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Certified Peer Specialist Training

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Certified Peer Specialist Training
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Certified Peer Specialist Training

Applications for the next training session are now closed. Please continue to check HealthyMindsPhilly.org for the next training opportunity.

Applicants for all classes must attend Storytelling training. Visit healthymindsphilly.org to learn when storytelling training is available.

If you are interested in being trained to be a Certified Peer Specialist, please continue to check healthymindsphilly.org or DBHIDS.org for CPS updates. Information about the application process will be available during the next open CPS training enrollment process.

For more information about CPS, contact DBHIDS PCCI at DBHIDS.PeerCulture@phila.gov.

If you have questions, please contact Cathy Washington at 215-685-5415 or cathy.washington@phila.gov; or Joann Mills at 215-685-4984 or Joann.Mills-Johnson@phila.gov.

CPS training is also available through OVR (call 215-560-1900) or MHP (call 215-751-1800).

What is a Peer Specialist?

What is a Peer Specialist?

A Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is a person who is willing to self-identify as a person with a serious behavioral health disorder (mental illness, or co-occurring disorder) with lived experiences. To be certified, the person must have received specific training in the role, functions and skills of the Certified Peer Specialist position. The purpose of a Certified Peer Specialist is to support others in their recovery process. This relationship between peers is characterized by mutual trust and respect, sharing of experiences, learning about the recovery process, supporting the peer in multiple settings, achieving goals and moving toward a more meaningful life in the community.

Who can become a Peer Specialist?

Who can become a Peer Specialist?

Certified Peer Specialists will be reimbursed through HealthChoices and the requirements for this position are based on the State guidelines for CPS qualifications.

In accordance to the OMHSAS definition of CPS, DBHIDS requires applicants to meet the criteria listed below:

  • A self-identified current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services who can relate to others who are now using those services
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing
  • Within the last three years has 12 months (not necessarily consecutive) full or part-time paid or volunteer work experience; one year of college or other educational experience (within the last three years) can be substituted for the work experience
  • Ability to establish trusting relationships with their peers
  • Commitment to recovery, choice, and empowerment

How do I apply?

How do I apply?

    • CPS training applications will be posted during application period.
    • Attach proof of your mental health services for a serious mental illness
    • A copy of your High School Diploma/GED
    • Verification of 12 month work activity
    • Proof of Philadelphia residency
    • A current resume
    • A professional letter of recommendation
    • A copy of a Story-Telling or Family Story-Telling Training

    Completed applications can be submitted by email (DBHIDS.PeerCulture@phila.gov). There are a limited number of slots available for the class. This is a competitive process with no guarantee of employment after the training. Applications that are received incomplete will not be processed.

  • The CPS application acceptance period is now closed for March CPS training. Applicants for any class must attend Storytelling training. Please go to healthymindsphilly.org to learn when the next opportunity for storytelling training is and inform individuals accordingly. For questions regarding CPS please email: DBHIDS.PeerCulture@phila.gov.

Certified Peer Specialist Application Opens Jan. 6

/in

Applications for the March 2020 period closed as of Jan. 24. Bookmark this page for our next sessions.

Click for application form.

Do you know someone who has a lived mental health experience and would be an excellent candidate for the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) profession?

Beginning Monday, Jan. 6, through Friday, Jan. 24, the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services will accept applications for the Certified Peer Specialist Training Program.

Applications must be received by 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020. There will be no exceptions to this deadline.

PLEASE NOTE: This application period is for the March 2020 CPS Training that will take place March  9-13 and 23-26. Interviews for this program will take place Feb. 3-18. Selected applications will participate in the 10-day training session in March.

All attachments must be submitted with a complete application. We will not accept incomplete or late application! Applications should be submitted by the individual who wishes to apply. Please do not complete applications on someone else’s behalf.

In addition, all applicants must attend a Story-Telling training in order to apply for the CPS training. Applicants should refer to the healthymindsphilly.com for Story-Telling training sessions open to the public.

