CRIS330
Peer Support and Code of Ethics
The ability to share a traumatic experience with others who are facing similar issues can play a significant role in recovery. Mental health prevention and awareness has typically been nonexistent among the first responder community. Mental health is just as important as physical health and many organizations are in the process of creating their own peer support programs.
Peer support is a system of giving and receiving help founded on key principles of respect, shared responsibility, and confidentiality. Peer support is not based on psychiatric models and/or diagnostic criteria; it is about understanding another’s situation empathetically through the shared experience of emotional and psychological pain. This course will introduce you to the nature and value of peer support.
You will learn about the skills, abilities and attributes of a peer supporter and how to set up a peer support system within the guidelines stated by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. This course will also explore the differences between providing peer support and professional mental health care. Other topics will include the Code of Ethics including confidentiality, conflict of interest, multiple relations, respect for persons, and objectivity.
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
Duration: 5 weeks
Tuition: $350
Can be applied to:
First Responders Trauma Prevention and Recovery Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
Register for a course at any time, with the option to apply to a program later.
- Tue, Oct 29 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Nov 5 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Nov 12 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Nov 19 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Nov 26 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Feb 4 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Feb 11 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Feb 18 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Feb 25 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Mar 4 (self-paced all week)
What you will learn
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Describe the evolution of peer support as it relates to trauma and first responders
- Define the fundamental principles of peer support
- Distinguish between the role of a peer supporter and other mental health professionals
- Describe the importance of a code of ethics for peer support: creating boundaries, enabling, conflicts of interest, duty to report and dual relationships
- Analyze the importance of self-care and resiliency as a peer supporter
How you will learn and be evaluated
- Prepare to spend 6–8 hours per week on coursework
- Expect reading and other assignments on a weekly basis
- Plan to access the course at least once every few days to keep up with your work and group assignments
You will be evaluated on:
- Assignments
- Quizzes
- Participation in online discussions
To apply this course towards the program certificate, you must achieve a minimum grade of C.
Learning Materials
No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.
Technical Requirements
For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.