What is the DHSES Peer Support Team?
The growing frequency of disasters and other threats across the state has created an intense operational tempo at DHSES. During times of crisis, our employees are called upon to support a wide range of emergency management activities, often working long hours in high-stress environments.
To help employees manage these demands, DHSES has established a Peer Support Team to serve as a dedicated resource focused on supporting mental health and wellbeing.
MISSION
The Peer Support Team’s mission is to promote employee resiliency by offering supportive, private interactions with trained peers to help navigate day-to-day challenges and recover after critical incidents.
What Peer Support Is ... and Is Not
| What is Peer Support? | What Peer Support Is NOT |
| A type of support that involves people sharing experiences and providing each other with practical guidance and emotional support. | Peer Support Team members are not mental health clinicians. |
| It is based on the idea that people with similar experiences can help each other through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment. | It is not therapy nor is it based on psychiatric models or diagnostic criteria. |
| Peer Support Team members are active listeners, responsive, trustworthy, skilled, knowledgeable, and most importantly, a peer. | It is not designed to replace Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or professional psychological services. |
Why Peer Support Matters
Benefits of Peer Support
The Peer Support Team provides employees with private dialogues which can include:
Shared Experience: The ability to connect with people who’ve been there.
Trusted Communication: The space to share openly and honestly. All conversations remain private.
Support and Encouragement: The opportunity to learn from others who understand firsthand.
Basic Psychological First Aid: The discovery of coping strategies and emotional resilience in the aftermath of critical incidents and traumatic events.
Connection to Resources: The connection to higher levels of support, if needed.