Exploring the Perspectives of Peer Recovery Specialists: Needs for Training, Support, and Professional Development

Peer recovery specialists (PRSs) are professionals with lived experience in substance use and recovery, playing an important and growing role in the substance use care workforce. However, there is limited guidance on best practices for integrating PRSs into health care settings and supporting their well-being and career development. This study explores the perspectives experienced PRSs across diverse clinical settings regarding training, support, and professional development.

Between September 2021 and February 2022, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 PRSs from the Philadelphia area who participated in a virtual PRS support group. The interviews focused on barriers, facilitators, and unmet needs in their roles. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Most participants were female (53%) and white (93%) (Table 1), with 80% having 4 or more years of work experience. Participants worked in a variety of settings, including community-based programs (47%), outpatient specialty substance use disorder treatment (27%), and primary care (20%). Key interview themes included : (1) Motivation and satisfaction: Participants found meaning in client successes and peer support, emphasizing relationships and teamwork; (2) Burnout and role challenges: Many experienced high stress due to role ambiguity, excessive caseloads, and secondary trauma; (3) Supportive workplace factors: structured supervision, professional networks, and feeling valued within care teams were crucial supports; and (4) Professional development needs: Participants identified gaps in training, system navigation, and career advancement opportunities.

PRSs are vital in substance use care but face significant challenges related to burnout, ambiguous role expectations, and inadequate job training. Establishing structured models for PRS training, supervision, and professional development may enhance their effectiveness within health systems.