Peer Support Specialist Training

Peer Support Specialist Training
Mississippi State University, Center for Continuing Education

Become a Peer Support Specialist

If you have ever overcome an addiction or mental health challenge yourself or been close by as a friend or family member recovered, you know the importance of a good support system. In this 100% online course, you will learn the formal concepts and procedures to become a Peer Support Specialist. By completing this course, you will receive the content and standards that are promoted by INAOPS, the International Association of Peer Supporters.

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Job Outlook for Peer Support Specialist

  • The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counts Peer Support Specialists as Health Educators and Community Health Workers, a group it expects to grow by 13% between now and 2029. This is much faster than anticipated growth for all job categories. The BLS notes that growth in these areas will be driven by the need to provide education and support in order to reduce healthcare costs and ensure that clients receive access to the healthcare services they need.
  • According to PayScale.com, Peer Support Specialists earn $32,400 per year on average. Top earners make over $50,000 annually. Over 4 out of 5 Peer Support Specialists report they are "highly satisfied" with their jobs.

Peer Support Specialist FAQs

Peer Support Specialists work alongside psychologists and social workers to form mental health and counseling teams. They may counsel or assist others with addictions or mental health conditions. Since they are personally familiar with the disorders, they often act as peer role models for their clients.

Peer Support Specialists often meet with clients in their own homes or in private offices. They may also provide support in primary care offices, emergency rooms, inpatient facilities, and recovery centers. Many communicate with clients over the phone or provide virtual support online.

There is no formal requirement for Peer Support Specialists. However, some states, municipalities and healthcare providers require certification. INAOPS certification may be accepted by State Certification Boards that require or provide credentials for Recovery Peer Specialists or Peer Supporters. Please check with your State Certification Boards for more information on Certification.

Course Objectives

  • • The central knowledge base and behaviors of effective Peer Support promoted by iNAOPS
  • • The attributes, roles, duties and guidelines for a Peer Specialist
  • • Recognize aspects of recovery unique to the individual, as well as developing their own recovery definition
  • • The creating and exploring of community resources, courtroom etiquette, help peers identify and understand communication barriers, and the reasoning behind documenting practices
  • • How transformational language helps a peer specialist in the transformation in services for people with mental health problems
  • • Various communication techniques commonly used in a peer support setting
  • • The history of mental illness with attention to how and why the recovery model has emerged
  • • Tools that will help you develop appropriate and effective ways of approaching peers and/or veterans with a substance disorder and/or co-occurring disorder
  • • Cultural differences you are likely to encounter as a peer specialist
  • • The critical nature of how ethics and boundaries play an integral role in the daily job of a peer specialist
  • • The basics necessary to assist with peer reintegration into the community
  • • A comprehensive concept of wellness that goes beyond being free of disease or sickness

Prerequisites and Requirements

Basic computer skills are required.

Curriculum

  1. PEER SPECIALIST OVERVIEW
  2. RECOVERY AND RESILIENCY
  3. LEGAL ISSUES AND HIPAA OVERVIEW
  4. STIGMA ISSUES
  5. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
  6. MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
  7. SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDERS
  8. CULTURAL COMPETENCE
  9. ETHICS: PEER SPECIALIST
  10. ADULT EDUCATION
  11. COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION
  12. WELLNESS
Instructors

Jean LaCour

Jean LaCour, Ph.D., is a Certified Prevention Professional, author, and a trainer with extensive experience in the addiction recovery field. She is the co-founder of the NET Training Institute Center for Addiction and Recovery Education, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit corporation offering online training in addiction counseling, peer specialist support, and recovery support services.

Registration and Enrollment
This course is open enrollment. You can enroll and begin at anytime.

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