What are core competencies for Peer Recovery Coaches?

Core competencies for Peer Recovery Coaches focus on skills and practices that directly enhance their ability to support individuals in recovery. Recovery-oriented practices are vital as they align with the overall mission of peer coaching, which is to empower individuals to manage their recovery journey effectively. This includes understanding recovery processes, being able to share personal experiences in a way that encourages and inspires others, and utilizing various strategies to promote wellness.

Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for Peer Recovery Coaches because they need to build trusting relationships, facilitate open conversations, and navigate sensitive topics with empathy and effectiveness. Being able to communicate clearly can significantly influence a peer's engagement and feel supported throughout their recovery process.

While the other options contain important skills, they do not specifically relate to the primary function and core competencies required for a Peer Recovery Coach. Basic mathematics and financial skills, physical fitness, and legal knowledge, while potentially useful in certain contexts, are not foundational to the role of a Peer Recovery Coach in the context of supporting individuals in their recovery journey. Therefore, recovery-oriented practices and communication skills are rightly identified as core competencies for effective peer support.