Peer Recovery Mentors. DATE: February 7, 2017 PRESENTED BY: O Nesha Cochrane, EVOLVE Peer Recovery Mentor Mental Health Association of Oregon

Transcription

1 Peer Recovery Mentors DATE: February 7, 2017 PRESENTED BY: O Nesha Cochrane, EVOLVE Peer Recovery Mentor Mental Health Association of Oregon

2 Learning Objectives Describe the role of peer recovery mentors List ways that a peer can be a vital part of a substance abuse treatment program or clinic List limitations of peer recovery mentors 2 2

3 What is a peer: Addiction Peer Support Specialist (CRM s)are people with lived life experience w/ substance abuse who offer peer delivered services to peers with substance abuse disorders. What are the qualifications: To become certified you must complete an OHA approved 40 hour training, have at least 2 years sobriety, and register on the OHA website. They will do a DHS background check.

4 Pros for having a peer on your team Peers can connect with your patients on a deeper level. In a peer role the power dynamic is dissolved as much as possible, concentrating on removing the positions of authority and empowering the peer to move toward their goals. Mentors create relationships that promote trust and often sensitive information is obtained that other health professionals would not be able to inspire the peer to disclose. This helps the team move forward with the best plan for the patient. Peers can also share their story and role model what recovery looks like. This gives the peers we work with hope. Peers know the legal system and most reentry services well because they have utilized them their self, this skill is imperative when it comes to connecting patients to transitional care.

5 CONS for having a peer on your team Because of their lived life experience many peers have never worked in a professional environment. This can become overwhelming or intimidating for some peers and you may find they need professional grooming once they obtain a position within your organization. Documenting in Epic/EMR access is not readily available to Peers so transferring secure information can be difficult but there are ways around this It is also important to remember peers are in recovery as well, so it is good for them to have regular supervision, to create self-care plans and to be vigilant around patients who may be actively using

6 Liabilities to Assets Having a prison or arrest record can hinder a peer from finding work. However a peer who has successfully completed parole or probation usually has a strength and confidence that other peers do not have. These experiences usually make them strong leaders, and very passionate about the work they do. Having done drugs before, peers have the ability to read through the lines when working with their peers and can tap in to the best way to motivate the patients they work with. Many peers have never had the opportunity to use their skills in a prosocial way, once given a chance most peers who have a solid recovery program become loyal, ethical employees to agencies that give them a chance.

7 What a peer can & can t do Peers should not do substance use disorder assessments. Performing assessments instill a clear order of authority. And this can damage the peer to peer relationship Peers should not promote agendas of other team members, peers should always promote the patient they are working with to move toward the selfdirected plans they are comfortable with. Peers can follow patients in the community. Peers can do warm handoffs to other agencies, and support patients when they have to transition from the hospital to jails, TX centers or other institutions. Peers can contact DCJ and/or DHS departments and advocate for their peers with a signed ROI Per Agency: Peers can purchase basic needs within reason, and give out bus tickets to patients which are reimbursed through their organization.

8 QUESTIONS AND LINKS 6_history_of_recovery_webinarslides.pdf ov/