Date

12-19-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Boone Benton

Keywords

Peer Support Specialist, Veteran Health Administration, Perceived Effectiveness

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the perceptions of peer support specialists (PSS) within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) regarding their effectiveness. The study focused on understanding how potential barriers affect the daily experiences shaping the role of PSS in providing services to veterans specifically relating to mental health, substance use disorder, housing, and primary care. Extant data have highlighted the need to bridge the gap in understanding the unique contributions and the clinical benefits of the effectiveness of the use of PSS in the VHA. One central research question guided this exploratory inquiry: How do PSS perceive their roles and experiences in the VHA, and to what extent, if any, do these perceptions affect the delivery of treatment to veterans? This study examined the role of PSS in the VHA in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Muskegon, and Saginaw, Michigan. A qualitative approach was used to evaluate PSS perceptions of effectiveness regarding role clarification, staff pushback, stigma, and discrimination, accessibility to adequate training, and promotional and advancement opportunities. Fifteen participants met eligibility criteria, provided informed consent, Study results indicated that PSS found extreme fulfillment and satisfaction and purpose in their day-to-day role in the VHA, lack of promotional opportunities, discrimination and devaluation, and staff push back, and lack of adequate training were the four consistent themes identified. Subthemes included administrative and clerical work, case management, lack of PSS engagement, deviation of job responsibilities, and minimal professional development.

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