Objective:
A cohort of certified peer specialists (CPSs) was surveyed to investigate factors affecting postcertification employment and retention.
Methods:
Survey data were collected in 2020, 2021, and 2022 from 591 CPSs in four states (North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas). The data were analyzed via percentages, means, and multilevel regression models.
Results:
Postcertification employment remained high: 76% (N=448 of 591) in 2020, 73% (N=329 of 448) in 2021, and 77% (N=279 of 364) in 2022. However, the proportion working in peer support positions declined significantly—from 73% (N=325 of 448) in 2020 to 63% (N=175 of 279) in 2022—despite the significantly higher job satisfaction, greater access to job benefits, and longer average job tenure reported by those working in peer support versus nonpeer jobs.
Conclusions:
Although the individuals who completed certification appeared to remain employed, a significant proportion appeared to leave peer support for other work. These trends should be monitored to evaluate investments in peer certification and service capacity.