Call to Action: Demand Official Recognition of Peer Support Specialists
Background
The exact number of Peer Support Specialists in the United States remains unknown because they are not officially tracked. This lack of data needs to be addressed, and you can play a part in making that happen.
The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, used by many federal agencies, is critical for workforce data, influencing policy decisions and pay rates. Unfortunately, Peer Support Specialists do not have a specific SOC category, making it difficult to fully recognize their contributions and needs.
This issue goes beyond statistics; it’s about acknowledging the vital role Peer Support Specialists play and providing them with the respect and resources they deserve. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is currently inviting public comments for the 2028 SOC system updates. This is a unique opportunity to advocate for a dedicated classification for Peer Support Specialists, as SOCs are not updated often–the last update was in 2018.
Accurate data on Peer Support Specialists could lead to better policies, increased funding, and enhanced training programs, significantly improving the field of peer support nationwide. You can help by sharing your experiences and advocating for this important change.
The deadline to submit a comment is August 12, 2024.
To Submit a Comment:
- Click the button below to head to regulations.gov.
- Start your comment with: “BLS-2024-0001 – Standard Occupation Classification (SOC)—Updates for 2028 – Request to consider the addition of a new detailed occupation for Peer Support Specialists.”
- Describe your background and experience, discuss the challenges faced in this field, and emphasize the benefits of having detailed data, such as information on pay and benefits.
- Support your comment with facts, data, or personal stories.
Comment template
Feel free to copy and paste the following template. You are encouraged to edit and customize this template to better reflect your personal experiences and perspectives:
Subject: BLS-2024-0001 – Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)—Updates for 2028 – Request to consider the addition of a new detailed occupation for Peer Support Specialists
Dear Office of Management and Budget,
I am writing to advocate for the addition of a new detailed occupation for Peer Support Specialists in the 2028 updates to the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.
Background and Experience:
[Briefly describe your background and experience as a Peer Support Specialist or your connection to the field. Mention the roles, responsibilities, and impact of Peer Support Specialists in your community or organization.]
Challenges Faced:
Peer Support Specialists face numerous challenges due to the lack of a specific SOC category. This omission makes it difficult to accurately track workforce data, which is essential for policy decisions, pay rates, and resource allocation. Without proper classification, the contributions of Peer Support Specialists are often overlooked, and their needs are inadequately addressed.
Benefits of Accurate Data:
Accurate data on Peer Support Specialists would lead to:
Better informed policies that reflect the unique needs of this workforce.
Increased funding opportunities to support and expand peer support programs.
Enhanced training and professional development programs.
Improved understanding of pay and benefits, leading to more equitable compensation.
Supporting Facts and Personal Stories:
[Include any relevant facts, data, or personal stories that highlight the importance of having a dedicated SOC category for Peer Support Specialists. Share specific examples of how this change would positively impact the field.]
In conclusion, I strongly urge the Office of Management and Budget to consider the addition of a new detailed occupation for Peer Support Specialists in the 2028 SOC system updates. This change would not only recognize the vital role of Peer Support Specialists but also provide them with the respect, resources, and support they need to continue their invaluable work.
Thank you for considering this important request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Organization (if applicable)]