Job Description of Peer Support
A peer supporter helps individuals face challenging life situations or circumstances that are similar to their own. A peer supporter provides emotional and psychological support services to fellow peers who are experiencing a particular physical or psychological condition, such as alcoholism, drug addiction or depression. A peer supporter offers a listening ear and helps her peers toward recovery through being a source of encouragement and motivation.
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Education
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A peer supporter does not require specialized education. However, previous experience in voluntary activities--such as conducting counseling sessions, peer education, mentoring, advocacy work or mediation--gives one an edge.
Duties and Responsibilities
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A peer supporter provides support to fellow participants in the peer program. This is through listening to the concerns of the affected individuals and sharing pesonal experiences with the rest of the peers. Peer supporters attend training and counseling sessions and facilitate peer sessions. They may assist other program leaders in scheduling and assessing experiences. A peer supporter maintains strict confidentiality concerning information shared by other peer members. A peer support member occasionally keeps records of the program's activities.
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Certification
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It is not a must to be certified in order to work as a peer supporter. However, certification gives individuals an edge over other peer supporters. Various organizations offer certifications. For instance, peer supporters dealing with amputees may seek certification through the National Peer Network. Peer supporters working with mentally affected individuals can get certification from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
Desirable Skills
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A peer support worker should have good communication skills. Peer supporters should be reliable, friendly and willing to help and support others. They should be able to work with individuals on a one-on-one basis or in a group setting. Peer supporters should be well conversant with the program in which they are peers and be knowledgeable of the issues that the program deals with. They need excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have initiative.
Working Conditions
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Peer supporters work under psychologically demanding situations because they have to share personal information with other peers. Peer meeting venues may be spread far apart, so the job may involve long trips or frequent travel.
Salary
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According to PayScale, a peer support specialist earned an average of between $25,057 and $35,913 per year as of July 2010. This varies according to the level of experience, education and the organization one is working for.
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References
- Photo Credit girl peer at something image by Alexander Zhiltsov from Fotolia.com communication image by Pavel Vlasov from Fotolia.com
