Competencies for Peer Support Specialists

 

META Certification strives for individuals to be champions of recovery.  To be champions of recovery, individuals must have the competency level required to achieve META Certification.  The competencies delineated within META Certification are consistent with the values and ethics practiced by Peer Support Specialists.

 

1. META Certification requires a Peer Support Specialist to integrate the core pathways of recovery into their daily lives and interactions with others.

 

1.  Understand recovery and wellness principles, practices and pathways.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist applies knowledge of the five pathways of recovery, including; Hope, Choice, Empowerment, Recovery Culture and Spirituality.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will have the ability to assist others in recovery by supporting their choices for personal wellness and development of self-efficacy.
   3. A Peer Support Specialist will assist people with discovering their meaning and purpose in life.

 

1. Recognize mutuality and empowerment as underlying components of supporting people.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist will be an equal partner with people to inspire recovery.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will support people to find his/her own solutions.
   3. A Peer Support Specialist will understand and utilize the power of listening.

 

1. Understand the philosophy of strengths based recovery.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist will have the ability to assist people in identifying their strengths as part of recovery.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will empower people to identify their contribution to their recovery.

 

1. META Certification requires a Peer Support Specialist to be aware of their physical surroundings to ensure a recovery-oriented environment:

 

1.  Create a safe environment that promotes recovery.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist will have the ability to connect with their community and culture to create a safe environment.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will be flexible and have the ability to identify ways that will open up new possibilities for others in recovery.
   3. A Peer Support Specialist will identify and navigate around barriers that interfere with recovery.

 

1. Be knowledgeable of community resources that can assist with the needs of those in recovery.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist can identify community resources specific to recovery.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will create a community with valued social roles for everyone.

 

1. META Certification requires a Peer Support Specialist to have knowledge of and possess strong recovery skills.
   1. Understand the power of resilience.
      1. A Peer Support Specialist will have knowledge of the effects of trauma in recovery, inclusive of abuse issues.
      2. A Peer Support Specialist will understand resilience “bounce back.”

 

1. Understand the importance of self-advocacy for others in recovery while undergoing transformation.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist will support people by allowing them to take the lead in their recovery.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will have knowledge of the positive aspects of resistance in the recovery process.

 

1. Endorse the general principles of ethics and boundaries to create a secure environment for recovery.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist will honor confidentiality of information received when working with people while also having knowledge of state and local mandatory reporter regulations.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will understand the appropriate relationship guidelines when working with people.

 

1. Understand the significance of self worth/self-esteem in the recovery process.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist will convey the impact of increased self-esteem.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will be aware of the benefits and challenges of “self-talk.”

 

1. Have knowledge of effective communication skills specific to recovery.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist will practice the use of positive communication with others by using encouraging words and phrases, and maintaining appositive attitude.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will practice effective listening.
   3. A Peer Support Specialist will practice reflective listening skills.
   4. A Peer Support Specialist is knowledgeable of different ways to handle conflict.
   5. A Peer Support Specialist will avoid blocking a person choices and development of self-efficacy.
   6. A Peer Support Specialist will be effective using recovery language.
   7. A Peer Support Specialist will have the ability to be a part of a team and engage in complimentary partnerships with community resources and other entities.
   8. A Peer Support Specialist will be effective in self-directed documentation.

 

1. Promote self-determination as a guiding force behind those in recovery.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist will encourage people to be the experts of their own care.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will have the ability to convey the healing aspects of recovery through self-determination.

 

1. META Certification requires a Peer Support Specialist to be a positive role model while promoting the recovery of others:

 

1. Identify positive and influential ways to provide support to those in recovery.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist will be authentic with others in the recovery process.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will understand the way of being in a relationship that shows people they have the power to recover.
   3. A Peer Support Specialist will offer help and support as an equal.
   4. A Peer Support Specialist will work with people by teaching, learning and growing together.
   5. A Peer Support Specialist will possess an attitude that values each person’s experience.

 

1. Recognize the importance of cultural competence and social diversity and their roles in recovery.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist will be open-minded and respectful of other cultures.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will not push their own values and beliefs onto people that are in the recovery process.
   3. A Peer Support Specialist will not judge others and will accept people for who they are.
   4. A Peer Support Specialist will be open to new ideas.

 

1. Understand the importance of self-wellness as an active Peer Support Specialist.
   1. A Peer Support Specialist will have the ability to recognize the value of taking care of him/herself and follow a plan of good self-care.
   2. A Peer Support Specialist will have the ability to maintain a positive focus while promoting the recovery of others in his/her work.
   3. A Peer Support Specialist will recognize the importance of ongoing education as a tool for recovery.

 

• Understand the significance of using/disclosing personal experience as a tool for others in their recovery.
• A Peer Support Specialist will share personal experience of recovery in a way that inspires hope.
• A Peer Support Specialist will understand that situations will require different levels of self-disclosure and will have the ability to make these determinations.