Part of the certification process for Mental Health Peer Specialists is the completion of 250 hours of volunteer or paid work experience specific to MHPS. These hours must be completed under the supervision of a Peer Specialist Supervisor. Internal or external supervision can be provided, which means that the supervisor overseeing your hours does not have to work in the same organization where you are completing your 250 hours.
A Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS) is a person who supports and guides a peer specialist after they obtain their certification. A PSS will oversee peer specialists while they provide the necessary components of peer work, such as giving recovery-oriented peer services, skill-building, ethical problem solving, optimizing professional growth, and performing administrative duties.
This supervision may also extend to overseeing aspects specific to the organization where a peer specialist is working. This would include things like learning organization-specific policies or performing and understanding distinct administrative matters. The role of a PSS is important and ongoing since supervision is consistently required for any peer specialist after they obtain certification. Supervision is likewise required in any organization that implements peer specialists.
Peer specialist supervisions are a key link between the peer staff and the organization’s leadership. In this role they have a responsibility to advocate for equal compensation and benefits for this workforce. They are also responsible for promoting professional and job-related personal growth. This can include access to training and continuing education, evolving peer specialist ole opportunities, and appropriate career ladders. Personal growth may include maintaining a safe work environment, personal wellness, and individual goal attainment. A collaboration supervisory relationship is supportive, provides timely and respectful feedback, and is strength based. -The Pillars of Peer Support Summit
Dr. Misty Ely is an approved PSS with the Texas Certification Board and offers group supervision for MHPS’s who need to obtain their 250 hours for certification. The fee for this service includes all required documentation for Certemy from my Training Entity.
