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| Is there a state-endorsed certification process?: | Yes |
| Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?: | No. |
| What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: | The applicant must provide official documentation of a minimum of a high school diploma, GED certificate or be at least sixteen (16) years of age and enrolled in a GED program or enrolled in school. |
| What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: | Attest to engaging in self-directed recovery for six of the last 12 months, sign the Code of Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct (witnessed by notary), agree to a background check, and complete an "information gathering form". |
| What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?: | * Applicant must, within the last three years (not necessarily consecutively), have a minimum of 100 hours of paid or volunteer work experience or activities related to mental health, community or public service. * Provide two professional references. |
| What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?: | Complete a 4 day training and pass a written exam. |
| What is the average cost for CPS training?: | $50.00 |
| Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all): | Applicant and potentially employer. |
| Other potential funding sources.: | |
| Is there a state-wide certification test?: | Yes, included in the training. |
| What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?: | Certification is a part of attending the training. |
| Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?: | |
| What is the cost of the certification test?: | No additional cost. |
| Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?: | No. |
| Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?: | Yes, the application is $30. Renewal is every 4 years at a cost of $40. |
| Is there a statewide certification body?: | Yes |
| Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.: | Aurora Baugh Mississippi Department of Mental Health Division of Recovery and Resiliency 1101 Robert E. Lee Building 239 North Lamar Street Jackson, MS 39201 601-359-1288 |
| Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?: | http://www.dmh.ms.gov/peer-support-services/ |
| On average, how often are trainings held in your state?: | Multiple trainings are held a year, as each class currently has a 25 person limit. |
| Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: | Training is provided by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. |
| What are the continuing education requirements?: | Roughly 5 hours per year are required. |
| Who tracks CEUs?: | The Staff Development Officer at the peer's place of employment. |
| Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.: | No certification requirement, but supervisors are encouraged to attend trainings. |
| Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: | Adult, Youth, and Parent/Caregiver. |
| What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?: | CPSSP-A - Certified Peer Support Specialist Professional (Adult) CPSSP-Y - Certified Peer Support Specialist Professional (Youth) CPSSP-P - Certified Peer Support Specialist Professional (Adult) |
| Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?: | Employment in Mississippi's Public Mental Health system is mandatory to hold the certification. |
| How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?: | |
| Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?: | |
| Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?: | Yes |
| Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization: | Association of Mississippi Peer Support Specialists |
| Peer Specialists Organization Website: | https://goampss.org/ |
| Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact: | Email: info@goampss.org |
| Other relevant/helpful contacts:: | |
| Are there conferences held in the state specifically for Peer Supporters?: | |
| Are there recognition or award opportunities for peer support specialists or Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?: | |
| Helpful Websites/ References: | http://www.dmh.ms.gov/peer-support-services/ http://www.dmh.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/CPSS-APPLICATION-Januar... http://www.dmh.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/CPSS-Individual-Guide.pdf http://www.dmh.ms.gov/cpss-documents/ http://www.dmh.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CPSS-Renewal-Directions... |
| Additional Info: | |
| If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?: | Trainings are now being held online. |
