practical advice to people who are struggling with mental health issues.
Peer Support Specialist job duties include:
- Act as a role model and provide support to peers
- Assist in the development and implementation of peer support programs
- Provide one-on-one or group counseling to peers
- Help connect peers to resources and services
- Advocate for peer rights and interests
- Promote peer self-determination and empowerment
- Facilitate peer support groups
- Train other professionals on how to provide peer support
- Conduct research on peer support effectiveness
- Disseminate information about peer support
Peer Support Specialist Job Requirements
A peer support specialist is someone who provides support and guidance to people who are struggling with mental health issues. They are usually people who have gone through similar experiences themselves and have been trained in how to help others. There are no specific educational requirements for becoming a peer support specialist, but many have at least a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. Some states require peer support specialists to be certified, and most organizations that offer training programs require certification as well. Experience is also important, as peer support specialists need to be able to relate to the people they are helping.
Peer Support Specialist Skills
- Active Listening
- Acceptance
- Empathy
- Patience
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Problem Solving
- Stress Management
- Coping Skills
- Self-Care
- Relapse Prevention
Related: Top Peer Support Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Peer Support Specialist
A peer support specialist is someone who provides emotional and practical support to people who are dealing with mental health issues. They are usually people who have experience with mental health issues themselves, so they understand what their clients are going through.
If you’re interested in becoming a peer support specialist, the first step is to get some education and training in the field of mental health. This can be done through online courses, community college classes, or even a four-year degree program. Once you have some knowledge about mental health, you can start working with clients.
It’s important to remember that being a peer support specialist is not the same as being a therapist. You don’t need to be licensed or certified to do this work. However, it is helpful to have some formal training so that you can better understand your clients and offer them the support they need.
Related: Peer Support Specialist Resume Example
Related: Peer Support Specialist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)