Peer Support Specialist Interview Questions

Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a personal challenge in order to provide support to a peer. How did you handle it?

SENIOR LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

I had a personal challenge to overcome when a close friend and peer was going through a difficult time and needed my support. At the same time, I was dealing with my own personal issues. I knew that I had to find a way to balance my own needs while still being there for my friend. I managed this by first taking care of myself and seeking support from my own network of friends and family. This allowed me to gain the strength and perspective I needed to be present for my friend. I made sure to set boundaries and communicate openly with my friend about what I was going through, while also offering my support and being a good listener. It wasn't easy, but by acknowledging my own challenges and seeking support, I was able to provide the necessary support to my peer.

Here is a more solid answer:

I faced a personal challenge when a colleague and peer was struggling with their workload and feeling overwhelmed. At the same time, I was also managing a heavy workload and had personal commitments outside of work. To overcome this challenge and provide support, I took the initiative to organize a meeting with my colleague to discuss their concerns and understand their workload. I actively listened to their challenges and offered my assistance in prioritizing tasks and managing their time effectively. I also shared my own experiences of facing similar situations and offered practical tips and strategies. To ensure we stayed on track, I created a shared document to track tasks and deadlines, making it easier to collaborate and provide ongoing support. By demonstrating my organizational skills and ability to communicate effectively, I was able to help my colleague overcome their challenges and regain confidence in their work.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer provides more specific details and examples of how the candidate overcame the personal challenge and provided support to their peer. It showcases their skills in organizational and record-keeping skills, as well as their ability to inspire trust and respect from peers. However, it could further improve by including examples of the candidate's empathy and problem-solving skills.

An example of a exceptional answer:

A personal challenge arose when a close friend and peer experienced a sudden loss in their family. At the same time, I was dealing with my own personal issues related to mental health. Recognizing the importance of providing support, I reached out to my friend and offered a listening ear and a safe space to share their feelings. Despite my own struggles, I made sure to prioritize their needs and actively listen without judgment. I also researched and connected them with grief support groups and resources in the community, helping them navigate through the difficult process of healing. To manage my own mental health, I sought therapy and practiced self-care, ensuring I was in a stable place when supporting my friend. This experience taught me the value of empathy, resilience, and the power of peer support in overcoming personal challenges.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a detailed and empathetic response that showcases the candidate's strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as their ability to provide support in challenging situations. It highlights their cultural competency and understanding of the principles of recovery and peer support. The answer also demonstrates the candidate's ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality, which is crucial in a Peer Support Specialist role.

How to prepare for this question:

Reflect on personal challenges you have faced and how you overcame them. Think about how these experiences can translate to providing support to a peer.