Peer Support Supervisor (PSS)
A Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS) is a professional who provides ongoing guidance, support, and oversight to certified peer specialists, ensuring their effective delivery of recovery-oriented services, skill development, and adherence to organizational policies.
Who is a Peer Support Supervisor (PSS)?
A Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS) is a person who supports and guides a peer specialists after they obtain their certification. A PSS will oversee peer specialists while they provide the necessary components of peer work, such as giving recovery-oriented peer services, skill-building, ethical problem solving, optimizing professional growth, and performing administrative duties.
This supervision may also extend to overseeing aspects specific to the organization where a peer specialist is working. This would include things like learning organization-specific policies, or performing and understanding distinct administrative matters.
The role of a PSS is important and ongoing since supervision is consistently required for any peer specialist after they obtain certification. Supervision is likewise required in any organization that implements peer specialists.
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals interested in becoming certified as a Peer Specialist Supervisor
must meet the following eligibilty criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a QCC, LPHA, QMHP supervised by a QCC or LPHA, or a QPS supervised by a QCC or LPHA. Please read our additional article on clinical eligibility requirements.
- Be able to pass a background check that follows the guidelines set for peer specialists by Texas Administrative Code. For an easy reference about background check requirements, look at our background check information article.
- Be able and willing to follow the ethical guidelines expected of peer specialist supervisors set by the Texas Administrative Code.
PSS Careers
Peer supporters work in many different environments, with jobs that focus on direct service, program management, advocacy, and more. For example, peer supporters in Texas provide direct services in:
- Criminal justice settings (jails, prisons, specialty courts, probation and parole, etc.)
- Community outreach programs (where peer supporters go into the communities where people live)
- Hospitals and Inpatient Treatment Centers (psychiatric hospitals, general medicine hospitals, substance use treatment centers, and Veterans Administration hospitals)
- Outpatient clinics (Federally Qualified Health Clinics, mental health clinics, substance use treatment clinics)
- Peer-run organizations (Consumer-Operated Service Providers, Recovery Community Organizations, and other groups that are run by peer supporters and/or people in recovery)
- Residential settings (domestic violence shelters, residential settings for people in substance use recovery, shelters or residential settings for people experiencing homelessness, etc.)
- Virtual settings (app-based services, teleconferencing, chat-based support, etc.)
- And many more!
Peer specialists also hold many different titles in the agencies where they work, including:
- Peer Specialist or Family Partner (Paid or Volunteer)
- Peer Specialist or Family Partner Supervisor
- Program Coordinator
- Program Manager
- Recovery Coach
- Executive Director
- Legislative Advocate/Policy Fellow
- And more!
What is it like working as a Peer Specialist Supervisor?
This is what a few Peer Specialists had to share about what it’s like working as a Mental Health Peer Specialist, and give practical advice for someone new to the field.
Peer Specialist Supervisor Certification
The certification process for Mental Health Peer Specialists in Texas involves taking formal training with a certified training entitiy, and completing a supervised internship period. During this internship, individuals receive supervision and support from a Peer Specialist Supervisor.
Full certification can be achieved within 8 months, but it may take up to a year to complete the work experience hours and application process, depending on the individual’s speed.
Full certification can be achieved within 8 months, but it may take up to a year to complete the work experience hours and application process, depending on the individual’s speed.
1. Check Eligibility Requirements
In order to gain PSS certification, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a QCC, LPHA, QMHP supervised by a QCC or LPHA, or a QPS supervised by a QCC or LPHA. Please read our additional article on eligibility requirements.
- Be able to pass a background check that follows the guidelines set for peer specialists by Texas Administrative Code. For an easy reference about background check requirements, look at our background check information article.
- Be able and willing to follow the ethical guidelines expected of peer specialist supervisors set by the Texas Administrative Code.
2. Attend 2-Day Training
Peer Specialist Supervisor training is a 2-day, in-person or online workshop that provides essential information for anyone providing supervision for Peer Specialists. In order to proceed with your state application, you must pass a knowledge assessment at the end of the course.
Need help finding upcoming PSS training opportunities? See upcoming Training Opportunities
3. Start Your State Application
After you complete 2-day training, you must begin your application process. Applications for PSS certifications are handled digitally through the online module Certemy. There are multiple application options, depending on your level of education. Be sure to select the right one.
- Create an account through Certemy
- Complete the 10 steps required in your Certemy account, including the results of a federal background check.
- Once these steps are completed, wait for certification; you will be notified by the TCB when your application has been reviewed and approved.
Step-by-Step Guide to PSS Certification
Learn more about each of these steps with this step-by-step guide. We break down every step of the PSS certification process with helpful links and FAQs from the peers we have helped.
CFP Certification FAQs
For more FAQs about the training, internship, and application process, check out the PeerForce wiki.
How much does Core and Supplemental Training Cost?
Costs for the trainings are dependent upon the training entity where you apply to take the training. Some training entities include the entire cost of both the Core and Supplemental in their training fees, where other entities may require people to apply and pay for the Core training and the Supplemental training separately.
On average, the cost of Peer Specialist Core training is ~$150.00. The average cost currently for Peer Specialist (RSPS or MHPS) Supplemental training is ~$400.00.
Browsing the PeerForce training calendar will show you trainings offered by different training entities and how much you would need to pay to attend.
Is There Financial Aid Available?
Yes, financial aid is available for those pursuing a career as a Mental Health Peer Specialist. PeerForce, among other organizations, offers a variety of financial aid options to help cover the cost of training and certification. Additionally, many training entities provide scholarship opportunities, making it more accessible for individuals who are passionate about supporting others on their mental health journey.
To apply for financial aid, visit our financial aid page and review the available options. Each training entity has specific requirements. Make sure you meet them before submitting your application
How long does it take to get certified?
The time it takes to obtain a full MHPS certification can be anywhere between 6 months to a year, depending on how quickly a person completes the training and 250 supervised work experience hours.
How do I Find and Register for Mental Health Peer Specialist Training?
Finding a Training Opportunity
To find an upcoming training for MHPS, RSPS, or PSS certification, you can visit the PeerForce training calendars page here. You can filter this calendar to find what type of training you are looking for (i.e. in-person, virtual, nights and weekends, etc).
Another option is to reference the list of certified Training Entities on the Texas Certification Board website, and look at their respective training calendars for upcoming dates.
Registering for Training
The registration process for MHPS, RSPS, and PSS training is different for each training entity. Typically, you will need to submit your personal information and proof that you have completed the online state orientation module (if you are registering for Peer Specialist Core training).
How do I get started?
The best place to start is by taking the free, self-paced online orientation for Texas Peer Specialists.
Completing the orientation module is the quickest way to learn more about Peer Specialist Careers, and determine whether you want to pursue a certification.
Another option is to reach out to our Career Support team.
Ready to Start?
Take the Texas Peer Specialist Orientation
The online orientation is the first step to getting certified as a Peer Specialist! The information in this module will provide all the information you need to learn more about the career, check your eligibility, and answer questions you have about the certification and training process.