There is a growing trend in the behavioral health treatment field to hire individuals who have completed a treatment program, and frequently, treatment programs hire former patients. This session will examine the ethical responsibilities of social workers and treatment providers when hiring a former client. The discussion will focus specifically on peer support specialists who are hired to work within the treatment programs that they completed. Presenters will review NASW Code of Ethics ethical standard on conflict of interest. The presenters will provide guidance on ethical decision-making and managing the dynamics of dual relationships. Incorporating feedback from current peer support specialists, participants will watch video interviews and discuss case examples highlighting ethical dilemmas. The goal of this presentation is to reduce the stigma of hiring those in recovery and empower treatment providers to use the strengths of those in recovery to provide holistic behavioral health treatment.

Learning Objectives:
1. Examine the role of peer support specialists' role in behavioral health treatment
2. Define dual relationships and discuss the power dynamics within those relationships
3. Develop supportive policies and procedures to help former clients transition to employee

This conference provides 2 contact hours of continuing education credit for social workers. Certificates will be provided following the training.

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Registration fees

Free of charge. Space is limited.

Presented by: Lauren Quick-Graham, MSW, LCSW and Wendy Isbell, CSAC, NCCPSS, CPT