Psychiatr Serv. 2022 Jul 27:appips202100718. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100718. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The study followed up with peer support specialists (PSSs) responding to an earlier survey to assess the pandemic’s continued employment and personal effects.
METHODS: A December 2020 online survey was conducted with respondents to a May 2020 survey. Items on employment status, work tasks, challenges, support, and benefits were included. Responses were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS: A total of 496 PSSs completed both surveys. Unemployment remained at 7%. The proportion with full-time employment increased by December, but financial instability also increased. Tasks involving individual support and group facilitation, which had decreased significantly, rebounded somewhat by December, when nearly all PSSs (86%) reported having some new tasks. Job satisfaction remained stable and high. In both surveys, about 75% reported pandemic-related benefits. Symptoms and housing instability among clients increased.
CONCLUSIONS: Pandemic-related PSS unemployment was relatively stable, and work tasks evolved. Respondents reported increasing needs among clients, as well as pandemic-related work benefits.
PMID:35895840 | DOI:10.1176/appi.ps.202100718
