What Peer Specialists Need to Know
Name one of the peer support principles a peer support specialist must understand and apply.
Recovery‑oriented, person‑centered, trauma‑informed, voluntary, self‑determination, dignity of risk, or relationship-focused
According to the job description, how many hours of direct service should a peer support specialist provide daily on average?
4 hours per day
What is required before any information about a participant can be shared with an outside agency?
A signed Authorization to Release Information (ROI)
In any urgent safety situation, what is the first step?
Call 911
How often must the BARC-10 be completed?
At least once every 3 months
Where can staff find the official Policies & Procedures, Employee Handbook, and their job description when they need guidance?
Shared drive/Teams channel where organizational documents are stored
or
All Staff - General - Shared - _Handbooks Guidelines & Resources
What is one responsibility from the job description related to documentation that all Peer Specialists must consistently meet?
Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of intakes, sessions, engagements, referrals, assessments, and recovery action plans
What’s required for accessing PHI on computers/phones?
User-specific IDs and passwords
Why is the CforR campus tobacco‑free (including e‑cigs)?
Because we are located on the Austin State Hospital (ASH) campus, which prohibits tobacco/e‑cigs on premises.
When documenting calendars, what foundational principle should guide how staff record time (including transitions and travel), according to leadership’s recent clarification?
Recording time clearly, transparently, and consistently, including travel time and transitions, following supervisor guidance
How should employees record their hours worked?
By accurately entering time into Work Sight, following guidelines for break and meal periods, and calendaring.
What state credential must all Peer Specialists hold or be in the process of obtaining?
RSPS, MHPS, or JIRPS
What is the expectation around using work devices or email?
Technology should be used primarily for work-related tasks and must follow privacy and security guidelines.
If you become aware of a reportable event (e.g., rights violation, injury, emergency), when must the Incident Report be completed?
Within 24 hours
What is CforR’s expectation for completing service documentation and session notes?
All service documentation — including session notes, group notes, and any required data entry — should be completed on the same day the service is provided. This helps ensure accuracy, supports continuity of care, and keeps our reporting consistent and timely.
If a Peer Support Specialist has a question about job duties, expectations, scheduling, or documentation, to whom should they go first?
Their supervisor
According to the Peer Support Specialist job description, how many “active” participants is a Peer Specialist expected to maintain in their recovery circle?
20–25 active participants
When reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation, name two required actions staff must take.
What are (1) file a report to DFPS via hotline or online and (2) notify leadership and complete an Incident Report with the case number?
List two steps required when reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Report to DFPS (hotline/online) and notify leadership and file an Incident Report (include the case number).
What must employees do to keep participant information safe when creating or storing documentation?
Protect confidentiality by keeping records secure.
What is the CforR's policy on lunch breaks?
30-minute paid meal break - must remain available for work purposes (be available by phone)
-or-
up to 1-hour unpaid meal break - must clock out
According to the job description, what must staff do regarding boundaries, self‑care, and recovery?
Maintain personal and professional boundaries, model self‑care, and maintain personal recovery
What should an employee do if they’re going to be late or absent?
Notify their supervisor as soon as possible, following our communication guidelines (call, text, or email, depending on team norms).
Name the three emergency response categories described in the Emergency Management document.
Psychiatric/Medical Emergency, Evacuation, and Shelter‑in‑Place
What should employees ALWAYS make sure of when submitting time entries and documentation?
That everything is true, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner.