CRSS Ethical and Professional Responsibility 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which situation represents a CLEAR conflict of interest for a recovery support specialist?
- Working with peers who share the specialist's cultural background
- Providing recovery support to a close personal friend or family member (Correct answer)
- Using evidence-based peer support techniques learned in training
- Discussing community resources that the specialist has personally used
Correct answer: Providing recovery support to a close personal friend or family member
Providing formal recovery support to close friends or family creates a dual relationship that compromises objectivity and professional boundaries.
Question 2: A peer accuses a recovery support specialist of ethical misconduct. What is the MOST appropriate first step for the specialist?
- Deny the accusation and document only their own perspective
- Immediately contact a lawyer and stop all communication with the peer
- Report the concern to a supervisor and cooperate with any review process (Correct answer)
- Ask other peers to provide character references on the specialist's behalf
Correct answer: Report the concern to a supervisor and cooperate with any review process
Ethical misconduct allegations must be reported to supervisors and addressed transparently through established review processes.
Question 3: Under which circumstance may a recovery support specialist break confidentiality WITHOUT the peer's consent?
- When a family member requests information about the peer's progress
- When the peer discloses active suicidal ideation with a specific plan and means (Correct answer)
- When a colleague asks for case details out of professional curiosity
- When the peer has previously consented to unrelated disclosures
Correct answer: When the peer discloses active suicidal ideation with a specific plan and means
Imminent risk of suicide with a specific plan and means constitutes a recognized exception to confidentiality to prevent serious harm.
Question 4: The term 'recovery capital' refers to:
- Financial assets a peer must have before beginning a formal treatment program
- The internal and external resources a person draws on to initiate and sustain recovery (Correct answer)
- A government fund allocated specifically for addiction treatment services
- The educational credentials required to become a certified recovery support specialist
Correct answer: The internal and external resources a person draws on to initiate and sustain recovery
Recovery capital encompasses personal strengths, social supports, and community resources that help individuals begin and maintain their recovery journey.
Question 5: A recovery support specialist notices a colleague regularly making derogatory comments about peers behind closed doors. The MOST ethical response is to:
- Ignore it to avoid workplace conflict
- Join in to maintain positive relationships with the colleague
- Address the behavior directly with the colleague and/or report it to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Warn peers about the colleague's attitude without taking formal action
Correct answer: Address the behavior directly with the colleague and/or report it to a supervisor
Ethical professionals are responsible for addressing peer misconduct that harms the dignity of those receiving services, either directly or through reporting.
Question 6: Which of the following statements about the use of 'person-first language' is MOST accurate in recovery support?
- Person-first language is optional and based on individual specialist preference
- Labels like 'addict' or 'junkie' are acceptable if peers use them to describe themselves
- Using person-first language (e.g., 'person with a substance use disorder') reduces stigma and upholds dignity (Correct answer)
- Clinical terminology always takes priority over person-first language in formal documentation
Correct answer: Using person-first language (e.g., 'person with a substance use disorder') reduces stigma and upholds dignity
Person-first language is an ethical standard in recovery support that centers the person's humanity and reduces stigma associated with addiction.
Question 7: A recovery support specialist who is also in recovery has a personal relapse. What is their PRIMARY ethical obligation?
- Continue working without disclosure to avoid disrupting peers' progress
- Immediately self-disclose the relapse to all current peers
- Assess their own fitness to practice and seek appropriate supervision and support (Correct answer)
- Request reassignment to administrative duties permanently
Correct answer: Assess their own fitness to practice and seek appropriate supervision and support
The specialist's primary ethical obligation is to honestly assess their ability to practice safely and seek supervision or support, prioritizing peer wellbeing.
CRSS Ethical and Professional Responsibility 5
Which situation represents a CLEAR conflict of interest for a recovery support specialist?