A Certified Peer Specialist works within the ARMHS Program to compliment the mental health services provided by Practitioners.
Requirements for Certified Peer Specialists
To be employed as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- A CPS must have or have had a primary diagnosis of mental illness.
- Have received or is currently receiving mental health services.
- Be willing to share their experience of recovery.
- Successfully complete the Department approved Certified Peer Specialist training and certification exam.
What does a Certified Peer Specialist Do?A Certified Peer Specialist performs education and skill-building, including but not limited to the following:
- Wellness planning
- Crisis planning
- Advanced Psychiatric Directives
- Self-advocacy skills including connecting to professional services when appropriate
Services that help recipients to do the following:
- Identify their strengths and to use their strengths to reach their treatment goals.
- Identify and overcome barriers to participation in community resources.
Connect with resources, including:
- Visiting community resources to assist them in becoming familiar with potential opportunities
- Teaching and modeling the skills needed to successfully utilize community resources
Building relationships and encouraging community-based activities, such as:
- Work
- Relationships
- Physical activity
- Self-directed hobbies
- Transition to Community Living (TCL) services when working for a certified Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Service (ARMHS) provider.
More Information about becoming a Certified Peer Specialist
For more information about becoming a Certified Peer Specialist or to learn more about the upcoming training, call Shawn at 218-366-9229.