Questions Submitted from the Franklin/Fulton and York/Adams Certified Peer Specialist ‘Kickoffs’ Franklin/Fulton: November 7 th York/Adams: November 30 th 2005

Do you go through the training course before or after you are hired? There are two ways to be involved in training: 1) You are hired by an agency that advertised a position and your employment becomes contingent on completing the training; or 2) You are selected by planning team for an extra slot available in training – this will not guarantee you a job at the completion of training. This will make you a part of a pool of individuals trained and ready for employment in your area.

Are the agencies hiring Certified Peer Specialists going to be focused on recovery? The Certified Peer Specialist will be a living example of the recovery concepts for his/her peers and the organization in which he/she works. In partnership with his/her supervisor, recovery practices will be demonstrated.

More of a suggestion, Agencies that are hiring peer specialists would probably benefit from a training similar to, but separate from the peer specialist. Has this been considered? Individuals and agencies can request similar workshops by contacting the planning team and/or Gina Calhoun. Groups can also contact the Institute for Recovery and Community Integration for a list of trainings available or visit website

I don’t have two years paid or volunteer work experience. Is there still a way I can take the Certified Peer Specialist training? The CPS State work group met and addressed this concern. We have changed the qualification to: Within the last three years, a person must have one year paid or volunteer work experience.

How will providers hire people before the training program? Does the employer have to pay for the training? Agency advertises position, selects individuals to interview and makes final selection. Individual is then hired on the contingency that he/she completes Peer Specialist Training. After training is complete the individual begins working for the agency. Agency does not pay for training or pay individual until working at agency.

Why do psychiatrists only take 15 minutes with the consumer? We need more time to have to talk and listen to each other! I cannot speak on behalf of the psychiatrists. A Certified Peer Specialists will be trained to actively listen and offer feedback that is respectful and non- judgmental. The Certified Peer Specialist will also have more than 15 minutes to establish a relationship!

As a consumer, do I have to be employed by a provider to obtain the training? Can I apply on my own, than look for a job? There are two ways applications will be taken: 1) You apply directly for the position being advertised by a provider [this guarantees position]; or 2) You can apply to the planning team; however, individuals will only be selected from this second category if all twenty positions are not filled under the first option.

When people come out of the hospital, they need support to know they are not alone. They need a friend to be there for them. The Certified Peer Specialist is trained in active listening skills and engagement strategies. He/she is also trained in post crisis planning. The CPS is a peer that has ‘been there and done that’ so has experiential expertise.

I believe a Certified Peer Specialist will assist people who have little hope for recovery. Like Gina they will be proof that recovery is possible. A Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) will ‘hold onto hope’ for others until the individual chooses to adopt it for him/herself. The CPS will demonstrate the importance of living the recovery concepts.