Which of the following best describes a common characteristic of a Peer Recovery Support Specialist?

A common characteristic of a Peer Recovery Support Specialist is empathy. This quality is vital for building rapport and trust with individuals seeking recovery support. Empathy allows the specialist to understand and relate to the experiences, feelings, and challenges of those they are helping, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can feel validated and understood.

While assertiveness can play a role in advocating for clients and maintaining boundaries, it is not the defining feature of the relationship between a peer specialist and those they support. Independence, while important in promoting self-directed recovery, does not encompass the collaborative and supportive nature of the peer relationship. Expertise in clinical settings may enhance a specialist's knowledge, but peer support is primarily grounded in shared experiences and personal recovery journeys rather than formal clinical training. Thus, empathy stands out as the central characteristic that defines effective Peer Recovery Support Specialists.