Troy- Advanced Ethics and Boundaries for Peer Workers

Note: This new training is only for individuals in their second recertification cycle of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continuing education requirements. For the first recertification cycle, Ethics and Boundaries for Peer Workers is required.

Training Overview:

Certified peers across Michigan uphold the Peer Code of Ethics to protect both themselves and the people they serve. While some ethical dilemmas are clear-cut; others can be complex and unexpected. In this interactive training, we’ll take a deep dive into the Peer Code of Ethics and unpack real-world scenarios that test professional judgement. Participants will learn practical strategies to set healthy boundaries, navigate gray areas, and confidently respond to ethical challenges.

Training Objectives: 

• Compare and contrast personal values with peer support values.
• Explore ethical scenarios using the Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) and Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CPRC) code of ethics.
• Examine personal boundaries considering workplace policies.
• Identify barriers to self-care and methods to improve self-care.

Eligible for 6.5 Continuing Education credits.

Coffee and Lunch will be served.

Trainers:

Julie Smythe, CPSS, is a passionate advocate for recovery and supporting the peer workforce in the state of Michigan. As the Coordinator of Peer Recovery Trainings and Supports, Julie is committed to supporting a multifaceted approach to recovery and recovery pathways. As a CPSS, Julie spent 10 years on the Assertive Community Treatment team, seven years as part of the CPSS certification training team, before embarking on her current position. She is instrumental in the creation and collaboration of new and best practice curriculums to support the advancement of the peer workforce in Michigan.

Sara Szczotka, CPRC, YRC, drew on her lived experience to serve in a wide range of professional roles, including leading a recovery community organization, working as a peer alongside law enforcement, providing community-based outreach, and supporting individuals in inpatient settings. Across these diverse contexts, her work focused on strengthening recovery support, improving peer integration, and fostering collaboration between systems. She supervised peer professionals in multiple settings and has been engaged with MDHHS since the rollout of the CPRC curriculum in 2018. Deeply committed to supporting and advancing the peer workforce, Sara uses her experience to guide training conversations on leadership, ethics, advocacy, connection, and the importance of multiple pathways to recovery.

Registration: Please register below (on this site) using a credit or debit card, which is the quickest way to confirm your attendance.

ONLY if you need to pay by check, please complete this form (click here) and email it to: registration@mipeers.org. Do not use this form if you are paying by credit/debit card. Please note that this form takes up to 5 business days for processing, and placement is not assured until you receive a confirmation of your registration.

Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be transferred to another employee of the same agency upon written request to registration@mipeers.org. Cancellations must be received in writing at least 12 days prior to the date of the training. Failure to cancel registration within the allotted time will result in registration fees being forfeited. For questions, e-mail registration@mipeers.org.

Attendance Policy: You must attend the entire training. If you are more than 10 minutes late you will not be allowed to attend as part of the CE requirements. Breaks are built into the training schedule. Participants who miss more than 10 minutes of the training outside of scheduled breaks will not receive CE credit. Attendees must follow the training guidelines.