What is a primary responsibility of Certified Peer Specialists (CPS)?

The primary responsibility of Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) is to help peers understand and achieve their recovery needs. This role is centered around providing support from a lived experience perspective, fostering personal growth, and encouraging self-advocacy among individuals in recovery. By sharing their own experiences, CPS can effectively empower their peers to set and reach their personal recovery goals, facilitating a sense of hope and resilience.

CPS focus on building a trusting relationship and guiding peers through their recovery journey, providing emotional support, and sharing strategies that may aid in their recovery processes. This collaborative approach nurtures an environment where individuals feel understood and valued, which can significantly enhance their motivation and commitment to recovery.

In contrast, other options reflect tasks that are outside the scope of a CPS’s responsibilities. For example, providing medical advice requires professional clinical training and licensure, while controlling the decisions of peers undermines the foundational principles of autonomy and empowerment in recovery. Evaluating therapy methods implies an evaluative role that is typically reserved for mental health professionals, rather than peer support specialists whose focus is more supportive than prescriptive or evaluative.