Peer Support Specialist Training

2015 Program Overview

Our Training Experience:
The Colorado Mental Wellness Network (CMWN), formerly known as the Wellness
Education Coalition and Advocacy Network (WE CAN!) has a long history, dating back to
1998, of providing high quality, peer-instructed trainings. The foundational program, The
Colorado Leadership Academy (CLA), is well recognized for providing individuals with
mental health and substance use disorders with a comprehensive leadership and
advocacy skills curriculum. Over 500 individuals have completed CLA and graduates
have been empowered to start local warm lines, support groups, educational workshops
and form 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. Many have sought staff positions working in
behavioral healthcare organizations often as peer support specialists.
CMWN expanded its programming to include evidenced based Wellness Recovery
Action (WRAP) Seminar One Workshops with fidelity to Dr. Copelands model in 2011
and the Seminar Two WRAP Facilitator Trainings in 2013. Additionally, staff and
volunteers have traveled around the state providing Wellness Workshops to individuals
receiving services from public mental health centers and in the community.
The workshops have included; self-advocacy, communication skills, overcoming stigma,
empowerment, mindfulness and other recovery-based concepts. CWMN is unique in
supporting the training of appropriate graduates as instructors and workshop facilitators
for the programs they have completed successfully thus sharing their skills and
experiences. Trained peer instructors and facilitators are offered the opportunity to work
or volunteer with the organization as contracted staff. CMWN truly supports peers
realizing their self determined full potential and values lived experience as a catalyst for
personal and systems transformation.

The Colorado Mental Wellness Network also supports the Colorado Chapter for the
International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS) as the professional organization for
those working or volunteering in the field of peer support. Monthly meetings provide an
opportunity for networking , professional development ,education and support.
Contact Jennifer Hill, Manager of Programs,
jennifer.thenetwork@gmail.com or 720-842-2222

Our Students Experiences:

"I thought I knew a lot about mental illness and peer support from all my years of
volunteering for a support group, but I found The Network's training program provided
more information and skills that helped me to become a professional. It was more
enlightening than I ever expected. With my new found skills, and support from CMWN and
its iNAPS Chapter, I now have a job and a career as a peer support specialist which I am
passionate about. It has been the most rewarding experience of my life!"
-Laurie Woodman
Peer Support Specialist RISE Program

The Peer Support Specialist Training conducted by the Colorado Mental Wellness Network changed my life! I have found passion and purpose again. Through the training, I
was not only able to see how my lived experience could be of service to others I was able
to assimilate my co-occurring disorders. I was able to take the skills I learned in the
training and put them to use immediately in my role as a peer support volunteer at an
addiction treatment center.
Reframing mental illness into mental wellness, approaching each peer from strengths
based perspective and learning more about a trauma informed care system changes how
I work with a peer.
The instructors gave me a realistic view of what working in the field looks like. They spoke
of advocacy, self-care and working in systems where a peer support specialists are a new
and developing role. The manual and resource materials put together for the training
were impressive. I am confident I will walk into a paid position having incredible
knowledge and the resources to be successful.
I am thankful I was able to take this training. What I learned during the 3 weeks will serve
me well in my future.
-Sarah Humble
Cedar Center for Dependency
I feel fortunate to have been able to take the Peer Support Specialist Training Program
through the Colorado Mental Wellness Network. I am currently responsible for two peer
specialist programs in the Denver metro area. In taking the training, I now have a better
sense of the role and responsibilities of a peer specialist. The training also facilitated me
getting in touch with my own story. I now embrace my personal recovery as part of who I
am.
-Scott Utash
Past Director of Member and Family Affairs
Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Colorado Core Competencies and Curriculum Development:

