How can peer support workers communicate their role to other departments to avoid conflicts?

1 Define your role

The first step is to clearly define your role as a peer support worker, both for yourself and for others. What are your goals, responsibilities, and boundaries? What are the benefits and limitations of peer support? How do you work with other professionals and services? Having a clear role description and a code of ethics can help you communicate your role to other departments and avoid role confusion, duplication, or overlap.

2 Educate others

The second step is to educate others about peer support and its principles, values, and practices. You can use different methods, such as presentations, workshops, newsletters, or brochures, to inform and raise awareness among other staff, managers, and clients. You can also share your personal stories, experiences, and perspectives to illustrate the impact and importance of peer support. By educating others, you can increase their understanding, respect, and appreciation of peer support and its contribution to the health care system.

3 Collaborate with others

The third step is to collaborate with others in a respectful and professional manner. You can establish and maintain positive relationships with other departments by communicating regularly, sharing information, providing feedback, and resolving issues. You can also seek opportunities to work together on common goals, projects, or initiatives that involve peer support. By collaborating with others, you can demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and values as a peer support worker and enhance the quality and coordination of care for clients.

4 Advocate for yourself

The fourth step is to advocate for yourself and your role as a peer support worker. You can voice your opinions, needs, and concerns in a constructive and assertive way. You can also seek support, guidance, and supervision from your peers, mentors, or managers when you face challenges or conflicts. You can also join or create networks, groups, or organizations that represent and promote peer support workers and their interests. By advocating for yourself, you can protect your rights, well-being, and professional development as a peer support worker.

5 Learn from others

The fifth step is to learn from others and their perspectives, experiences, and feedback. You can seek and accept constructive criticism, suggestions, and compliments from other departments and use them to improve your practice. You can also ask questions, listen actively, and show curiosity and openness to learn from other professionals and services. You can also participate in training, education, or research activities that involve peer support and other departments. By learning from others, you can expand your knowledge, skills, and competencies as a peer support worker.

6 Respect diversity

The sixth step is to respect diversity and acknowledge the differences and similarities among peer support workers and other departments. You can recognize and appreciate the unique backgrounds, cultures, values, beliefs, and preferences of yourself and others. You can also adapt your communication, behavior, and practice to suit the needs, expectations, and situations of different people and settings. You can also celebrate and share the achievements, successes, and strengths of peer support workers and other departments. By respecting diversity, you can foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment for everyone.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?