How can you move up from a Peer Support clinical role to management?

1 Assess your skills and goals

The first step to moving up from a Peer Support clinical role to management is to assess your current skills and goals. What are your strengths and areas of improvement as a Peer Support worker? What are your interests and passions in the mental health or substance use field? What are your short-term and long-term career aspirations? How do you measure your success and satisfaction? By answering these questions, you can identify your gaps and opportunities, and create a realistic and achievable plan for your professional development.

2 Pursue education and training

The second step to moving up from a Peer Support clinical role to management is to pursue education and training that can enhance your knowledge and skills. Depending on your goals, you might consider enrolling in a certificate, diploma, or degree program in a related field, such as social work, counseling, psychology, or health administration. You might also look for courses, workshops, or webinars that can teach you specific skills, such as project management, budgeting, supervision, evaluation, or advocacy. Additionally, you might seek mentoring, coaching, or guidance from experienced Peer Support managers or leaders who can share their insights and advice.

5 Transition to management

The fifth step to moving up from a Peer Support clinical role to management is to transition to management successfully. This means adapting to your new role and responsibilities, establishing your credibility and authority, setting expectations and goals, managing your time and resources, leading and motivating your team, communicating effectively, resolving conflicts, and evaluating your performance. You should also maintain your Peer Support values and principles, such as recovery orientation, empathy, respect, empowerment, and collaboration. Moreover, you should seek feedback, support, and supervision, as well as continue your learning and development.

6 Enjoy your career

The sixth and final step to moving up from a Peer Support clinical role to management is to enjoy your career. You should celebrate your achievements, appreciate your challenges, and recognize your contributions. You should also balance your work and personal life, take care of your health and wellness, and pursue your passions and hobbies. You should also remember your purpose and mission, and the impact you have on your peers, your team, and your organization. By enjoying your career, you can stay motivated, inspired, and fulfilled as a Peer Support manager.