Colorados original standards for peer support specialist training were based on
components identified by the Advocates Forum in collaboration with Medicaid members,
mental health provider staff, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF)
and community advocates. In 2008, HCPF adopted the Peer Specialist Competencies
to provide guidance on the basic skills and knowledge required for peer specialists in
Colorado to work in this emerging role.
In 2011 through collaboration with the previously mentioned stakeholder groups, CMWN,
the Colorado Chapter of iNAPS, Advocates for Recovery and Colorado Chapter of the
Federation of Families for Childrens Mental Health ,these core competencies were
revised to include Recovery Coaches and Family Advocates & Systems Navigators.
These competencies were accepted by the Behavioral Transformation Council in April
2013 to ensure that peer and family staff have the skills needed to provide intentional
support to those they serve. In addition, demonstration of the competencies will be
necessary for credentialing and certification of peer and family support staff. A copy of the
combined core competencies are outlined on the final page of this overview.
Colorado Mental Wellness Network based its curriculum on the National Association of
Peer Specialist (NAPS) training manual written by Steve Harrington, Director with his
permission. Using the NAPS manual as a foundation, the curriculum was developed to
be a skills based training with the 2008 core competencies as a guide. The curriculum
manual has been expanded, revised and updated to meet the current Colorado Core
Competencies for Peer Support Specialists/Recovery Coaches/Family Advocates/
Systems Navigators. Other resources used to develop the curriculum include the
Pathways to Recovery a workbook developed by the University of Kansas in addition to
the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations (SAMHSA)
recommendations for peer specialist training components. Additionally, some chapters in
the manual (particularly on diagnoses) are based on SAMHSAs un-copyrighted factbased materials.
Following completion of the manual, the curriculum was reviewed by peer support
specialists and peer support supervisors in focus groups for further input by those
working in the field with direct knowledge of information and skills needed for professional
success. This input also provided information for the development of practice elements
and role plays which provide students with an opportunity to both practice and
demonstrate skills the skills required for intentional peer support.
CMWN staff conduct evaluation during and following each training both to measure
program quality, and assess the need for curriculum revisions based on student feedback.
The curriculum manual and training modules are updated based on student input,
information gained from the national movement and changes required as the profession
dictates.

Training Model:
There are many ways in which peer specialist training is delivered throughout the U.S.
and in Colorado. The CMWN curriculum requires that students have sufficient processing
time between sessions and time for practice or role playing for application. Keeping in
line with the spacing effect the curriculum is delivered over several days and/or weeks
for a total of 80 training hours. Additionally, the topics covered within the manual are
comprehensive and often sensitive in nature, which requires significant discussion time.
Most importantly, the role peer specialists play is one of great responsibility, adequate
preparation time is essential for individuals to feel confident moving forward into their
roles.
CMWN understands the need for flexibility and access statewide and therefore intends to
make training widely available to individuals with the lived experience of recovery. This
training program is not a train-the-trainer model. CMWN believes the train-the-trainer
model can dilute the curriculum and lessen fidelity to the original model which limits the
students access training which will meet the demands of the profession. There is also the
opportunity for sponsoring organizations to inadvertently apply pressure on the trainer to
modify the training to accommodate the needs of the organization (e.g., shortening the
length of the training to limit cost). Lastly, not everyone is meant to be a trainer or wants
to be a trainer. It takes a great deal of experience to become an effective instructor and
should happen well after a peer has been working in the field.
Effective training also includes the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills with
opportunity for feedback. All students will be required to complete readings, homework
assignments which are turned into instructors, role plays, three practical elements and a
final exam with a passing grade of 80 % or above to demonstrate adequate
comprehension of course content and the core competencies.

Application Process:
To ensure the students success both in the program and upon graduation as they enter
into the workforce, CMWN requires students to complete an application process. All
students must first complete a 20-30 minute phone interview with Jennifer Hill, Manager of
Programs and Volunteers to determine if application is appropriate at the time of the
training announcement. Individuals are emailed an application and given written guidance
on obtaining an appropriate letter of reference to the program. Only letters of reference
from a third party individual who is able to comment on the individuals interpersonal and
communication skills by providing examples of those abilities are accepted. Letters from
treatment providers, friends and family members will be denied. References are checked
by CMWN staff.
Applicants are notified pending acceptance and required to sign a training expectation
agreement as well to complete a training pre-survey which helps to indicate their level of

peer support knowledge and skills. Applicants who are working with the Department of
Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) must sign Releases of Information for communication
between CMWN staff and DVR counselors as part of the application process. The DVR
counselors will request a copy of the training certificate and the final exam grade.

2015 Training Format:

Week One: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the Classroom
Weeks Two & Three: Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Boardroom
Each training day is scheduled as follows:
8:30 AM -12:00 PM Instruction with one break
12:00 PM -1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM 4:30 PM Instruction with one break
All trainings will be held at the Posner Center for International Development
1031 33rd Avenue, Denver CO 80205.
Materials, water and snacks will be provided, but due to costs students are expected to
make arrangements for their own lunches.
Students must plan to attend all training days and be present in the room.
If an emergency should occur, the student must make up the portion of the training
missed by working one on one with an instructor prior to receiving a certificate of
achievement. If weather becomes an issue, instructor will cancel training days, but make
arrangements for additional training days as required.

