Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Practice Exam

During a treatment team meeting, what should a Peer Support Specialist do to promote self-advocacy?

1. Advocate loudly for the consumer’s needs in the meeting

2. Model effective communication by sharing a personal experience of self-advocacy

3. Remain passive to avoid conflict among professionals

4. Encourage the consumer to stay silent and observe

The correct answer is: Model effective communication by sharing a personal experience of self-advocacy

Choosing to model effective communication by sharing a personal experience of self-advocacy is crucial for promoting self-advocacy among consumers. When a Peer Support Specialist shares their own journey and demonstrates how they successfully expressed their needs and preferences, it serves as a powerful example. It not only illustrates the importance of self-advocacy but also empowers the consumer by showing them that it is possible to voice their own needs and desires. This approach fosters a supportive environment where the consumer feels encouraged to participate and share their thoughts. By modeling this behavior, the Peer Support Specialist creates a learning opportunity, illustrating practical strategies for self-advocacy and encouraging others to find their own voice in discussions that affect their care and well-being. Furthermore, sharing personal experiences can help build rapport and trust, making it more likely that consumers will feel safe to express themselves in the future. In contrast, the other options either undermine self-advocacy or do not actively support it. Advocating loudly may overshadow the consumer’s own voice, remaining passive can lead to the consumer’s needs being overlooked, and encouraging silence discourages any form of advocacy. Therefore, modeling effective communication through personal experience is not only beneficial but essential in a collaborative treatment team setting.