NCCPSS Values & Code of Ethics

Values

• Individuals with lived experience have an essential role to play in the public mental health/substance use disorder system and are considered peer supporters.
• The roles that are created for peers within the service system should fully utilize the lived experience of the peer supporter, viewing it as a credential that the individual brings to the work that they do.
• Lived experience is necessary and on-going skill development for peer supporters is essential.
• The recovery environment of the workplace is fundamental to the success of peer supporters and recovery for the individuals served.
• Peer supporters are highly valued members of an agency; therefore, are fully integrated members of the mental health/substance use disorder delivery system.
• Equality and respect between peer supporters and traditional professionals must be reciprocal.
• Choice and self-determination are important components in everyone’s recovery, including individuals receiving and providing services.
• Self-directed recovery does happen, with or without professional help.

Code of Ethics and Conduct

The NCCPSS Code of Ethics and Conduct establishes professional and personal behavioral standards for Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) in North Carolina.

Section I: Personal Boundaries

• CPSS work within their scope of practice and conduct themselves in ways that foster wellness, recovery, and resiliency.
• CPSS accept responsibility for continuing education and professional development as part of their commitment to quality services.
• CPSS do not provide services or represent themselves as a CPSS while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or illicit drugs.
• CPSS take personal responsibility for seeking support and reporting changes in recovery as required by employer policy and program expectations.
• CPSS do not engage in conduct prohibited by state, federal, or local law, and report relevant charges as required by the program.

Section II: Professional Standards and Boundaries

• CPSS support peers in making their own choices and honoring self-determination.
• CPSS avoid relationships or commitments that create conflicts of interest, impair professional judgment, or risk harm to persons served.
• CPSS maintain relationships grounded in mutual responsibility and shared power.
• CPSS do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics (including race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and other factors protected by law).
• CPSS do not take peers to their homes.
• CPSS use a person-centered, strength-based approach and remain aware of their skills and limitations.
• CPSS remain current regarding developments in recovery, resiliency, and wellness, and build knowledge of community resources that support self-sufficiency.
• CPSS support peers in using their voices to advocate for human dignity, empowerment, and self-determination.

Section III: Confidentiality and Privileged Communication

• CPSS respect the rights, dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of peers at all times.
• Confidential information is shared only with prior written agreement from the person served, when authorized, or when required by law.
• CPSS are transparent about limits of confidentiality (for example: safety concerns, mandatory reporting, employer policies, and legal requirements).

Section IV: Exploitation

• CPSS practice honest, direct communication in a respectful and culturally relevant manner.
• CPSS follow organizational policies regarding giving or receiving gifts; if not affiliated with an organization, they follow the NCCPSS Code of Ethics and Conduct.
• CPSS do not lend, give, or receive money, gifts, or payment for services from peers outside professional guidelines.
• CPSS do not engage in exploitative relationships to further personal, religious, political, business, or other interests.
• CPSS seek supervision and/or peer support as needed to maintain appropriate boundaries.

Section V: Fraud-Related Misconduct

• CPSS do not obtain or assist others in obtaining certification or recertification through fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
• CPSS act in accordance with the highest standards of professional integrity and resist influences that interfere with professional performance.
• CPSS maintain the authenticity and integrity of their role and do not represent themselves as experts outside their knowledge or scope.

Section VI: Sexual Misconduct

• CPSS do not engage in romantic, sexual, or intimate activities with individuals they are serving (peers), whether consensual or forced.
• CPSS do not provide services to individuals with whom they have had a prior romantic or sexual relationship.
• CPSS do not engage in exploitative relationships with coworkers or peers they support or previously supported.