Advanced Peer Support

Course Objectives: 

Session 1: Ethics in Peer Support 

Objective : You will be able to apply the ethical principles for peer support in accordance with DBSA guidelines within case studies. 

Sub Objectives:

• Distinguish moral values from ethical principles and resolve dissonance
• Identify the importance of ethical principles
• Explain the importance of ethics in peer support and its benefits for the peer support worker and the peer. 
• Apply DBSA’s ethical principles for peer support effectively to resolve ethical dilemmas on reflective worksheets.

 

Course Resources - Session 1 Click on the images to view and/or download resources

 

 

Session 2: Understanding Issues in Reentry 

Objective: As a peer support worker, you will be able to develop an evidence-based strategic comprehensive plan in writing to address common challenges in reentry, such as housing, employment, reintegration, stigma, and incarceration-related trauma. 

Sub Objectives:

• Describe the unique challenges faced by individuals, post-incarceration
• Develop evidence-based strategies for providing effective peer support in re-entry settings 
• Develop a comprehensive written plan that identifies and addresses the unique challenges confronted by individuals post-incarceration

 

Course Resources - Session 2 Click on the images to view and/or download resources

 

 

Session 3: Trauma-Informed Peer Support 

Objective: As a peer support worker, you will be able to develop an evidence-based strategic comprehensive plan in writing to address common challenges in reentry, such as housing, employment, reintegration, stigma, and incarceration-related trauma. 

Sub Objectives:

• Explain the concept of trauma, various types, biological basis, triggers, and impact on well-being. 
• Summarize the impacts of post-incarcerated trauma and PICS. 
• Identify and describe key principles of trauma-informed care within peer support.
• Apply evidence-based techniques to provide appropriate support to peers facing incarceration-related trauma. 
• Demonstrate communication techniques and empowering approaches that promote safety and trust in peer support settings for trauma survivors.
   

Course Resources - Session 3 Click on the images to view and/or download resources

 

Session 4: Leading Effective Support Groups and Peer Support in Groups

Objective: You will be able to lead and facilitate a practice support group effectively in order to implement effective peer support strategies as assessed by a support group facilitation rubric. You will be measured by your ability to facilitate group discussions, manage group dynamics, and apply appropriate techniques and strategies in line with best practices. 

Sub Objectives:

• Develop and implement effective peer support strategies within group settings demonstrating the ability to lead and facilitate support groups in a manner that displays professionalism, maintains confidentiality, and adheres to ethical boundaries consistently. 
• Provide well-informed insights and appropriate resources in group contexts. 
• Apply facilitation techniques skillfully, managing group dynamics, resolving conflicts constructively, and encouraging meaningful participation.
• Showcase professionalism and sensitivity while facilitating support groups, maintain confidentiality, and adhere to ethical boundaries consistently.
• Adapt their peer support approaches to cater to the diverse needs of group members
• Apply creative strategies to promote group cohesion and effective support. 
   

Course Resources - Session 4 Click on the images to view and/or download resources

 

 

Session 5: Advocacy in Peer Support

Objective: You will be able to advocate effectively for individuals affected by incarceration as assessed by a rubric.

Sub Objectives:

• Identify macro-level issues related to reentry and incarceration such as systemic barriers and social injustices faced by individuals in the reentry process.
• Recognize the importance of advocacy in peer support, understanding how advocating for systemic change can positively impact individuals and communities.
• Develop advocacy skills, such as crafting persuasive letters to representatives and sharing personal narratives to advocate for reentry support and criminal justice reform.
• Find and monitor relevant legislation.
• Compose a well-structured letter to a representative and deliver impactful personal narratives to promote reentry support.
   

Course Resources - Session 5 Click on the images to view and/or download resources

 

 

Session 6: Professional Development and Finding Roles in Peer Support 

Objective: You will be able to describe how to find professional and employment opportunities in the peer support field.  You will be able to present your skills, strengths, passion and qualifications in a mock job interview as assessed by a checklist.  

Sub Objectives:

• Identify three places to look for employment or volunteer opportunities in peer support
• List the common skills and qualifications employers look for in peer support workers 
• Summarize their strengths assessed through a strengths inventory to defend their suitability for a position in peer support
• Recognize the importance of ongoing learning and professional development. 
• Describe the value of course completion certificates and where to apply for recognition 
   

Course Resources - Session 6 Click on the images to view and/or download resources

 

 

 

 

The Facilitators

Lauren is our casework supervisor and oversees the operations and development of the case management program. Her caseload consists of reentry clients with substance use disorder, and she co-facilitates our addiction support groups. As an intentional peer support specialist herself, she manages our peer support certification program.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and postgraduate certificate in nonprofit management and is working on master’s degrees in social work and social policy. Her professional background and academic interests are around substance use, homelessness, and micro-macro social work practice integration.