Paperwork that is required is as follows:

Please be mindful that this is a competitive opportunity for a no-cost professional training for residents of Philadelphia.  Only 20 applicants will be selected.  A completed application does not guarantee interview selection.  An interview selection does not guarantee training selection!

If you are interested in being trained to be a Certified Peer Specialist, please submit this form along with all required attachments in person, mail or email to:

DBHIDS PCCI
Certified Peer Specialist Applications
1101 Market St., 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Email: DBHIDS.PeerCulture@phila.gov

For questions, please send an email to DBHIDS.PeerCulture@phila.gov.

Peer to Peer: Meeting Those in Need Where They Are

/in
Ramon Cruz

After more than three decades of substance use, Ramon Cruz decided to seek recovery and now is working with DBHIDS’ Certified Peer Specialist program, helping others access support for recovery.

By Monica Lewis-Wilborn

Ramon Cruz was tired.

He was tired of being in and out of trouble with the law. He was tired of disappointing his family. He was tired of letting his life spin out of control.

It was in that time of despair, when he was at his weakest point, that Ramon found the strength to take charge of his life and find a way to recovery after more than 30 years of substance use and numerous incarcerations. That was two years ago and today, Ramon, 53, is not just off of drugs, but he’s a part of our Certified Peer Specialist program with Community Behavioral Health (CBH), the managed care arm of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) that serves as a voice for and resource to those impacted by behavioral health issues. Each day, Ramon uses his story to help others who find themselves on the same path to nowhere he traveled for so long.

Read more →

CPS Employment Technical Assistance Program (CETAP)

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CPS Employment Technical Assistance Program (CETAP)
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CPS Employment Technical Assistance Program (CETAP)

CPS Employment Technical Assistance Program (CETAP):The CETAP Program utilizes a specialist who works one-on-one with CPS to assess their capability and experience and to develop and implement vocational plans that provide them with the tools they need to find and retain employment. This will include preparing resumes, conducting mock job interviews, responding to job leads, assisting CPS applying to on-line positions and providing extensive retention support. In addition, this program encourages the active engagement of the CETAP specialist and CPS providers around employment opportunities for CPS graduates sponsored by the DBHIDS

Please contact Renee Frink-Boyd at renee.frink-boyd@phila.gov or at (215) 964-3901.

Hundreds Gather for iNAPS Conference

/in

DBHIDS collaborated with the International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS) to bring the 10th annual National Peer Support Conference to Philadelphia. Over 500 people attended the conference Aug. 26-28, making it their largest to date.

DBHIDS Commissioner Dr. Arthur Evans welcomed people to the conference via video, as he was out of the country. Visitors attended from around the globe and as far away as Hong Kong. Keynote speakers then discussed ongoing developments within the iNAPS organization. Speakers included DBHIDS Deputy Commissioner Roland Lamb; Beverly Haberle, Executive Director of the Council of Southeast Pennsylvania/PRO-ACT; and Nancy Wieman, former Deputy Mental Health Commissioner of Montgomery County.

Day two’s keynote speakers gave an emotional reminder of how far peer support has come. Presenters included Laurie Ashcraft, executive consultant of iNAPS; Robyn Priest, lead coordinator of Peerlink; Gina Calhoun, national director for wellness and recovery training at the Copeland Center; and Gayathri Ramprasad, president of ASHA International. Attendees were also able to enjoy consumer activist and artist Sharon Wise’s artistic dance with spoken word performance.

There were over 60 workshops with presenters from across the country providing the most up-to-date information in the field of peer support. Attendees had a chance to see innovative contributions to peer culture, support, and leadership. The conference was also a great opportunity for certified peer specialists, certified recovery specialists, and the peer volunteer workforce in Philadelphia to network, get re-inspired, and to obtain continued education and support for their occupational wellness.

Additional photos from the iNAPS Conference can be viewed on DBHIDS’ Facebook page.

