Career
Becoming a Peer Specialist
Typical Basic Requirements:
- Personal Experience Living with Mental Illness
2. A High School Diploma (GED)
3. Currently in Recovery (stable, well) from Mental Illness
3. Completion of State Approved Educational Requirements
4. Completion of Ongoing State Approved Educational Requirements
5. Completion of State Approved Work Experience
6. Issuance of Formal State Certification
Each State has their own Peer Specialist Certification Requirements.
This is an overview of state-by-state requirements, but you should be sure to confirm information: Peer Specialist and Certification Programs: A National Overview at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, Steve Hicks School of Social Work.
Peer Specialists may also work under other job titles such as Peer Support Worker, Peer Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, Peer Navigator, Peer Bridger, Recovery Guide among other job titles.
Peer Support Provider Defined by iNAPS (International Association of Peer Supporters
“Peer support providers are people with a personal experience of recovery from mental health, substance use, or trauma conditions who receive specialized training and supervision to guide and support others who are experiencing similar mental health, substance use or trauma issues toward increased wellness.
The term peer supporter is an umbrella for many different peer support titles and roles, such as peer advocate, peer counselor, peer coach, peer mentor, peer educator, peer support group leader, peer wellness coach, recovery coach, recovery support specialist, and many more….
In general, a peer supporter is an individual who has made a personal commitment to his or her own recovery, has maintained that recovery over a period of time, has taken special training to work with others, and is willing to share what he or she has learned about recovery in an inspirational way.
In many states, there is an official certification process (training and test) to become a qualified “peer specialist.” Not all states certify peer support providers, but most organizations require peer support providers (who are employed) need to complete training that is specific to the expected responsibilities of the job (or volunteer work). Often, a peer supporter has extra incentive to stay well because he or she is a role model for others.
Those who provide authentic peer support believe in recovery and work to promote the values that: recovery is a choice, is unique to the individual, and is a journey, not a destination. Also, self-directed recovery is possible for everyone, with or without professional help (including the help of peer specialists or peer providers).”
New York State Example of Peer Specialist Certification
In New York State, the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board governs the Certification of Peer Specialists. State approved educational training is offered through the Academy of Peer Services (an excellent range of high quality courses are offered free of charge, which may be taken by anyone, whether or not they reside in NYS). Some employers also value additional preparatory courses, such as Howie the Harp in NYC and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan).
National Advanced Certification
Mental Health America, in partnership with the Florida Certification Board, created the National Certified Peer Specialist certification (NCPS), the first national advanced peer support specialist certification.
Specialized Peer Specialist Training Programs
Specialized Peer Specialist Training Programs exist that can help you prepare to become a Peer Specialist. The leading Peer Specialist Training Program in New York City and in the US is Howie the Harp. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) also offers Peer Specialist Training, which is highly regarded by Veterans Affairs. Note, many Specialized Peer Specialist Training Programs are not accepted by State Certification boards for the purposes of meeting official certification educational requirements, but these courses can be helpful both in terms of completing official educational requirements and employment opportunities.
High School Diploma
A typical requirement to becoming a Certified Peer Specialist is a High School Diploma or GED. Club Houses often have continuing education programs. The leading Club House in the US is Fountain House.
NAMI National Blog: People With Mental Illness Can Work
Substance Use Recovery Coaching
Many people living with mental illness also have a co-occurring substance use condition — as high as 65%. If may be beneficial to obtain both mental illness and substance use recovery coaching certifications. Each State has their own Substance Use Certifications.
New York State Example of Substance Use Recovery Coaching Certification
In New York State, there are various substance use recovery coaching options, including Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, Certified Addiction Recovery Coach, and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).
See: New York Certification Board and NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
National Addictions Certification
National Certification is Addictions Counselors is a national certification. “Substance abuse counselors often work in community services or other public facilities. To become one, you need specialized training in job functions. You will also need work experience before you can attain certification or licensure. At some point along the way, an examination is usually required.”
See: Addiction-Counselors
See: National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS)
