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    Certified Peer Counselor FAQ 2.10.15

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    Certified Peer Counselor FAQ 2.10.15

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    Faq 2.10.15

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    Faq 2.10.15

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    6 views3 pages

    Certified Peer Counselor FAQ 2.10.15

    Uploaded by

    saniyahossen
    Faq 2.10.15

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 3

    How Can I Become a Certified Peer Counselor?

    WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY AS A CERTIFIED PEER COUNSELOR?


    Certification has three steps:
    1. Apply and be accepted to a training;
    2. Successfully complete a 40-hour approved training; and
    3. Pass the state exam.

    Upon passing the test, you will receive a letter confirming you met these requirements. Many employers also require
    you to be licensed by the Department of Health as an Agency Affiliated Counselor after being hired. Employers are
    generally knowledgeable about this process, or employees may contact the Department of Health directly. This license is
    only required for people providing Medicaid- billable services.

    WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS?


    Applicants must meet the following requirements:
    1. Identify as a consumer of mental health services as defined by WAC 388-865-0150. “Consumer” means:
    o Someone who has applied for, is eligible for, or who has received mental health services.
    o Parents or legal guardians of a child under the age of 13, or for a child age 13 or older if parents or legal
    guardians are involved in the treatment plan.
    2. Be age 18 or older.
    3. Complete a high school diploma or hold a GED (This requirement may be waived or delayed in some
    circumstances).
    4. Be in mental health recovery for at least one year.
    5. Demonstrate qualities of leadership.
    6. Demonstrate proficiency in reading comprehension and writing skills.

    WHAT IF I AM A PEER WITH CO-OCCURRING OR SUBSTANCE USE ISSUES?


    Currently, licensing and training are only available to peers with mental health or co-occurring disorders. This is due to
    funding rules. DBHR is committed to behavioral health integration and is seeking approval for peer support for those
    who are in recovery from substance use.

    WHERE DO I FIND AN APPLICATION?


    The training application link is available on our Peer Support page. The application includes an instruction page, which
    should be followed carefully.

    HOW DO I APPLY FOR TRAINING?


    Beginning March 1, 2015, applicants may send an application directly to the trainer for each training they are interested
    in. Applications are no longer sent to DBHR, except as described on the peer support website. Once your application is
    received, it will be reviewed and scored. Applications which are incomplete or do not meet training qualifications are
    returned. Trainers will contact you about class openings or if a class fills.

    WHAT CAN I DO IF A TRAINER DOES NOT APPROVE MY APPLICATION?


    You may forward your application to DBHR with a request to have your application reconsidered. If DBHR approves your
    application, the trainer will be contacted and you will be considered for training.
    HOW DO I COMPLETE AN EXCEPTION TO EDUCATION REQUIREMENT LETTER?
    Applicants who have not received a high school diploma or GED may apply for an educational requirement exemption.
    Applicants must write their own letter of request, without assistance, to accompany their application. The letter should
    explain the circumstances that prevented them from completing the educational requirement and describe how they
    have gained comparable reading and writing abilities. The letter must demonstrate high school level writing skills and a
    learning plan to complete the requirement. Letters should be sent to the contact person listed below.

    HOW ARE TRAINING PARTICIPANTS CHOSEN?


    When trainings are scheduled, participants are invited using various criteria, such as those already employed, those
    living in the area of the training, or those scoring highly on their applications. Applicants must be interested in becoming
    Certified Peer Counselors for Medicaid-billing agencies, as our funding usually does not allow training for other
    professional development or personal growth. Please note that there are usually far more training requests than there
    are training spaces. Applicants will be notified whether they have been selected to attend a requested training.

    IS THERE A WAITING LIST?


    DBHR is discontinuing a wait list, and encourages applicants to apply for all appropriate trainings. This direct process will
    allow applicants to be notified about trainings more quickly and ensure application information is current.

    WHAT TYPES OF TRAINING ARE AVAILABLE?


    There are currently three Certified Peer Counseling trainings available: Standard training, Family and Youth training, and
    Spanish training. All trainings result in the same certification. There is a box on the application form to indicate
    preferences.

    Trainings may be sponsored either by the State of Washington or a Regional Support Network. All known training dates
    and locations are listed on the website. Regional Support Network trainings are limited to participants from a particular
    region, and may have their own priorities for training.

    WHAT IS THE FAMILY/YOUTH TRAINING?


    The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery piloted a new curriculum in Family and Youth Certified Peer Counselor
    training in 2013. This training, while covering the same topics as the standard training, is specifically designed to prepare
    parents and youths as Certified Peer Counselors.

    Parents and youth often benefit from learning with a larger group of their peers. There is no age requirement for the
    youth training, but applicants are expected to be of a similar age or have substantial experience working with youth.
    The ability to form true “peer” relationships is the most important criteria.

    Parents and youth are welcome to take the standard training as well. Those working on WISe teams are required to take
    a Family/Youth training, unless an exception is made.

    WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?


    Applicants print and fill out the application form on the website, following all instructions. Applications are submitted
    directly to the trainer for each training.

    HOW MUCH DOES TRAINING COST?


    There is no cost for peer counseling training, training materials, or the test. Trainings that are offered regionally provide
    snacks and lunch, while statewide trainings also provide lodging and all meals.

    IS THERE TRAVEL SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR TRAINING?


    Generally, travel to and from the training is not covered. Regional Support Networks do not provide for travel support.
    For the seven state standard trainings (not the Youth/Family trainings), there are limited funds available to assist
    participants coming from long distances within the region. This support is generally for hotel lodging and meals. If you
    are from a rural area or live at a considerable distance from the closest training, please contact the trainer for an
    application.
    WHAT IS THE TRAINING LIKE?
    All trainings are 40 hours in length. Most are five days, although some are split over two weeks or weekends. Students
    primarily study the peer counselor manual, which includes many individual and group activities. Trainings are
    interactive, with students expected to participate actively in activities and discussions. Students are also expected to
    follow a Code of Conduct to be safe and successful in the training.

    WHAT IS THE TEST LIKE?


    The DBHR test is administered by one contractor, currently Washington State University. The test will be held near the
    training location approximately 2-3 weeks after training. The test has a written multiple choice section and an oral
    section answered to a small panel. Applicants have three attempts to pass the test. They may then request re-training,
    but this opportunity is not guaranteed.

    HOW IS DBHR’S PEER COUNSELING PROGRAM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PEER PROGRAMS?
    Many organizations provide peer support and training. Some examples are NAMI’s Peer to Peer, WA Dads, and
    Recovery Innovations training. Although these programs may be very helpful to individuals, DBHR has no authority or
    oversight of these programs. The DBHR program of peer support is the only state-approved pathway to qualify to work
    in a Medicaid-funded agency.

    WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?


    Bonnie Staples, Mental Health Program Administrator
    DSHS Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery
    PO Box 45330
    Olympia WA 98503
    360-725-1883 or (888) 713-6010
    [email protected] (please call if your question is lengthy)

    You may also contact Wanda Johns, Program Assistant, 360-725-1718.

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