{"id":39,"date":"2026-05-04T20:34:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T20:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peerwellnessspecialiststraining.site\/?page_id=39"},"modified":"2026-09-03T21:17:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T21:17:20","slug":"supervising-supporting-peers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/?page_id=39","title":{"rendered":"Supervising &#038; Supporting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-f5969be7 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-2-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-49810a00 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-width:5px;border-top-left-radius:48px;border-top-right-radius:48px;border-bottom-left-radius:48px;border-bottom-right-radius:48px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-x-large-font-size\">Are you hiring, managing, and supporting Peers?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1.25rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Effective supervision and organizational support are essential to building strong, ethical, and sustainable peer programs. This page provides guidance for leaders who hire, manage, and support Peer Support Specialists (PSS) and Peer Wellness Specialists (PWS). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-03-at-2.12.28-PM-1024x844.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-132\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.2132809710817565;width:648px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-03-at-2.12.28-PM-1024x844.png 1024w, https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-03-at-2.12.28-PM-300x247.png 300w, https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-03-at-2.12.28-PM-768x633.png 768w, https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-03-at-2.12.28-PM-1536x1266.png 1536w, https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-03-at-2.12.28-PM-2048x1688.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-2-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-76007463 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b6e390fe wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center is-style-asterisk\">Supervising PeeRs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-4f2ccadb\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Supervising peer staff requires an approach that balances accountability, professional development, and wellness. Supervisors should understand both the strengths and vulnerabilities associated with lived experience\u2013based work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-de1f0c56 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Trauma-Informed Supervision<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Peer staff often bring personal histories of trauma, recovery, and system involvement into their work. Trauma-informed supervision recognizes this reality and promotes safety, stability, and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best practices include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Creating psychologically safe supervision spaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using strengths-based feedback<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Normalizing wellness conversations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting healthy boundaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognizing signs of burnout or secondary trauma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encouraging use of leave and wellness resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Lived Experience Integration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lived experience is professional expertise and should be intentionally integrated into organizational practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Effective integration includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Valuing lived experience in decision-making<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Including peers in program design and evaluation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding tokenism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encouraging authentic, voluntary self-disclosure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protecting staff privacy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respecting individual recovery journeys<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Avoiding Role Drift<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Role drift occurs when peers are asked to perform clinical, case management, or administrative duties outside their scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To prevent role drift:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maintain updated job descriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reinforce scope of practice regularly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Train all staff on peer roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitor workload and assignments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establish clear referral pathways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intervene early when boundaries blur<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-de1f0c56 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Career Pathways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clear advancement opportunities strengthen retention and professional growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Organizations should develop pathways such as:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Entry-level peer roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Senior peer positions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peer supervisor roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Training and facilitation positions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Program management tracks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cross-training opportunities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Staffing Models<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strong peer programs are built through intentional staffing, fair compensation, and long-term workforce planning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Organizations should design staffing structures that promote sustainability and collaboration.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common models include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Peer teams embedded within multidisciplinary programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stand-alone peer support units<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hybrid models with clinical and peer co-leadership<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead peer\/peer supervisor structures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Compensation Considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Competitive compensation is essential for recruitment and retention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best practices include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pay parity with comparable support roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparent wage scales<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognition of certification and experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to benefits when possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regular wage reviews<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoidance of unpaid or \u201cvolunteer\u201d peer roles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b6e390fe wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center is-style-asterisk\">POLICIES AND GUIDES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-4f2ccadb\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-2-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-76007463 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-de1f0c56 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1ybwMn_4WgH6DWf6-lsDcCYhbyjQ9ilSp\/view?usp=drive_link\">Billing Guide<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaders should understand how peer services are funded and documented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key considerations include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allowable billing activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Documentation standards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Credential and supervision requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payer-specific rules<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time tracking protocols<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Audit preparedness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Sample Job Descriptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Well-designed job descriptions should include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Core responsibilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scope of practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Required certifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lived experience requirements (when applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical and emotional demands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reporting structure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Supervision Policies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Supervision policies should outline:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Frequency and format of supervision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Documentation requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performance review processes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support and remediation pathways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confidentiality protections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Escalation procedures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-de1f0c56 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-764d756b wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-asterisk has-body-font-family has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong>Reasonable Accommodations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many peer staff may benefit from workplace accommodations related to disability, recovery, or wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Flexible scheduling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modified workloads<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remote or hybrid options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional supervision support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quiet workspaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wellness breaks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Providing accommodations is both a legal obligation and a best practice for retention.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center is-style-asterisk\">Downloadables<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-x-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Supervisor toolkit<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-x-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Policy templates<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-x-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Onboarding checklist<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-x-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1ybwMn_4WgH6DWf6-lsDcCYhbyjQ9ilSp\/view?usp=drive_link\">Billing Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you hiring, managing, and supporting Peers? Effective supervision and organizational support are essential to building strong, ethical, and sustainable peer programs. This page provides guidance for leaders who hire, manage, and support Peer Support Specialists (PSS) and Peer Wellness Specialists (PWS). Supervising PeeRs Supervising peer staff requires an approach that balances accountability, professional development, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-39","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=39"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":133,"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39\/revisions\/133"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/peerconnectoregon.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=39"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}