Monica Mathes, CPSS @ RHA

-RHA Individual Peer Support Services -RHA Discharge Planning Treatment Team -WRAP facilitator

1/What a typical day or week feels like?

A day in the life of a peer on a crisis or community outreach team varies often. I have a base schedule when I do notes; make attempts to do outreach on the phone; and when I am involved with the certain groups or meetings I am required to attend. The biggest part of my day is learning how to organize the constant numbers of things that change. I respond to all different types of living, vocational, and changing circumstances. It is difficult to guess what I am about to walk into. Many times, I only get brief summaries of information of what to expect before I get dispatched. On one team, I only work with people for about 30 days. Interventions are very specific and goal-oriented. The other team (I have had 6 months or so) have meetings that are more of processing and linkage. (It is never the same day twice). For someone who needs a routine, this would not be a favorable position for them. My hours stay fairly consistent between 8:30 to 4:30 for both positions. But these jobs can vary depending on the levels of need. The best part of my job is the ability to normalize complete chaos and teach others how to navigate it (with less fear).

2/What are the best daily practices for success in your job?

1/Promoting self-care; 2/Having a strong voice of advocacy; 3/Maintaining good boundaries; 4/Staying honest and 5/Maintaining good documentation. These are the five biggest tools (from my perspective) to do a good job. Good self- maintenance is the most important tool for success. It is difficult to be competing for the respect of others when your struggles are an "open book" for others to view and offer critique. One of the best pieces of advice I can give...is to make sure others know that "I practice what I preach". I give myself some time to process my own challenges with outside professionals. I network with those who are skilled in those fields of expertise (those that challenge me). I also advocate for a voice to not only speak my needs but also educate others to the needs of the individuals I support. There are several other items which are important. Maintaining good boundaries would be the next most important practice. It is essential that you know and enforce good boundaries with everyone you work with. If you compromise those boundaries, then you leave the expectations for the next person to do the same. This mistake can lead to weaker team practices. This can also lead to compromised levels of services. No matter what BE HONEST! Being genuine is what we do. Even if that means admitting "we screwed up". No one is perfect. With us not having all the credentials as other professionals or clinical folks...All we have is our word. The last thing is to put everything in black and white. Document it. If it is not written, then it didn't happen. We are the eyes and ears for alot of our services. Our input is essential to the treatment team. The company does not get paid for things we don't observe or hear. So making sure to document everything!

3/What advice would you give to a new peer support specialist entering the field?

The best advice I could give someone IS TO BE YOU. Develop the style that fits you best. Don't accept anything less than that which you give to others. You are the expert at being you. No one can find the perfect job for you if you don't tell them what that is. When interviewing, point out ALL your strengths and interests. Your potential boss wants to hear that you have skills that are not "run of the mill". We are special because we have become "survivors of our personal circumstances". Showing how we have overcome benefit others by us sharing our lived experiences. Last, but not least .... Remember...You are in charge. How this plays out every day is a choice. Continue to keep that power...no matter what.