PSS Advocacy, Empowerment, and Navigating Systems 2

Question 1

A peer specialist is helping someone navigate the mental health system for the first time. What is the most empowering approach?

Accepted Answer

Walk alongside the person as they make their own calls and decisions

Answer

Empowerment means supporting the person to take the lead in their own recovery, not doing things for them.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'systems advocacy' in peer support work?

Accepted Answer

Working to change policies, practices, or laws that affect people with mental health conditions broadly

Answer

Systems advocacy targets structural change at the policy or organizational level to benefit a population, not just one individual.

Question 3

When supporting a peer in self-advocacy, a peer specialist should primarily:

Accepted Answer

Help the person identify and clearly articulate their own needs and rights

Answer

Self-advocacy skills empower peers to express their needs and rights independently, which is a core recovery goal.

Question 4

A peer specialist notices a systemic barrier preventing people from accessing medication-assisted treatment in their community. The most appropriate next step is to:

Accepted Answer

Document the barrier and bring it to the attention of supervisors or advocacy groups

Answer

Identifying and reporting systemic barriers is a legitimate and important part of a peer specialist's advocacy role.

Question 5

The concept of 'nothing about us without us' in mental health advocacy means:

Accepted Answer

People with lived experience must be included in decisions that affect them

Answer

This principle asserts that people with lived experience of mental illness should be central participants in policies, services, and decisions affecting them.

(PSS) Certified Peer Support Specialist Practice Test

(PSS) Certified Peer Support Specialist Practice Test

PSS Advocacy, Empowerment, and Navigating Systems 2