Washington, DC—The District of Columbia Department of Mental Health (DMH) is accepting applications for the peer specialist certification training class which begins on June 3, 2013. The training is for self-identified current or former consumers of mental health services who have the ability to support other individuals diagnosed with a mental illness. To be eligible for consideration, an applicant also must be a District resident and at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent. The deadline for applying is February 28, 2013.

Participants in the program will learn how to help individuals receiving mental health treatment  develop goals, monitor their own progress and advocate for effective services.  A peer specialist also is a model for personal recovery and ongoing coping skills.

DMH will select fifteen individuals to participate in the seven week certification program. Classes will take place from June 3, 2013 to July 11, 2013 at 64 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC.  After successful completion of class work, an 80 hour field practicum must be completed with a DMH community based mental health provider by September 7, 2013. The field practicum will be arranged with the DMH Office of Consumer and Family Affairs. Following graduation from the program, a certification examination must be passed. 

The peer specialist certification program helps prepare individuals to qualify for available peer specialist jobs within the DMH community mental 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. DMH encourages certified providers to include peer specialists in their workforce. 

For an application, please email [email protected] or go to www.dmh.dc.gov, click on consumers and scroll down to the peer specialist certification program.  Along with a completed application, 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) must be provided.  An application must be submitted by February 28, 2013 to [email protected] or the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs, 64 New York Avenue, NE, 3rd Floor. No application will be considered after this date. Selections will be announced by May 13, 2013.  Each participant will receive a stipend of $100.00 each week.

For additional information regarding the peer specialist certification program, contact Vivi Smith, Director of the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs at (202) 673-4377 or [email protected] or go to www.dmh.dc.gov.