Career Pathways 3.0 Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training
The Career Pathways 3.0 Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training supports peers with lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use and family members/caregivers. The 2 phases of training consist of Phase 1: Training Sessions and Phase 2: Follow-Up and Job Placement Support. The phases support 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 training, individuals who complete peer training will receive a certificate of completion and placement support in line with their career goals. Phase 1 of the Career Pathways 3.0 Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training fulfills the state’s training requirement for the initial certification process.
About the Training
Career Pathways 3.0 Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (MPSS) Training consists of 2 phases. Phase 1 is an online, 80 hour state training offered through NAMI San Diego and Imperial Counties and approved by CalMHSA.
Those who complete Phase 1 of training – the 80 hours (training sessions, assignments, office hours, and self-study time) – 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.
Phase 2, the Follow-Up and Job Placement Support phase, helps individuals identify a pathway to employment/volunteer positions within the public mental health system.
Details
Eligibility
What are the Training Details?
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: 8am-12pm (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
- Required Virtual Orientation: Offered once before each cohort, 8am – 10am
- Follow-up support, career counseling, and career placement assistance.
*Days/times subject to change
- Live in recovery for 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 18 years of age or older.
- 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 Career Pathways 3.0 Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training, we invite you to explore CalMHSA approved training options HERE https://www.capeercertification.org/training-for-medi-cal-peer-support-specialist/
When is the training offered?
Cohort 1A: September 4-20, 2024** and Required 2-hour Virtual Orientation: Thursday, August 29, 8am – 10am
Cohort 2B: October 21-November 6, 2024**, Orientation To Be Announced
Cohort 3C: December 2-18, 2024**, and Required 2-hour Virtual Orientation: Wednesday, November 20th, from 8am – 10am
Cohort 4D: February 3-20, 2025** [No class 2/17, Presidents Day] and Required 2-hour Virtual Orientation: Wednesday, January 29th , from 8am-10am
Cohort 5E: March 5-21, 2025**, Required 2-hour Virtual Orientation: Wednesday, February 19th, from 8am-10am
Cohort 6F: May 7-23, 2025**, Orientation To Be Announced
Cohort 7G: June 9-26** [No class 9/16, Juneteenth], Orientation To Be Announced
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 Career Pathways 3.0 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: Attend required 2 hour virtual orientation.***
Step 8: Receive welcome email from staff to confirm your spot in the training.
***Registration for the cohort is NOT finalized until the ICP form, career counseling, and orientation are ALL 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
- Professional development, networking, or support events 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 Career Pathways 3.0 Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training is NOT equal to registration.
After your form is received and reviewed, you will receive further information.