Peer Support Specialists
If you want to learn more about Peer Support Specialists (PSS), you’re in the right place. Read to learn about who we are, where we work, and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Who are PSS?
A Peer Support Specialist (PSS) is an individual who is personally living well in recovery from a serious mental illness. A Peer Support Specialist uses their recovery story to instill hope. They provide support to other peers and assist them in reaching and maintaining their personal recovery goals. In addition, a PSS can serve as an advocate, provide information, help access community resources, and model competency in recovery and wellness. Peer Support Specialists promote skills for improving mental and physical wellbeing and increasing resiliency. They promote self-determination and support peers in maintaining relationships and increasing a higher level of control and satisfaction over their lives.
Where do PSS work?
Peer Support Specialists are employed in mental health facilities, social service agencies, peer run recovery centers, peer run respites, integrated health homes, hospitals, prisons, with law enforcement agencies and other healthcare organizations. Peer Support Specialists may also serve on a variety of advisory boards and committees at local, state, and national levels.
PSS Trainings
PSS Training
June 2022
Applications
Applications currently closed
At this time, training applications are being prioritized for currently employed Peer Support Specialists.
Phase 1: Online Training
May 19 - June 3, 2022
(Self-paced prerequisite)
Phase 2: In-Person Training
June 13 - 17, 2022
(There is a possibility in-person training may be moved
to a virtual format).
Location
Coralville
University of Iowa
Bioventures Center
2500 Crosspark Rd.
Coralville, IA 52241
Training Details
Content
- History of the Peer Support Movement
- Challenging Stigma
- Five Stages of Recovery
- Role of the Peer Support Specialist
- Strengths & Resilience
- Trauma Informed Care Principles
- Ethics & Boundaries
- Wellness & Self-Care
- Advocacy (individual and system)
- Engagement Skills (active listening, effective use of personal recovery story, navigation of resources, cultural competence)
- Activation & Self-Management Skills (problem solving, goal setting, shared decision-making, action planning for prevention and recovery)
Grounded in adult learning theory, this training:
- Covers competencies for Peer Support Specialists set by Mental Health America and SAMHSA
- Trains to the Iowa Peer Support Specialist Scope of Practice
- Meets quality training standards
- Prepares participants for certification by the Iowa Board of Certification
Training
You must commit to attending the entire training. In-Person training consists of one week of all day training M-F. Virtual training is M-F, for two full weeks, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Lodging Information
You must arrange and pay for your own lodging (if applicable).
Cost
This training is FREE, however, trainees must pay for their own lodging, food and travel costs. If you are currently employed as a Peer Support Specialist, check with your employer about covering these expenses.
Meals
You must make arrangements for your own food. You will have an hour during in-person training for lunch (virtual training ends at 12:30 p.m., so there isn't a lunch hour). There are many food options near the training sites. Most training locations do not allow outside food to be brought into the venue.
Accommodations
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this training, please contact us at 319-467-4288 or 319-467-4296 or email us at IowaPeerSupportTraining@
healthcare.uiowa.edu.
Stipends
If you are not currently employed as a PSS (and will not have your costs paid by your employer), you may be eligible for a stipend that would reimburse you for part of your training related expenses. You would be required to pay the initial costs of your hotel, gas, and meals and submit a form for reimbursement upon completion of the training. You must submit the stipend application two weeks before the first day of training. Stipends must be applied for, processed and approved BEFORE the start of training. If you would like more information about applying for a stipend, please email: IowaPeerSupportTraining@
healthcare.uiowa.edu.
PSS Application Requirements
You must have a high school diploma or GED.
The training will provide you with in-depth knowledge and skills. However, in general the PSS role involves the ability to:
- Model effective coping and self-help techniques
- Work with individuals from diverse socio economic and cultural backgrounds
- Attend workplace meetings and complete agency requirements
- Assist people with finding community and natural supports and teaching them how to utilize these services
- Advocate for someone’s needs and accompany them to meetings as needed
- Work as a member of an interdisciplinary team focusing on each persons need for recovery
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Adhere to confidentiality and understand protected health information
- Maintain records and provide accurate documentation
- Use computers ( i.e. Basic computer skills-email, web searches, word processing)
- Ability to maintain a part-time or full-time work schedule
- Willing to share your own personal story of living with and recovery from a mental illness
You must be 18 years of age to take Peer Support Specialist training.
- When applications are open, there will be a link listed near the top of this page. Click the link to apply.
- Applications will be screened when the application process closes. See date listed under specific trainings for closing dates. Training spaces are limited, so apply early.
- Once your application is received, you may be contacted with information regarding a phone interview.
- After the screening interview, you will be notified about whether or not you will be accepted for training. This is generally around 4 weeks before the training starts.
- At this time, Peer Support Specialist training is being prioritized for individuals currently employed as a PSS. Those with a pending employment opportunity will also be considered.
