PSS Advocacy, Empowerment, and Navigating Systems 4

Question 1

Which empowerment principle is demonstrated when a peer specialist shares their own recovery story to give hope?

Accepted Answer

Use of self as instrument of change

Answer

Peer specialists intentionally use their lived experience to inspire hope and demonstrate that recovery is possible.

Question 2

A peer wants to stop taking psychiatric medication against their psychiatrist's advice. The peer specialist should:

Accepted Answer

Respect the peer's autonomy, explore their reasons, and discuss potential risks collaboratively

Answer

Peer specialists support autonomy and informed decision-making, which includes exploring reasons and risks without overriding a person's right to choose.

Question 3

When helping a peer navigate the Social Security disability application process, which action best reflects the empowerment model?

Accepted Answer

Teach the peer how to gather required documents and walk them through each step

Answer

Teaching skills and walking alongside the peer builds capacity and empowers them to navigate systems independently in the future.

Question 4

The Olmstead decision (1999) is significant to mental health advocacy because it established that:

Accepted Answer

Unjustified institutionalization of people with disabilities is discrimination under the ADA

Answer

The Olmstead Supreme Court decision ruled that keeping people with disabilities in institutions when community-based care is appropriate violates the ADA.

Question 5

A peer specialist notices that a community agency consistently schedules appointments during hours when people relying on public transit cannot attend. This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A systemic barrier to access that warrants advocacy

Answer

Scheduling that structurally excludes people who rely on public transit is a systemic access barrier that peer specialists can help identify and address.

(PSS) Certified Peer Support Specialist Practice Test

(PSS) Certified Peer Support Specialist Practice Test

PSS Advocacy, Empowerment, and Navigating Systems 4