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

The primary ethical responsibility of a Peer Support Specialist is to ensure the safety of the peer. While confidentiality is a cornerstone of the peer relationship, it has limits, especially when there is a risk of harm to self or others. The correct action is to break confidentiality and report the situation to a supervisor to ensure the peer receives the appropriate level of care.

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

Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial for an effective and ethical peer support relationship. This includes avoiding dual relationships, which can compromise objectivity and create conflicts of interest. Providing services to close friends or family members is a primary example of a dual relationship that should be avoided.

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

Attending social events can blur the professional boundaries essential to the peer support relationship. The most ethical response is to politely decline while reinforcing the nature of the professional relationship. This protects the integrity of the support provided and avoids potential dual relationships.

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

Peer Support Specialists are ethically bound to treat all individuals with dignity and respect, without discrimination. This includes a wide range of characteristics such as ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, political belief, disability, and chosen recovery pathway.

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

Peer Support Specialists must work within their scope of practice. Providing medical advice, including advice about medication, is outside this scope. The ethical and professional responsibility is to refer the peer to a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions.

(PSS) Certified Peer Support Specialist Practice Test

(PSS) Certified Peer Support Specialist Practice Test

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