PSS - Certified Peer Support Specialist Ethical and Professional Responsibilities Questions and Answers

Question 1

A Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) is working with a peer who discloses that they are having thoughts of harming themselves.
The peer insists that the CPSS keep this information confidential.
Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the CPSS to take?

Accepted Answer

Immediately inform their supervisor and follow organizational policies regarding safety concerns.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality as requested by the peer to preserve the trust in the relationship.

Answer

Contact the peer's family to inform them of the situation without telling the peer.

Answer

Advise the peer to go to the emergency room but take no further action if they refuse.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the ethical principle of maintaining professional boundaries in peer support?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding dual relationships, such as providing services to a close friend or family member.

Answer

Sharing personal contact information to be available to the peer 24/7.

Answer

Accepting a significant monetary gift from a peer as a token of gratitude.

Answer

Sharing intimate details of one's own recovery journey that are not relevant to the peer's goals.

Question 3

A peer you are supporting invites you to their birthday party. You have built a strong rapport, and they consider you a friend. What is the most ethical response?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline, explaining the importance of maintaining a professional support relationship.

Answer

Attend the party to show support and strengthen your relationship.

Answer

Accept the invitation but only stay for a short period.

Answer

Decline the invitation but send a gift to show you care.

Question 4

A Certified Peer Support Specialist must not engage in any form of discrimination. This ethical mandate includes refraining from discrimination based on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Recovery pathway, marital status, and political belief.

Answer

Shared interests, personality type, and communication style.

Answer

Level of engagement, willingness to share, and progress in recovery.

Answer

Personal preferences for meeting times and locations.

Question 5

During a support session, a peer asks for your advice on whether they should stop taking a prescribed medication. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, what is the proper course of action?

Accepted Answer

Encourage them to discuss any medication changes with their prescribing doctor or clinical provider.

Answer

Share your own experience with medication and advise them based on what worked for you.

Answer

Research the medication online and provide them with the information you find.

Answer

Agree with their desire to stop medication to empower their self-determination.

Question 6

The core function of using self-disclosure in peer support is to:

Accepted Answer

Inspire hope and reduce feelings of isolation by sharing relevant lived experiences.

Answer

Demonstrate that your recovery journey was more difficult than the peer's.

Answer

Shift the focus of the conversation to your own experiences and feelings.

Answer

Provide direct advice and solutions based on what worked for you.