Professionalization Perspective

Certified Peer Support Specialists are trained to perform a unique function in the specialty of healthcare and human services, and can work in a variety of settings, using various approaches to provide supportive services with a wide range of populations. In recognition of the need to assure quality care for Prevail Users the Prevail Academy was established.

It is the position of the Prevail Academy that the level of training, the quality of the materials, and the type and amount of supervision a Prevail Certified Peer Support Specialist receives is of such a high caliber that they are properly considered to be recognized as “professionals” and thus deserving of a proper credential and concomitant recognition. However, this is not to be mistaken or confused as being any type of “mental health professional. ” Rather, it is the professionalism herein they are referring to, and via this role and training, instill a sense of pride, seriousness, and competence that is also befitting to the work they do.

The Prevail Academy trains, supervises, and evaluates the competency of our Certified Peer Support Specialists and grants certification only to persons who successful meet our professional standards. The Academy’s Charter identifies the functions, responsibilities, knowledge, and skill bases required by a Certified Peer Support Specialist in the performance of their work.

The Prevail Academy Certification is uniquely designed to assure that the level of services provided to Prevail Users is of the highest quality and certification serves as a validation of and recognition for the skills and competencies of our Certified Peer Support Specialist staff who have successfully completed their training in the Academy. Certified Peer Support Specialists are considered to be professionals in peer-provided services for Users in recovery from mental illness or dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance use disorders, not mental health professionals.

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