[RedDawn]

I finished my peer support training and just got my certification through the state.

I was wondering if anyone here works as a peer support specialist and what they think of it.

[99fairies]

Good job! You should be very proud of yourself.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I am. I work in a day program.

[RedDawn]

Originally Posted by HALLIEBETH87

I am. I work in a day program.

What do you think of it? Any favorite parts of the job? Least favorites? How's the stress level?

[dshantel]

So what exactly does a peer support specialist do? The place that I go to has this but I don't really understand it. My T mentioned it once but didn't really explain.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Originally Posted by RedDawn

What do you think of it? Any favorite parts of the job? Least favorites? How's the stress level?

Ummmmm so I've only
Worked there a week but I've volunteered there for a year. I love it! We have fun activities we do and I will be facilitating groups soon. I'm going to WRAP training this coming week to become a facilitator. Stress wise I think self care is of upmost importance. I'm struggling right now so im gonna amp that up so I can continue feeling good about my New job. Our day program is two days a week So I work part time.

Do you have an idea of what type of job you want? I eventually wanna do full time community support.

[*Laurie*]

I'm not employed, but I volunteer as a NAMI Connection group facilitator. I enjoy the 'job' very much, it's rewarding and meaningful.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Originally Posted by dshantel

So what exactly does a peer support specialist do? The place that I go to has this but I don't really understand it. My T mentioned it once but didn't really explain.

A PSS is a trained Individual and certified through the state to help others in their recovery by using their personal recovery story. They can do sessions I. Community where they talk one on one with consumers and they can also facilitate groups. I'll be doing both within a day
Program. Some even work in hospitals

[CaminoDeOro]

I've been wanting to do this once I'm more stable, I've been in "the system" for so long that I've gotten a really good handle on how to navigate it, find good therapist and pdocs (and identify bad ones too), etc, and I wish somebody with my level of knowledge had been around for me 25 years ago. So maybe I can help.

I won't do it as a job though. Besides the fact that I'm interested in other things, it's very easy for me to get "trauma by proxy" and so I'll need to limit my exposure so I can be effective and not burn out.