News

Certified Peer Specialist Training

/in
Certified Peer Specialist Training
  • Home
  • Search Results for "" Query

Certified Peer Specialist Training

Applications for the next training session are now closed. Please continue to check HealthyMindsPhilly.org for the next training opportunity.

Applicants for all classes must attend Storytelling training. Visit healthymindsphilly.org to learn when storytelling training is available.

If you are interested in being trained to be a Certified Peer Specialist, please continue to check healthymindsphilly.org or DBHIDS.org for CPS updates. Information about the application process will be available during the next open CPS training enrollment process.

For more information about CPS, contact DBHIDS PCCI at DBHIDS.PeerCulture@phila.gov.

If you have questions, please contact Cathy Washington at 215-685-5415 or cathy.washington@phila.gov; or Joann Mills at 215-685-4984 or Joann.Mills-Johnson@phila.gov.

CPS training is also available through OVR (call 215-560-1900) or MHP (call 215-751-1800).

What is a Peer Specialist?

What is a Peer Specialist?

A Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is a person who is willing to self-identify as a person with a serious behavioral health disorder (mental illness, or co-occurring disorder) with lived experiences. To be certified, the person must have received specific training in the role, functions and skills of the Certified Peer Specialist position. The purpose of a Certified Peer Specialist is to support others in their recovery process. This relationship between peers is characterized by mutual trust and respect, sharing of experiences, learning about the recovery process, supporting the peer in multiple settings, achieving goals and moving toward a more meaningful life in the community.

Who can become a Peer Specialist?

Who can become a Peer Specialist?

Certified Peer Specialists will be reimbursed through HealthChoices and the requirements for this position are based on the State guidelines for CPS qualifications.

In accordance to the OMHSAS definition of CPS, DBHIDS requires applicants to meet the criteria listed below:

  • A self-identified current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services who can relate to others who are now using those services
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing
  • Within the last three years has 12 months (not necessarily consecutive) full or part-time paid or volunteer work experience; one year of college or other educational experience (within the last three years) can be substituted for the work experience
  • Ability to establish trusting relationships with their peers
  • Commitment to recovery, choice, and empowerment

How do I apply?

How do I apply?

    • CPS training applications will be posted during application period.
    • Attach proof of your mental health services for a serious mental illness
    • A copy of your High School Diploma/GED
    • Verification of 12 month work activity
    • Proof of Philadelphia residency
    • A current resume
    • A professional letter of recommendation
    • A copy of a Story-Telling or Family Story-Telling Training

    Completed applications can be submitted by email (DBHIDS.PeerCulture@phila.gov). There are a limited number of slots available for the class. This is a competitive process with no guarantee of employment after the training. Applications that are received incomplete will not be processed.

  • The CPS application acceptance period is now closed for March CPS training. Applicants for any class must attend Storytelling training. Please go to healthymindsphilly.org to learn when the next opportunity for storytelling training is and inform individuals accordingly. For questions regarding CPS please email: DBHIDS.PeerCulture@phila.gov.

Certified Peer Specialist Application Opens Jan. 6

/in

Applications for the March 2020 period closed as of Jan. 24. Bookmark this page for our next sessions.

Click for application form.

Do you know someone who has a lived mental health experience and would be an excellent candidate for the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) profession?

Beginning Monday, Jan. 6, through Friday, Jan. 24, the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services will accept applications for the Certified Peer Specialist Training Program.

Applications must be received by 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020. There will be no exceptions to this deadline.

PLEASE NOTE: This application period is for the March 2020 CPS Training that will take place March  9-13 and 23-26. Interviews for this program will take place Feb. 3-18. Selected applications will participate in the 10-day training session in March.

All attachments must be submitted with a complete application. We will not accept incomplete or late application! Applications should be submitted by the individual who wishes to apply. Please do not complete applications on someone else’s behalf.

In addition, all applicants must attend a Story-Telling training in order to apply for the CPS training. Applicants should refer to the healthymindsphilly.com for Story-Telling training sessions open to the public.

