L4.T4: Understanding Peer Roles and Boundaries in Practice Activity

L4.T4: Understanding Peer Roles and Boundaries in Practice Activity

Now that we’ve explored the importance of clear peer role definitions and ethical boundaries, let’s apply that knowledge to real-world situations. The following activity will help you examine how peer workers can respond to challenging scenarios that test the limits of their responsibilities. These examples are based on common experiences in reentry and recovery work.

Scenario-Based Peer Role Clarity Exercise

Instructions: Read each of the three scenarios below. For each one, reflect on the peer’s role, what ethical or boundary issues are present, and how the peer should respond in a way that is both supportive and appropriate to their scope of work. After reviewing all scenarios, respond to the reflection questions that follow.

Scenario 1: Legal Advice or Emotional Support?
Marcus, a peer recovery specialist, is working with Chris, a 39-year-old recently released individual who is trying to understand his probation conditions. Chris becomes anxious during a check-in and says, “Can you just tell me what I can and can’t do? My probation officer won’t return my calls and I don’t want to mess up again.”

Consider:

  • What is Marcus’s role here?
  • Should he give Chris legal advice?

Scenario 2: Therapist or Peer?
Samantha, a peer with lived experience of incarceration and trauma, is mentoring a client who becomes emotionally overwhelmed during a conversation. The client begins disclosing painful childhood experiences and seems to be re-living a traumatic memory. Samantha isn’t trained in counseling but wants to help.

Consider:

  • How should Samantha support the client without overstepping her role?
  • What kind of follow-up or referral might be appropriate?

Scenario 3: Case Management Confusion
Derek, a peer worker at a reentry organization, is asked by his supervisor to help a client fill out housing and employment applications. Later, the supervisor asks Derek to conduct intake interviews for three new clients because the case manager is out for the day. Derek feels unsure but doesn’t want to say no.

Consider:

  • Is this task within Derek’s role as a peer support specialist?
  • What could he do to clarify expectations or ask for support?

Reflection Questions:

What distinguishes the role of a peer recovery specialist from that of a case manager, therapist, or legal advisor?

  1. Why is it important to protect the boundaries of the peer role, even when you want to help?
  2. How can clear communication and supportive supervision prevent peer role confusion or burnout?

Key Learning Point:
Peer workers are most effective when they stay grounded in their lived experience and serve as connectors, mentors, and advocates—not replacements for professionals in other disciplines. Boundaries are not limitations—they are foundations for sustainable, ethical, and empowered support.