Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS)

What is an PSS?

A Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS) is a professional who provides regular, documented supervision, as well as guidance, high-quality support, and oversight to certified peer specialists, ensuring their effective delivery of recovery-oriented services, skill development, and adherence to organizational policies.

The Texas Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS) certification is a credential provided through the Texas Certification Board (TCB) that standardizes the qualifications of those who supervise certified peer specialists, who have lived experience overcoming substance use and/or mental health challenges.

Your Questions Answered

Learn more about becoming a Peer Specialist Supervisors (PSS)

Peer Specialist Supervisors (PSS) bridge the gap between peer staff and leadership, advocating for the peer workforce, promoting self-care of their staff, and ensuring effective implementation of recovery-oriented peer support within their agency.

Peer Specialist Supervisors foster the professional growth and skill development of their peer specialist staff through case reviews, offering opportunities for training, ethical problem-solving and administrative oversight to ensure proper documentation adherence to organizational policies.

Peer Support Specialists work in a variety of settings, such as:

  • Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs)
  • Peer-run organizations
  • Consumer Operated Service Providers (COSPs)
  • Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs)
  • Hospitals
  • Shelters
  • Criminal justice settings and courts

If you desire to become a certified Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS) in the state of Texas, you must meet the following criteria:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • Be a QCC, LPHA, or QMHP supervised by a QCC or LPHA, or a QPS supervised by a QCC or LPHA.
  • Be able to pass a background check that follows the guidelines set for peer specialists by Texas Administrative Code.
  • Be able and willing to follow the ethical guidelines expected of peer specialist supervisors set by the Texas Administrative Code.

Yes! Some eligible pathways to PSS include licensed/credentialed professionals, such as QCC, LPHA, or QMHP supervised by a QCC or LPHA, or a QPS supervised by a QCC or LPHA (e.g., LPC, LMSW, LMFT, LCDC, etc.). 

Yes! A person certified as a peer specialist may be considered a Qualified Peer Supervisor (QPS) if they are supervised by a QCC or LPHA and has either: 

  1. A High School Diploma or GED AND at least four years of work experience as a peer specialist; or 
  2. An associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university AND at least two years of work experience as a peer specialist. 

TCB certification pathways require supervised work experience hours for MHPS and RSPS certifications; the PSS credential verifies supervisor qualifications for peer work experience. 

Skill development, ethics and boundaries, documentation expectations, recovery-oriented practice, and support navigating role challenges. 

PSS must provide proof of 20 hours of CE (including 6 hours in supervision/leadership training) every 2 years when submitting their recertification application to TCB. 

Steps to become a certified Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS)

Apply for and complete trainings

Apply for and complete the 2-day in-person or virtual PSS training workshop with a certified training entity. You can find certified training entities with the Texas Certification Board.

Apply for certification

Apply for certification with the Texas Certification Board. After completing the 2-day Peer Specialist Supervisor training and passing the required knowledge assessment, applicants submit their state application through Certemy, including background check results. Certification approval and notification are provided by the Texas Certification Board.

Receive first 2-year certification

This certification renews every 2 years and requires a recertification application with Texas Certification Board