Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

dmh

Department of Behavioral Health
 

DC Agency Top Menu

-A +A
Bookmark and Share

Department of Behavioral Health Accepts Applications for Youth Peer Specialist Certification Training

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Media Contact: Phyllis Jones, Public Information Officer
 (202) 673.1937 desk  (202) 631.3077 mobile

 
 
 
Washington, DC—The District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health is accepting applications for a peer specialist certification training class specially designed for youth.Self-identified current or former consumers of behavioral health services who have the ability to support other individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and/or substance use disorder are eligible to apply.
 
To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must be a District resident and at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent. The deadline to apply is 5 pm est., Monday, April 18, 2016. 
 
A peer specialist is a model for personal recovery and ongoing coping skills. Participants in the program will learn how to help other individuals receiving behavioral health treatment develop goals, monitor their own progress and advocate for effective services.  
 
The peer specialist certification program also helps prepare individuals to qualify for available peer specialist jobs within the certified community behavioral health provider network. Under general supervision, a certified peer specialist performs a wide range of tasks to help individuals regain control over their lives and their own recovery process. The Department encourages certified providers to include peer specialists in their workforce. 
 
The one-week class for up to five youth is scheduled from August 8, 2016 to August 12, 2016.  However, participants must first complete a six-week peer specialist certification training class from June to July 29, 2016. After successful completion of class work, an 80-hour field practicum must be completed with a certified community based behavioral health provider by early September 2016. Following completion of the field practicum requirements, a certification examination must be passed (the exam is open book/notes). 
 
To apply, please submit a completed application along with a resume, proof of residency; evidence of education which may be a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, and two letters of reference (at least one of which is work or volunteer related). 
 
An application can be submitted by email to [email protected], or mailed or hand delivered to the Department of Behavioral Health, Office of Consumer and Family Affairs Attn: Adrienne Lightfoot and or Teresa King, 64 New York Avenue, NE, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20002. The deadline to apply is 5 pm, Monday, April 18, 2016. No application will be considered after this date. No fax will be accepted and incomplete applications will not be considered.
 
Selections will be announced by June 10, 2016. Each participant will receive a stipend of $400.00 after successfully completing all certification requirements.
 
For additional information regarding the peer specialist certification program, contact Adrienne Lightfoot, Program Coordinator, at (202) 671-4089 or [email protected], Teresa King SOC Interagency Coordinator for the family/youth at, (202) 671-4035 [email protected] or go to http://dbh.dc.gov/service/consumers-and-families and scroll down to peer specialist certification.