ABOUT US
In the summer of 2014, a group of Peer Support Specialists in Mississippi volunteered to form a planning committee and create a statewide peer support network.
Our vision is to be a source of inspiration, empowerment, and encouragement to peer supporters (of all mental health conditions) throughout the state.
Like the practice of peer support itself, there are real benefits to being a member of AMPSS. We provide mutual support to each other by sharing strengths, resources, and information that empower us to better serve others. Benefits of membership include access to information relevant to peer support, networking opportunities, the ability to join a variety of committees to affect system change and personal empowerment, and opportunities for individuals who offer peer support to have a statewide voice in the mental health community, as well as in government and education.
WHAT IS A PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST?
A Peer Support Specialist is an individual who has self-identified as having received or is currently receiving services for mental illness, substance use disorder, or intellectual/developmental distinctions in his or her personal recovery process. This individual has the ability to assist others in regaining control over their lives based on the principles of recovery and resiliency.
By inspiring the hope that recovery and resiliency are achievable goals, Peer Specialists, also called Peer Supporters, can assist others who are diagnosed with mental illness, substance use disorder, or intellectual/developmental distinctions to achieve their personal recovery goals by promoting self-determination, personal responsibility, and the empowerment inherent in self-directed recovery.
Peer Support services can include, but are not limited to, a variety of support services such as:
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Assisting in the development of strengths-based individual goals
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Serving as an advocate, mentor, or facilitator for resolution of issues that a peer is unable to resolve on their own
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Assisting in the development of rehabilitation goals
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Developing community support
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Providing education on ways to maintain personal wellness and recovery
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Providing education on mental health system navigation
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Providing assistance in applying for a job or school
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Providing assistance in finding better housing
Peer Support Specialists are not therapists, and, as such, are trained to refer therapeutic issues to trained mental health professionals.
WHAT IS A “CERTIFIED” PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST?
Individuals can refer to themselves as a Peer Support Specialist, but in Mississippi, a Certified Peer Support Specialist is a person who has successfully completes the Certified Peer Support Specialist Training, and is employed within the public mental health system as defined by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (MDMH), and certified by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health’s Division of Professional Licensure and Certification (PLACE) Review Board. You can view more about this on the following website:
Our Mission and Purpose
Peer Support is both an offering and a role that is effective at empowering those in recovery to positively continue their recovery journey. AMPSS’ broader purpose is to strengthen the leadership, skills, effectiveness, and efficiency of those who provide Peer Support (whether certified, or not), including, but not limited to: Peer Specialists, Recovery Coaches, Family Support, Mentors/Liaisons, Youth-to-Youth Mentors and other Facilitators/ Educators/Individuals of mental health/disability populations in Mississippi who provide Peer Support.
AMPSS aims to positively evolve the Mississippi mental health system of care to be more responsive to and inclusive of Peer Support, to be accomplished through research, education, training, public policy education, workforce development and opportunity creation, and special projects.
CHECK OUT THE MANY BENEFITS OF JOINING MISSISSIPPI’S ONLY STATE-WIDE PEER SUPPORT NETWORK:
Networking Opportunities
When you join AMPSS, you’ll deepen existing relationships and make new contacts with other peer supporters. When you attend periodic meetings, become active on a committee or take a prominent leadership role, you’ll forge lasting ties with other peer support specialists and others who share your focus of concern. These relationships will be a rich ongoing source of inspiration.
Emails and Newsletters
As part of your membership with AMPSS, you will be included in members-only emails and newsletters featuring the latest recovery and advocacy news, peer support job and volunteer opportunities, and upcoming conferences and educational programs.
Professional Support
Members of AMPSS can take advantage of mentoring relationships with more experienced peer supporters who provide guidance and useful insights. Such relationships can be a source of answers and solutions when you’re facing a challenging situation. At the very least, the feeling that you have a support network behind you can boost your confidence when problems arise.
Unified Voice of Peer Support and Recovery
As an individual, you may not have the time or resources to sponsor a charitable event, partner with an educational institution or otherwise participate in community awareness and advocacy activities. As part of its core mission, AMPSS is active in civic and philanthropic ventures in which you can become involved. In this way, the peer voice is AMPlified and heard by the community, state and mental health system leaders.
Professional Development
Joining AMPSS is beneficial for your own professional development and the future of your career as a peer supporter. The connections you’ll make, the resources made available to you, and the ideas and advice you’ll discover represent an outstanding return on what amounts to a modest, manageable investment of time, money and effort. I t could turn out to be one of the best things you could do for yourself and the peers you serve.
Recognition
You will benefit from AMPle opportunities for recognition around the state of your peer support leadership, authorship, speakership, and your recovery-related accomplishments.