HCAI Youth/TAY Peer Training and Placement Program
The HCAI Youth/Transition Age Youth (TAY) Peer Training and Placement Program exclusively provides training for youth (18-25 years old) peers with lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use, family members/caregivers of youth, and peers who currently provide or intend to pursue a position that provides peer support to individuals 0-25 years of age. The program supports these individuals in seeking to become state certified as peer support specialists and looking to serve in a peer or related role.
After joining the program, individuals who complete peer training will receive a certificate of completion and placement support in line with their career goals. The training portion, Youth/TAY Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training, fulfills the state’s training requirement for the initial certification process.
Roadmap to Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification
About the Training
Youth/TAY Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (PSSC) Training is an online, 80 hour state training offered through NAMI San Diego and Imperial Counties in partnership with NAMI California and approved by CalMHSA.
This training helps individuals identify a pathway to employment/volunteer positions within the public mental health system, after subsequently taking and passing the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification exam.
Those who complete the 80 hour training will receive a certificate of completion to submit in their certification application which will then enable individuals to sit for the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam.
Details
Eligibility
What are the Training Details?
Who is eligible for the training?
To participate it is a requirement to:
.
- 13 sessions – live attendance required.
- Cost: FREE
- Location: Online (through Zoom)
- Days: 2.5 weeks, Mondays-Fridays*
- Time: 12:30-4:30 pm (including breaks)* – participants are required to factor in an additional 28 hours outside of sessions for homework and training support.
- Virtual Office Hours: Offered weekly, 10-11 am (participants are required to attend 1 out of the 3 virtual office hours)
- Follow-up support, career counseling, and career placement assistance.
*Days/times subject to change
- Peers 18-25 years of age with lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use.
- Family members or caregivers of an individual who is 0-25 years old and is living with a behavioral health condition (mental health and/or substance use)
- Individuals that currently provide primarily peer support to individuals (peers) 0-25 years of age.
- Individuals that wish to pursue a position that primarily provides peer support to Youth/TAY population 0-25 years of age.
- Reside in San Diego or Imperial County.
- Possess a high school diploma/equivalent (or higher) degree to be able to take the certification exam.
- Be willing to share your experience.
- Have a strong dedication to recovery.
- Have access and ability to utilize computer, laptop, and internet connection with which you can see, hear, and speak.
- Actively participate in the entire 80 hour live online training.
- Be interested in seeking/maintaining placement (either paid employment or volunteer) as a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) or related role.
- Intend to become state certified as a PSS, including sitting for the state certification exam.
- Be willing to commit to staying in communication with trainers for 6 months of follow-up support.
- Agree to adhere to the Code of Ethics. A copy of the ethics can be located HERE https://www.capeercertification.org/code-of-ethics/
If you do not meet the eligibility and requirement to participate in this Youth/TAY Peer Training and Placement Program, we invite you to explore CalMHSA approved training options HERE https://www.capeercertification.org/training-for-medi-cal-peer-support-specialist/
More information about the certification process can be found through the CalMHSA (California Mental Health Services Authority) certification website: capeercertification.org
When is the training offered?
Cohort 1: February 12-29, 2024
Cohort 2: March 13-29, 2024**
Cohort 3: May 13-30, 2024 [No class May 27, Memorial Day] **
Cohort 4: June 10-27, 2024 [No class June 19, Juneteenth] **
Space in each cohort is limited!
**Dates subject to change.
What topics are covered in the training?
Participants learn behavioral health skills covering the 17 Peer Specialist core competencies as
identified by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
Topics covered include:
- Recovery Model
- Communication Skills
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Cultural Competency
- Medi-Cal Code of Ethics and more!
Click HERE to view the full list of 17 core competencies
Where can I learn more about state certification?
The CalMHSA Certification website (capeercertification.org) is the best place to find more information about the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification process, requirements, qualifications, and application info. That website is also where you will start your certification application if you have not started already.
Application Instructions for the Initial Certification Process can be found HERE.
Certification Requirements can be found HERE.
What is the process to join the training?
Step 1: Review training eligibility and requirements to determine if you qualify to be considered for this training.
Step 2: Complete the Youth/TAY Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training Interest Form
Step 3: Staff will review your interest form to determine your eligibility.
Step 4: Staff will notify you if you are eligible to proceed with the training registration process or direct you to alternate training options.
Step 5: If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive an email with a link to submit an Individualized Career Plan (ICP) form.***
Step 6: Schedule and complete a 30-minute career counseling session with staff/volunteers to review completed ICP form.***
Step 7: Receive notification from staff to confirm your spot in the training.
***Registration for the cohort is NOT finalized until the ICP form and career counseling are both completed.
What happens after I complete the training?
After the 2.5 weeks of training are complete, participants receive the following support for 6
months:
- Career Counseling
- Notification of job leads
- Office Hours to augment training
- Job placement assistance
INTEREST FORM
Please click the following “Interest Form” button to complete and submit your form.
Completing the Interest Form for the Youth/TAY Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Training is NOT equal to registration.
After your form is received and reviewed, you will receive further information.