Training Cost:
A national study conducted by the National Association of Peer Specialists (NAPS)
identifies training costs on average to be anywhere from $1,500 per student to $2,500 per
student for 40 course hours.1 Independent research into other states training costs
revealed that those estimates were a little high, and found $650 to be average for 40
hours. Cost for the training provided is largely a function of compensating the trainers for
their time, a percentage of contractor and manager time for training preparation as well as
a percentage of the Directors time for supervision and program coordination in addition to
materials for instruction. Two instructors are always present at training with supervision
from both the Program Manager and the Director.
The tuition for the CMWN training is $1,100.00. Students and sponsoring agencies will
be invoiced with payment of tuition due by the first day of training. Students being funded
by DVR are expected to work with their counselors to have authorization for payment in
place prior to the training. Currently, funds for scholarships are unavailable. For
individuals who are self funding training, the tuition payment can be spilt into two monthly
payments of $550.00 with half paid prior to the training and the second payment following
the training.
1 Harrington, S. (2011) Recovery to Practice Situational Analysis.

The 2015 training dates and associated application timelines are as follows.
Students are expected to completely read this training overview and contact
Program Manager, Jennifer Hill, by email jennifer.thenetwork@gmail.com
to arranged for phone interview during the application periods outlined.
For other questions, please call her at 720-842-2222
PSS Training #1

March-April 2015

Week One:

3/16,3/17,3/19,3/20 (M,T, Th, F) Posner Center Classroom#236

Week Two:

3/23, 3/25, 3/27 (M, W, F) Posner Center Boardroom#230

Week Three 3/30, 4/1, 4/3 (M, W, F) Posner Center Boardroom#230

Application Period Begins:

1/16/2015

Phone Interviews completed By:

1/30/2015

Applications & References Due:

2/6/2015

Accepted applicants notified By:

2/20/2015

PSS Training (#2)

July August 2015

Week One:

7/27, 7/28, 7/30, 7/31 (M,T, Th, F) Posner Center Classroom#236

Week Two:

8/3, 8/5, 8/7 (M, W, F)

Posner Center Boardroom#230

Week Three: 8/10, 8/12, 8/14 (M,W, F) Posner Center Boardroom#230

Application Period Begins:

6/12/ 2015

Phone Interviews completed By:

6/26/2015

Applications & References Due:

7/3/2015

Accepted applicants notified By:

7/10/2015

PSS Training (#3) October 2015

Week One: 10/12, 10/13, 10/15, 10/16 (M,T, Th, F) Posner Center Classroom#236
Week Two: 10/19, 10/20, 10/23

(M, W, F)

Posner Center Broad room#230

Week Three: 10/26, 10/28, 10/30

(M, W, F)

Posner Center Broad room#230

Application Period Begins:

8/14 2015

Phone Interviews completed By:

8/282015

Applications & References Due:

9/11/2015

Accepted applicants notified By:

9/25/2015

Core Competencies for Colorados Peer Support Specialists / Recovery Coaches

and Family Advocates / Family Systems Navigators
Knowledge of Mental Health/Substance Use Conditions and Treatments
- Recognize signs and coping strategies, including the grief process
- Know when to refer to a clinician
- Know when to report to a supervisor
- Understand interactions of physical and behavioral health
Clients Rights/Confidentiality/Ethics/Roles
- Understand scope of duties and role
- Understand HIPAA / protected health information / confidentiality
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Recognize potential risks
- Advocate when appropriate
Interpersonal Skills
- Communication
- Diversity and cultural competency
- Relationship development
- Use guiding principles pertinent to population served
- Model appropriate use of personal story and self-advocacy
- Goal-setting, problem-solving, teamwork, & conflict resolution
Resiliency, Recovery and Wellness
- Understand principles and concepts of resiliency, recovery, and a wellness oriented lifestyle
- Assist others with their own resiliency and recovery
- Encourage options and choices
- Understand impacts of labels, stigma, discrimination, and bullying
- Understand person-centered resiliency and recovery planning for all ages and stages
- Promote shared decision-making
Resources
- Knowledge of community resources and those specific to behavioral health and physical
health
- Help individuals and families recognize their natural supports
* Knowledge of public education and special education system and other child-serving systems
Self-care
- Recognize when health may compromise the ability to work
- Acknowledge that personal wellness is a primary responsibility
- Set boundaries between work and personal life
Teaching Skills
- Demonstrate wellness and teach life skills
- Encourage the development of natural supports
- Assist people to find and use psycho-education materials
Basic Work Competencies
- Seek supervision and/or ask for direction
- Accept feedback
- Demonstrate conflict resolutions skills
- Navigate complex work environments
Trauma-Informed Support
- Understand impact of trauma and responses to trauma
- Demonstrate sensitivity and acceptance of individual experiences
- Practice cultural sensitivity
- Promote shared decision-making