Delineation of the job role

In an effort to identify the tasks, knowledge and skills of peer specialists, a formal analysis of the nature and complexity of their role was sponsored by the Veterans Administration in New Jersey. Using a content validity method of role delineation, the study was executed by faculty of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions. Engaging the input of two groups of subject matter experts, peer specialists and their supervisors, 85 specific job tasks and skills were identified and categorized into eight broad domains: outreach, peer support activities, counseling skills, skill development, professional documentation and communication, crisis intervention, knowledge of resources, and continued professional role/competency development. The findings have significant implications for the curriculum development of educational programs, remuneration, as well as the status of staff in these roles. This report includes an overview of the study method, reports of the ratings for specific tasks and competencies, and suggestions for the development of academic courses based on the findings of the role delineation study.
Both the Veteran's Affairs Action Agenda Work Group (2003) and the National Consensus Statement on Mental Health Recovery (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2004) endorsed the concept of [...]