Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to gain the knowledge and skills to excel as a peer support specialist as evidenced by possessing the knowledge necessary to pass the various state and national certification exams. Students will also begin the process of applying for certification in their state and complete a portfolio outlining in detail the remaining steps to complete in order to become certified.
Note: One of the requirements for becoming a Peer Specialist in most states is lived experience with an addiction (being in recovery). Since this course is designed to prepare you for certification, you should consider whether you meet this requirement as part of your decision in choosing this course.
Additionally, please be aware that this course does not automatically lead to certification. It is designed to equip you to lay out a plan for completing the required steps to become certified, but these steps will likely not be completed by the conclusion of this course, and additional steps beyond the course assignments are required.
Course Objectives:
After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the history, rationale and theoretical framework of Recovery Management and Recovery Oriented Systems of Care
- Demonstrate aptitude in completing forms related to Peer Recovery Services
- Conduct and explain basic services including case management, screening and intake, service planning and coordination, crisis management and referral
- Describe basic models of treatment of substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring disorders (COD) including trauma informed care
- Explain the importance of culturally relevant treatment and demonstrate basic cultural awareness
- Describe the impact of various substances on the brain and body
- Discuss basic ethical principles as related to the peer specialist role
- Describe HIV and other infectious disease common among those with SUD
- Describe and begin the process of completing certification requirements
- Identify current local positions available upon certification
- Complete the steps necessary to pursue employment in their state
Syllabus
Course Materials & Tuition
| Davila, R.; Griffin, J.; Gamache, P. and Ballard, M. (2018) Behavioral Health Mentor: A Recovery Coach Model for Peer Recovery Support Specialist CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, (1 Edition). 170 pages ISBN: 978-1722915902 | $9.95 |
| Tuition | $800.00 |
| Total Cost of Course: | $809.95 |