Paperwork that is required is as follows:

Please be mindful that this is a competitive opportunity for a no-cost professional training for residents of Philadelphia.  Only 20 applicants will be selected.  A completed application does not guarantee interview selection.  An interview selection does not guarantee training selection!

If you are interested in being trained to be a Certified Peer Specialist, please submit this form along with all required attachments in person, mail or email to:

DBHIDS PCCI
Certified Peer Specialist Applications
1101 Market St., 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Email: DBHIDS.PeerCulture@phila.gov

For questions, please send an email to DBHIDS.PeerCulture@phila.gov.

Peer to Peer: Meeting Those in Need Where They Are

/in
Ramon Cruz

After more than three decades of substance use, Ramon Cruz decided to seek recovery and now is working with DBHIDS’ Certified Peer Specialist program, helping others access support for recovery.

By Monica Lewis-Wilborn

Ramon Cruz was tired.

He was tired of being in and out of trouble with the law. He was tired of disappointing his family. He was tired of letting his life spin out of control.

It was in that time of despair, when he was at his weakest point, that Ramon found the strength to take charge of his life and find a way to recovery after more than 30 years of substance use and numerous incarcerations. That was two years ago and today, Ramon, 53, is not just off of drugs, but he’s a part of our Certified Peer Specialist program with Community Behavioral Health (CBH), the managed care arm of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) that serves as a voice for and resource to those impacted by behavioral health issues. Each day, Ramon uses his story to help others who find themselves on the same path to nowhere he traveled for so long.

Read more →

CPS Employment Technical Assistance Program (CETAP)

/in
CPS Employment Technical Assistance Program (CETAP)
  • Home
  • Search Results for "" Query

CPS Employment Technical Assistance Program (CETAP)

CPS Employment Technical Assistance Program (CETAP):The CETAP Program utilizes a specialist who works one-on-one with CPS to assess their capability and experience and to develop and implement vocational plans that provide them with the tools they need to find and retain employment. This will include preparing resumes, conducting mock job interviews, responding to job leads, assisting CPS applying to on-line positions and providing extensive retention support. In addition, this program encourages the active engagement of the CETAP specialist and CPS providers around employment opportunities for CPS graduates sponsored by the DBHIDS

Please contact Renee Frink-Boyd at renee.frink-boyd@phila.gov or at (215) 964-3901.

Hundreds Gather for iNAPS Conference

/in

DBHIDS collaborated with the International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS) to bring the 10th annual National Peer Support Conference to Philadelphia. Over 500 people attended the conference Aug. 26-28, making it their largest to date.

DBHIDS Commissioner Dr. Arthur Evans welcomed people to the conference via video, as he was out of the country. Visitors attended from around the globe and as far away as Hong Kong. Keynote speakers then discussed ongoing developments within the iNAPS organization. Speakers included DBHIDS Deputy Commissioner Roland Lamb; Beverly Haberle, Executive Director of the Council of Southeast Pennsylvania/PRO-ACT; and Nancy Wieman, former Deputy Mental Health Commissioner of Montgomery County.

Day two’s keynote speakers gave an emotional reminder of how far peer support has come. Presenters included Laurie Ashcraft, executive consultant of iNAPS; Robyn Priest, lead coordinator of Peerlink; Gina Calhoun, national director for wellness and recovery training at the Copeland Center; and Gayathri Ramprasad, president of ASHA International. Attendees were also able to enjoy consumer activist and artist Sharon Wise’s artistic dance with spoken word performance.

There were over 60 workshops with presenters from across the country providing the most up-to-date information in the field of peer support. Attendees had a chance to see innovative contributions to peer culture, support, and leadership. The conference was also a great opportunity for certified peer specialists, certified recovery specialists, and the peer volunteer workforce in Philadelphia to network, get re-inspired, and to obtain continued education and support for their occupational wellness.

Additional photos from the iNAPS Conference can be viewed on DBHIDS’ Facebook page.

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