Peer Employment Learning Center (PELC) Pilot Project: From Mental Patient to Peer Support Provider

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Psychiatric Rehabilitation
• Healthcare Workforce Development

Background:

• The Peer Employment Learning Center (PELC) initiative aimed to train individuals under conservatorship in locked settings as Peer Support Specialists (PSS).
• Simultaneously, facility leaders and staff received training in recovery practices to promote a cultural shift towards patient empowerment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of the PELC program in training and employing individuals under conservatorship as PSS within secure mental health facilities.
• To assess the impact of PSS training on participants and the effect of recovery practices training on leaders and staff.

Main Methods:

• A convergent mixed methods design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative data.
• Participants included 18 individuals under conservatorship training for PSS roles and 15 leaders undergoing PSS training. Staff participated in recovery practices workshops.
• Data collection involved pre-post tests, completion rates, RSA surveys, PSS alumni meeting notes, and leader/staff reflections.

Main Results:

• All PSS candidates (n=18) and leaders (n=15) completed the 80-hour PSS training, showing significant score improvements (PSS: 36% to 95%; Leaders: 70% to 96%).
• 83% of PSS candidates completed the internship, with 55% subsequently hired part-time. Staff reported significant improvements in "Choice" and "Inviting" RSA subscales.
• Qualitative themes revealed identity transformation and employment hope for PSS alumni, and empowerment and connection for leaders and staff.

Conclusions:

• The PELC program demonstrates the feasibility of training and employing individuals under conservatorship as PSS in locked mental health settings.
• Successful implementation necessitates empowering PSS trainees while concurrently educating leaders and staff to cultivate a recovery-oriented environment.