Benefits of working as a certified peer specialist: results from a statewide survey.
OBJECTIVE
Certified peer specialists (CPSs) are an emerging workforce across the United States and are a critical component of recovery-oriented mental health systems. This study examined possible benefits of working as a CPS.


METHODS
A statewide survey of trained CPSs in Pennsylvania was conducted in Winter/Spring 2010. A total of 271 CPSs responded to the online survey. Data from 154 working CPSs were analyzed.


RESULTS
Forty-one respondents (28.7%) were not working prior to their CPS employment and 60% of all respondents reported a decrease in Social Security entitlements. Statistically significant reductions were reported in case management, crisis services, and inpatient hospitalizations. Finally, respondents overwhelmingly reported personal, recovery-oriented benefits, and felt that they have a positive impact on their agencies.


CONCLUSIONS
CPS initiatives appear to benefit the individual CPS worker and may result in societal cost savings. These results further expand the potential value of peer-support services.
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences.
Mark S
MS
Salzer
Nicole
N
Darr
Gina
G
Calhoun
William
W
Boyer
Randall E
RE
Loss
Jerry
J
Goessel
Edward
E
Schwenk
Eugene
E
Brusilovskiy
D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management; D002568:Certification; D017046:Cost Savings; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012943:Social Security / Q000191:economics