Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Practice Exam

What is an essential skill that Peer Support Specialists must possess?

1. Goal-setting

2. Legal advice

3. Public speaking

4. Advanced medical knowledge

The correct answer is: Goal-setting

Goal-setting is an essential skill for Peer Support Specialists because it empowers individuals in recovery to define their own objectives and work towards achieving them. This involves collaborating with peers to establish realistic, measurable, and attainable goals that reflect their personal aspirations and circumstances. By facilitating a structured approach to goal-setting, Peer Support Specialists can help individuals identify their strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop a sense of ownership over their recovery journey. This process fosters motivation and accountability, as peer support often hinges on the relationships built and the shared commitment to pursuing personal growth. In contrast, legal advice, public speaking, and advanced medical knowledge are not core competencies required for a Peer Support Specialist’s role. Peer Support Specialists focus more on lived experience, empathy, and emotional support than on providing professional legal guidance or mastering complex medical concepts. While effective communication skills, including public speaking, can be beneficial in some contexts, they are not as fundamental as the ability to assist individuals in setting and achieving their personal goals.