Peer support professionals are people who have been successful in the recovery process who help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Peer support services can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment of those seeking a successful, sustained recovery process.

Peer support provides a personal level of knowledge by sharing similar life experiences. These common personal experiences can foster meaningful connections and a deeper sense of understanding and empathy between individuals who may otherwise feel misunderstood.

Roles of peer support professionals:

  • Advocating for people in recovery

  • Sharing resources and building skills
  • Building community and relationships
  • Mentoring and setting goals

Peer support roles may also extend to the following:

  • Providing services and/or training
  • Supervising other peer workers
  • Developing connections to resources
  • Educating the public and policymakers

Interested in working for Next Steps for Change as a Peer Support Professional?

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