Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Practice Exam

How should a Peer Support Specialist respond to a consumer who wants to give them a gift?

1. Accept the gift graciously

2. Thank the consumer for their thoughtfulness before declining the gift

3. Ask the consumer to wait until next time

4. Request a gift card instead

The correct answer is: Thank the consumer for their thoughtfulness before declining the gift

A Peer Support Specialist should thank the consumer for their thoughtfulness before declining the gift because this approach maintains professional boundaries while acknowledging the consumer's positive intentions. The heart of peer support lies in fostering an empowering and respectful relationship, where trust and ethics are paramount. Accepting gifts can blur the lines of professionalism and may create an imbalance in the relationship, which could lead to complications or misunderstandings about the nature of their support. By expressing gratitude and declining the gift, the Peer Support Specialist demonstrates respect for the consumer's feelings while reinforcing the professional nature of their role. This handling also encourages a healthy dynamic that allows consumers to feel valued without crossing boundaries that could affect the support relationship. The other options do not uphold these professional standards as effectively. Accepting a gift may complicate the relationship, asking the consumer to wait is ambiguous and does not address the situation directly, and requesting a gift card shifts the dynamic inappropriately. Therefore, expressing gratitude and declining is the most appropriate course of action.