Phyllis Jones (DMH)
[email protected]
(202) 673-1937 desk
(202) 631-3077 mobile
The District of Columbia Department of Mental Health (DMH) is accepting applications until February 29, 2012 for the next peer specialist certification training. The class starts June 6, 2012. This training is for current or former consumers of mental health services who have an interest in peer support for individuals who have been diagnosed with 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.
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. A peer specialist also is a model for personal recovery and ongoing coping skills.
DMH will select twelve individuals to participate in the seven week certification program which consists of 70 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of field experience at a DMH certified community based mental health provider. Participants in the program will learn how to help individuals receiving mental health treatment to develop goals, to monitor their own progress and to advocate for effective services. Following graduation from the program, a certification examination must be passed.
The peer specialist certification program helps prepare individuals to apply for available peer specialist jobs within the community provider network. DMH encourages certified providers to include peer specialists to support mental health treatment in their workforce.
For an application, please email [email protected] or call (202) 673-4377. A resume, 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 submitted with the application. The last day for submitting an application is February 29, 2012 either by fax to (202) 673-3433 or by email to [email protected]. No application will be considered after this date. Selections will be announced by May 12, 2012. Each participant will receive a weekly 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].