Module 1 — Learning Goals
1. Understand the basic principles and competencies of a Recovery-oriented PSR approach to working with persons with mental health challenges and diagnos(es) and substance use issues
2. Understand the importance of the relationship between the practitioner and the person receiving services in the efficacy of the rehabilitation process. This includes understanding the key components that contribute to this relationship: skilled listener, respect, non-judgmental acceptance, and compassion.
3. Recognize how a person-centered approach, from engagement to intervention, facilitates a person’s ability to move forward in the recovery journey.
Introduction
PSR Domains, Competencies and Indicators are available on the PSR/RPS website. The 3rd edition was released in 2025 in consultation with stakeholders across Canada. This work is intended to guide practitioners, people with lived experience and their loved ones, researchers and managers regarding the practice of recovery-oriented services. They can be used to identify learning needs, to advocate for services and/or to evaluate effectiveness. Competence is defined in terms of actions, skills and attitudes- in other words everything we do to promote recovery. There are 5 domains (overarching areas of concern) of practice, and 23 competences (that offer more details about actions, desired beliefs and needed skills) and indicators (offering more detailed instruction regarding the application of domains and competencies). More details are available via the PSR Canada website above.
Competencies
Firstly, we consider PSR Practice Domain A “Cultural Safety and Reconciliation” implies that to build an effective and trusting relationship, practitioners will demonstrate knowledge of culture and diversity (Competence A1). They will also acknowledge and respect the values and beliefs of people they work with ( A2) and reflect on their own values and biases (A3) while enhancing cultural safety (A4) and will be aware of, and recognize, the historical impact of colonization, demonstrate actions guided by truth and reconciliation including anti-racist practices (A5)
Practice Domain B speaks to professional skills including “communicating effectively” and reflecting in and on action such that one is using both verbal and non-verbal skills to fully engage people receiving services and their loved ones (Competence B1) while working toward mitigating power differences (B5), and “forming effective relationships with individuals and their supporters” (Domain C) perhaps by using a person centered approach (C4) and engaging in shared decision-making approaches (C4).
Understanding your role
As with other modules – this module is designed to give a fairly comprehensive overview of the role of a PSR Practitioner supporting individuals to find meaningful work
We recognize that most practitioners will work on a team- you may be responsible for a portion of the role – or may engage in assessment, goal setting, delivering best and promising vocational interventions, evaluation and discharge. The best resource for the person you are supporting is the team- discussing successes, identifying resources and managing complex situations are best done with team and management support.
As a PSR practitioner, please review your job description and discuss your role and scope of practice and identify your supports and your educational needs with your manager regularly.