This Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training supports peers and family members with existing CalMHSA scholarships in completing their state training requirement. Those who complete the 80 hour training will receive a certificate of completion to submit in their certification application which will enable individuals to sit for the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam. 

More information about the certification process can be found through the CalMHSA (California Mental Health Services Authority) certification website: capeercertification.org 

About the training:

Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training is an online, 80-hour state training offered by NAMI San Diego and Imperial Counties and approved by CalMHSA, meeting the training requirements for peer certification in California. 

This training is devoted to providing individuals peer to peer education and support to those who self-identify as having experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver, or family member of a consumer with a mental health condition. This training, as well as certification, serves as 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. 

What are the training details?

Who is eligible for the training? 

  • 13 sessions – live attendance required. 
  • Cost: FREE (through the CalMHSA scholarship) 
  • Location: Online (through Zoom) 
  • Days: 2.5 weeks, Mondays-Fridays, February 12-29, 2024 (no class February 19) 
  • Time: 8 am to 12 pm (including breaks) – participants are required to factor in an additional 28 hours outside of sessions for homework and training support. 
  • Mandatory Virtual Orientation: Thursday, February 8, 8 am to 9:30 am 

If all of the following are true, you are eligible to apply for this training: 

  • Be at least 18 years of age. 
  • Reside in California. 
  • Possess a CalMHSA scholarship which covers fees related to Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (fees for training, certification application, and certification exam). 
  • Live with a mental health and/or substance use condition; or as the parent, caregiver, or family member – support a loved one living with either of these conditions. 
  • Be willing to share your experience. 
  • Have a strong dedication to recovery. 
  • Successfully complete the training requirements for a peer support specialist. 
  • Have access and ability to utilize computer, laptop, and internet connection with which you can see, hear, and speak. 
  • Ability to commit and actively participate in the entire 80 hour live online training. 

When is the training offered?

Cohort 1: This training has been canceled. Additional classes may be added in the future, so please check this website regularly for updates.

 

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 to determine if you qualify for this training 

Step 2: Complete the Scholarship Recipient Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training Application  

Step 3: Staff will review your application to determine eligibility 

Step 4: Staff will invite you to attend the mandatory virtual orientation on Thursday, February 8, 8 am to 9:30 am if you are eligible to proceed with training registration or direct you to alternate training options 

Step 5: Complete the mandatory virtual orientation 

Step 6: Join the virtual training! 

Application

Please click the following “Application” button to complete and submit your application. 
Completing the Application for the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training is NOT equal to registration. 
After your application is received and reviewed, you will receive further information.

For further questions, please contact: CareerPathways@namisd.org