Desert Waters’ “Peer Supporter Training™” (PST) is designed to provide a 3-year certification as a Peer Supporter for candidates who successfully complete all course requirements. This 40-hour course, offered both in-person and online, utilizes role play, scenario discussions, and independent study to enhance the effective implementation of the skills taught. The course prepares and certifies public safety staff to offer social support, resources, and follow-up assistance to peers who may be experiencing distress due to various life stressors, both on and off the job.
The training covers topics such as active listening skills, assisting peers in decision-making and problem-solving processes, best practices for peer supporter team policies and operational issues, confidentiality and its limits, and managing peers who may pose a threat to themselves or others. It is important to note that the PST course is not intended to train public safety staff to train other Peer Supporters or to provide specialized critical incident debriefing, either individually or in group settings.
