The New York Peer Specialist Independent Practice Association (IPA) will work with partner organizations to develop, nurture and support collaboration, share strengths and promote these elements of professional development for the New York Peer Specialist workforce. The IPA aims to expand the availability of peer support services statewide; increasing the quality of peer support services and increasing favorable outcomes of the practice of peer support. This initiative focuses on New York Certified Peer Specialists with the expectation of collaboration with peer support workers across the lifespan (the three disciplines overseen by the Office of Mental Health: Credentialed Family and Youth advocates, and Certified Peer Specialists). The IPA does this through strategic partnerships with Peer Support organizations and connections to provider organizations implementing peer services, statewide. The ultimate goal is the continued development and support of a robust peer support workforce that possesses the skills and knowledge needed to effectively engage in their work. The IPA will serve as a communication channel to assist Partner Organizations to develop, nurture and support collaboration, shared strengths, and promote the positive development of the peer support workforce. The IPA will encourage evolving collaboration by working with partners to identify collective goals, keep a pulse on innovations within the peer support industry, and maintain a strengths-based approach to partnerships between organizations. This approach holds the core belief that all partners have strengths and resources. The focus of the practice is on bringing organizational skills, interests, products and relationships to the table because there is strength in unity. Strengths-based practice involves using these resources to strengthen organizations that need assistance. As new tools and strategies emerge, the project will assist partner organizations to adapt and evolve over time.
