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Peer Specialists |
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Hospitals and state institutions are becoming increasing aware of the development of roles established for peers in inpatient settings. Peers (persons in recovery) are being trained as peer specialists and are working in many capacities in inpatient settings. Their primary goal is to provide peer support based on their own "lived experiences" and to promote recovery for others with mental illness. Peer Specialists are effective in working with individuals who require more individualized care; they are both compassionate and empathic. They are also able to help avert crises and have been shown to be responsible for reducing the use of seclusion and restraint in many hospital settings. As this phenomenon continues to grow hospital administrators are interested in hiring peers but they are seeking information on how to begin the process. The materials below provide information on the hiring process, who peers will report to, their roles and functions, and how staff will feel about hiring people who once received services. Though it is challenging at first to assimilate peers into highly organized and traditional staffing patterns, the rewards are great. Peers will be a great asset to any hospital or inpatient setting. |