Peer Employment Training

Instructional Program (CIP)

Description

A. Course Objective:

Description: This course is designed to provide the participant with peer support skills that will equip them to support people recovering from mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, and other challenging life experiences. Students will learn cultural competency skills, communication skills, ethics and boundaries, conflict resolution, and job preparation. These tools help the individual taking the training to move into recovery and overcome challenges associated with returning to the workforce. The graduate of this class will then use these same tools to help others with their recovery. Successful graduates of this course will earn a Credential as a Peer/Recovery Support Specialist in Arizona.

Competencies to be achieved:

1) Instilling the belief that recovery is real and possible. 2) The history of recovery. 3) Sharing one’s recovery story. 4) Holistic approach to recovery and integrated care 5) Cultural competency skills 6) Strengths-based approaches. 7) Language that promotes recovery. 8) Distinguishing between sympathy and empathy. 9) Understanding learned helplessness and supporting self-efficacy. 10) Motivational interviewing, active listening, and peer support communication skills 11) Conflict Resolution skills. 12) Emotional Intelligence skills. 13)Trauma-Informed Care 14) Supporting people experiencing anger and other intense emotions 15) Supporting people who have substance use/addiction and co-occurring challenges. 16) Healing relationships and creating mutual responsibility. 17) Self-Esteem and combating negative self-talk. 18) Group facilitation. 19)Creating a safe and supportive environment; building trust. 20) Supporting people in challenging situations (hearing voices, self-injury, suicidal ideation, panic/anxiety). 21) Stigma and Ways to Combat it. 22) Ethics/Professional Responsibilities of the Peer Support Employee/Self-Care in the Workplace. 23) Understanding the individual service plan and behavioral health documentation. 24) Effective Advocacy Strategies/Americans with Disabilities Act 25) Partnering with Professionals 26) Overview of behavioral health system infrastructure/Organizational change and Systems Transformation.

A1. If you are using a third-party training provider to deliver the training for the program, please provide the information below: Name/Address of third-party training provider/Student fees associated with third-party training:

N/A

B. Total Cost of Program (include all costs to student including testing, licensure): $1,370.00

C. Provide a list of all books required for the program (even if cost of books is included in tuition):

1) RI International (2019). Peer Employment Training: A Peer/Recovery Support Specialist Certification Course (6th Edition). Phoenix: RI International (included in Tuition).                               

2) RI International (2019). Peer Employment Training: Classroom Exercises (6th Edition). Phoenix: RI International (included in Tuition).

D. Provide a list of all supplies required for the program (even if costs are included in tuition):
--Pen
--Notebook

E. WIOA Contact for Enrollment Status /Credential Verification:
Name: Michael Zeeb
Email: Michael.Zeeb@riinternational.com
Phone number: 602.650.1212

F. Direct Website link to the program: https://riinternational.com/health/peer-employment-training/

G. Additional information:
• Background check requirements for licensing and background restrictions for working in the occupation:

--This varies by employer. Many employers of Peer/Recovery Support Specialists require a background check and drug screen. A Fingerprint Clearance card may be required by some employers, depending on the organization and the population served. Many employers of Peer/Recovery Support Specialists indicate that, if a job candidate has past criminal justice involvement, they will look at their legal history on an individualized basis.  

• Other requirements needed:

--Pre-requisites for Peer Employment Training include: 1) proof of having one of the following: GED, High School Diploma, or a completed college degree. 2) Must be 18 years of age or older. 3) Completion of a Peer Employment Training application. 4) Having lived experience of recovery from behavioral health challenges, such as mental health challenges, substance use/addiction, trauma, etc. 5) Having the reading and writing skills needed to complete the academic work in training or the ability to utilize reasonable accommodations to do the same.

--Minimum requirements for employment as a Peer/Recovery Support Specialist vary by employer. In order to work as a Peer/Recovery Support Specialist in most AZ organizations, a candidate must have proof of earning a Peer/Recovery Support Specialist credential from an AHCCCS-approved training provider (RI is one of AZ’s AHCCCS-approved training providers). Many employers require, at minimum, a High School Diploma or GED. Many employers require that the candidate be 21 years old although some organizations have hired younger candidates, for example, in programs that serve youth. If the position requires driving, some employers may ask for a valid driver’s license and proof of a clean driving record for 36-39 months.

H. Refund Policy (provide a summary if Refund policy is not listed on school website): 

The refund policy for Peer Employment Training is not currently posted on the RI International website. It is detailed on pages 7-8 of our Student Handbook. Refunds are provided on a pro-rated basis according to the amount of class time completed and remaining. Refunds are determined by hours of attendance and matriculation start date.

I. Credentials: (The following questions must be answered along with a supporting explanation for each)

• Industry Recognized: (Developed and offered by, or endorsed by a nationally-recognized industry association or organization representing a sizeable portion of the industry sector). Yes or No:

Yes, Peer Employment Training is Industry Recognized.

Nationally Recognized Industry Association or Organization:
1) International Association of Peer Supporters 2) Mental Health America

• Stackable: (Part of a sequence of credentials)
Yes or No: Yes. this training is stackable.
Career Pathway: Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (GED/High School Diploma or higher + qualifying Peer Specialist credential)

• Portable: (Recognized in other geographical areas; by other educational institutions; or by other industries/companies)
Yes or No (Explain):
Yes; Peer Employment Training is recognized in multiple U.S. states as well as Canada, England, Scotland, New Zealand and Singapore. Some U.S. states currently do not have a Peer Support certification or credentialing process; those that do, typically have a process for reviewing Peer Support certificates from other states to determine transferability. 

• Accredited Curriculum: (This is referring to the course being accredited, not the test or school)
Yes or No: No, Peer Employment Training is not accredited by a nationally or regionally accredited agency listed on the U.S. Department of Education webpage. However, it is important to note the following:

1) RI International has been approved by AHCCCS to train and credential Peer/Recovery Support Specialists in the state of Arizona. See https://www.azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/HealthcareAdvocacy/OIFA/peersupport.html

2) Peer Employment Training is offered through RI International’s Recovery Education Center, which is licensed by the AZ State Board of Private Postsecondary Education as a Private Postsecondary Vocational School -- License #V1213.

RI International is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our employees, customers, and the communities that we serve.

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