Submit a PSR Recovery in Action Paper to PSR RPS Canada for approval that reflects proficiency in recovery-oriented PSR through the application of the 3rd Edition of the PSR Competencies of Practice.
We assume the perspective that Recovery-oriented PSR approaches are essential tools for recovery and that you are an expert in the area. Please demonstrate your expertise by outlining a PSR Recovery scenario in your paper. Your paper is intended to show your knowledge, skills, and behaviours and your competence in applying these components to your chosen scenario.
What you need to know for your paper:
- Your paper will illustrate your expertise in applying PSR and Recovery competence as you describe your chosen scenario.
- Your paper should clearly articulate how theory and evidence relate to action or practice.
- Your illustration can occur in a setting of your choice, such as a mental health practice setting, a policy setting, a management context, an educational setting, or a research setting.
- Your paper (1250 -1500 words) will provide evidence of your knowledge, skills and behaviours (competence) related to PSR and Recovery, applying the 3rd Edition of the PSR Competencies of Practice.
- Ensure you follow the grading criteria and related headings such as introduction, discussion, references, lessons learned, and conclusion.
- A minimum of eight (8) high-quality recent (no older than six (6 years) references are required, and they must include at least four (4) evidence-based recovery-oriented Psychosocial Rehabilitation best and promising practices. These evidence-based practices should be sourced from PSR-specific journals (such as the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal & the Canadian Mental Health Journal). Examples of evidence-based practices may include peer involvement, family involvement, supported employment, supported education, leisure, and life skills training. Refer to the grading criteria for more details.
- Ensure that your discussion includes an explicit description of how you integrate and apply each of the 5 Domains of the Competencies of Practice.
- Ensure that your discussion includes an explicit description of how you integrate and apply any of the 10 Performance Indicators.
- Grey literature (meaning sources that are not peer-reviewed, such as Mental Health Commission of Canada Recovery Guidelines Documents/Information from the Canadian Mental Health website) can be added to your reference list where applicable, in addition to the minimum of 8 high-quality recent (less than 6 years) references stated above.
Please note: If a candidate fails to meet the standards for the PSR Recovery in Action Paper, they may resubmit within three (3) months, and an administration fee of $75 will apply. Candidates who fail for a second time are expected to acquire Maintenance of Certification credits to strengthen their area(s) of weakness. Such candidates must wait at least one year before resubmitting. They may choose to write on their previously chosen topic.
We believe strongly in the value of this certification and will be here to support you.
The Scoring of the Recovery in Action (RIA) Paper
The rubric below outlines the format used by evaluators to assess your paper. Be sure to review it carefully to understand how marks are allocated and what is required to achieve the maximum score for each.
The PSR Recovery in Action Paper must be 1250 – 1500 words (not including reference section) and double-spaced. A pass is 75%.
| Component | % |
|---|---|
| Introduction Description of the author and topics to be addressed. | 5% |
| Organization Well-articulated, including appropriate and distinct headings (such as introduction, discussion, results, recommendations/ conclusion). | 5% |
| Discussion related to PSR Competencies Practice and/or services in the practitioner’s organization have been informed and shaped by PSR Competencies. You must ensure that: a) the content of the discussion includes an explicit description of how you integrate and apply each of the 5 Domains of the Competencies of Practice. b) the content of the discussion includes an explicit description of how you integrate and apply any of the 10 Performance Indicators. *Examples are included below this rubric for reference. | 50% |
| Reference Requirements Minimum of eight (8) high-quality recent references for a minimum of four (4) evidence-based practices, e.g., ACT standards, family involvement, or peer involvement. These can be sourced from PSR-specific journals (such as Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal and Canadian Mental Health Journal). References must be current (within the past six (6) years) and from published sources. Grey literature, such as standard/guideline documents from the Mental Health Commission of Canada, organizational documents, and information from websites, is not considered a reference. | 20% |
| Results: Measures The author describes measures used to evaluate outcome(s), identifies outcomes they might expect, and might include evidence of improved processes and outcomes. | 10% |
| Conclusions and Recommendations: Lessons Learned The author describes lessons learned/what they might do differently, how, and why. | 10% |
*Examples of PSR Competencies:
For example, if you are a PSR practitioner providing direct services or a manager, you might describe using the evidence in assessment, treatment, and evaluation—or in developing, designing, delivering, evaluating, and researching your services with and for individuals who live with mental illness (Ml) and substance use (SU) issues and staff, if from a manager perspective.
As a researcher – you might describe a research process that contributes to the lives of people who live with Ml and SU and or their loved ones As a person supporting PSR practices and values, you might describe how you would support individuals with Ml and SU in their recovery, or support systems and or services to become more recovery-oriented in your role.
The following “Illustration paper” is provided to highlight areas you need to pay attention to when writing the paper. Comments from the reviewer provide feedback to the author of the paper based on scoring guidelines.
Requesting Extensions
Any applicant requesting an extension to the due date for their Recovery In Action paper due to extenuating circumstances must provide the Registrar with a minimum of fourteen (14) days advance notice. The Certification Committee will consider each request for an extension on a case-by-case basis. The Registrar will notify the applicant as soon as possible regarding their request.
Keep Track of Your Due Date
Please note that all applicants writing the PSR Recovery In Action paper are responsible for keeping track of when their paper is due for submission. If you miss the deadline and the Certification Committee has not accepted any requests for extensions, your application will not proceed. You are welcome to reapply at a later date.