Abstract
This study explored peer specialists’ perspectives on delivering vocational interventions, especially Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT). Five focus groups of peer specialists (N = 34) explored their beliefs about vocational services, including VR-JIT. We trained eight peer specialists to be VR-JIT “instructors” and interviewed them about using VR-JIT in their mental health practice. Generally, participants discussed tailoring their vocational services to include sharing their story of recovery. Specifically, participants perceived VR-JIT as acceptable and feasibly implemented within their practice. Overall, participants viewed VR-JIT as a higher level of service and they would be uniquely qualified to support consumers using the tool.
Disclosure statement
Dr. Matthew Smith will receive royalties on sales of an adapted version of virtual reality job interview training that his team designed to meet the needs of transition-age youth with autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Smith’s research on this newly adapted version of VR-JIT is independent of the data reported in this manuscript. No other authors report any conflicts of interest.