Experiences of peer support specialists supervised by nonpeer supervisors.

Abstract

Objective: This article reports on a qualitative study examining the experiences of peer support specialists (PSS) supervised by nonpeer supervisors (NPS) in adult community mental health settings. Method: Potential participants completed a demographic survey designed to address inclusionary criteria. From those eligible, a random number generator selected participants to be interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. The critical incident technique was used to elicit memorable experiences of supervision. Data were analyzed thematically. Twenty interviews were completed before saturation was reached. Results: Thematic analysis revealed eight major themes including supervisor attitudes, role integration, trauma-informed supervisory techniques, facilitative/supportive environment, perspective-taking, mutual learning, opportunities for peer networking, and the desire for a supervisor who was a more experienced peer support worker. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: PSS are integrating into a mental health service system transitioning from a medical model to a recovery-oriented model of care. NPS are the necessary guides who assist the PSS in navigating a system not yet aligned with peer values. If the mental health system is going to successfully become recovery oriented, NPS need a unique skill set to support those with lived experience whose recovery can help point the way. Impact and ImplicationsPeer support specialists (PSS) continue to enter the mental health workforce in increasing numbers. This study found that when nonpeer supervisors (NPS) employed peer-informed supervisory techniques. Supervision was experienced as helpful. If the mental health system is going to successfully become recovery oriented, then NPS need a unique skill set to support those with lived experience whose recovery can help point the way.

The Competencies of Telehealth Peer Support: Perceptions of Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Finding two, the perceptions of the important, critical, and most frequently used competencies for the delivery of ThPS are rated similarly among PSS and managers/supervisors, may be surprising considering previous literature indicates less agreement (Foglesong et al, 2021;Forbes, et al, 2021;Mancini, 2018;Phillips, 2018). In almost all ThPS competency areas of this survey, both groups agreed.…”

Incorporation of peer support in a novel community-based mobile withdrawal management program

“…Shared lived experiences appear to provide a fertile common ground through which genuine compassion and empathy can be nurtured between the care team and the participant. 15 In this sense, peer support workers act as a conduit through which other members of the care team may forge and strengthen connections and engagement with enrolled individuals. Moreover, there is a natural synergy found between peer support and the outreach imperative on which MWMS as a whole is based.…”

National Practice Guidelines for Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors

“…The work group first sought to determine what guidance existed on the supervision of peer support workers. Although the supervision of peer support workers by a mental health professional had been an established requirement for Medicaid funding for more than a decade, "the empirical literature offered little guidance to address the purpose, content, or process of supervision of the non-clinical peer support worker role" (9). Some of the research literature offered supervision as an avenue toward role clarity but without specific guidance on supervision based on recovery-oriented practices or on the values of peer support.…”

“…Clinical supervisors may struggle to understand the equally challenging complexities of the nonclinical peer support role. Role clarity is a predictor of job satisfaction for peer support workers (9,10). As the peer support workforce has grown, noticeable increases in role confusion and role drift have occurred.…”

“…As the peer support workforce has grown, noticeable increases in role confusion and role drift have occurred. These issues are far more likely to occur when a supervisor unfamiliar with the core values of peer support attempts to act as a mentor or role model for these values and peer support competencies (9). For example, strategic or judicious selfdisclosure is frequently outside a licensed practitioner's professional scope of practice; yet licensed practitioners are the most frequent supervisors for the peer support workforce in traditional service settings.…”