Academy of Professional Peer Support Information, Application and Referral Packet

Transcription

1 HOPE, Inc N. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ (520) Academy of Professional Peer Support Information, Application and Referral Packet Thank you for your interest in HOPE s Academy of Professional Peer Support (The Academy). This packet is designed to provide information for peers interested in working in behavioral health services providing peer support, staff and recovery support professionals assisting others who wish to apply, and the general community. For Assistance, Contact: Professional Peer Support Academy Specialist Johnny Carey, CPSS, BHT APPS@hopetucson.org ex You will find the following information in this packet: 1. Overview of the Academy 2. What to Expect in the Academy 3. Who is Eligible? 4. What to Expect When Applying 5. Referral Process for Cenpatico Members 6. Academy of Professional Peer Support Referral Checklist 7. Academy of Professional Peer Support Application

2 Overview of the Academy The Academy of Professional Peer Support (the Academy) is HOPE s State of Arizona approved peer support employment training program. Our purpose is to train and certify qualified participants to provide peer/recovery support services in public behavioral health settings in our State. The Academy is funded by Cenpatico Integrated Care to provide preemployment skills training and ongoing support services to people enrolled in public behavioral health services at any of the Intake and Coordination of Care (ICC) Agencies in the behavioral health system, including: CODAC MHC Healthcare COPE Community Services Pasadera HOPE, Inc. Assurance La Frontera Arizona El Rio Individuals who complete the training and certification process (Pass with 80% or better on the final examination) are then certified in the State of Arizona to provide/bill peer support services. HOPE s certification is CPSS Certified Peer Support Specialist and is equivalent to other peer employment training programs that award comparable certifications. A CPSS certification is equally qualified to fill peer support employment positions across the State, regardless of whether they are Recovery Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, or other peer support-based positions in Behavioral Health settings. What to Expect in the Academy The Academy of Professional Peer Support is an intensive, five (5) day training, typically spread out over the course of two (2) weeks, with a certification exam on an additional sixth day. The Academy is designed to prepare peers/people in recovery to work in the Behavioral Health field providing peer support and other recovery-based services. Participants are asked to participate actively in group discussions, interactive exercises, and homework assignments. Participants have many opportunities to learn from each other s experience including that of the trainers while building skills necessary to be an effective Peer Support Specialist. The training is structured into Modules that are based on core competencies determined by the State of Arizona as essential to peer/recovery support roles in Behavioral Health services. The Academy Modules are: 1. Introduction to the Academy 2. The Recovery Model 3. Listening & Exploring the Impact of Emotion 4. Understanding Systems 5. History & Movements 6. Communicate to Motivate 7. Integrated Healthcare 8. The Role of Peers 9. In the Workplace 10. Review and Certification Participants receive a binder of information that they will keep during and after the training that contains handouts and tools for each Module that correspond to discussions, skills, and strategies that are taught in the Academy. Examples include: Motivational Interviewing, stages of change, tools and tips for clinical documentation, sample resumes, worksheets, and relevant articles and publications. Those who successfully complete the training and pass the certification exam are then eligible to participate in additional programming, including practicum sessions that provide ongoing support and information to CPSSs regardless of whether they are currently employed or still seeking employment. Quarterly networking events are also a part of the Academy and offer an opportunity for CPSSs to get together, share information, and build professional and supportive relationships. HOPE, Inc. Academy of Professional Peer Support Application Packet Page 2

3 Who is Eligible? The main requirement for acceptance to the Academy is that a person identifies as a peer, or person in recovery, and has the goal to work in a peer/recovery support position, as well as be at least 18 years of age. We do not currently require participants to have a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Please keep in mind that the majority of positions for peer support staff in our system require applicants be at least 21 years of age. HOPE uses the Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Behavioral Health Services (ADHS/DBHS) definitions of peer and peer/recovery support : Peer An individual who is, or has been, a recipient of behavioral health services and has an experience of recovery to share. Peer/Recovery Support Social and emotional support, generally coupled with specific, skill-based training, coaching or assistance, that is provided to bring about a targeted social or personal change at the symptom, individual, family or community level. Targets for peer support services can include a variety of individualized and personal goals, including living preferences, employment or educational goals and development of social networks and interests. The Academy primarily accepts peers who are currently enrolled and receiving mental health and/or substance use services with an ICC in the Cenpatico Integrated Care system. Currently, the Academy serves people who are in these categories: Have AHCCCS and a determination of Serious Mental Illness (SMI Title XIX) Do not have AHCCSS and have a determination of Serious Mental Illness (SMI Non-Title XIX) Have AHCCCS and a determination of General Mental Health/Substance Abuse (GMH/SA Title XIX) There are also some limited opportunities for other people in recovery, who are not receiving services with an ICC, to participate in the Academy and be certified, but the wait time is generally longer and a fee is required for participation. For questions about eligibility, wait times, and specific circumstances, please contact the Academy of Professional Peer Support at APPS@hopetucson.org. What to Expect When Applying The first step for people interested in participating in the Academy is to complete and submit an application. The application is included in this packet, as well as instructions for how to submit it. Once we have received an application and it has been screened for completion, the applicant will be added to a waiting list and will be contacted with an expected wait time. Wait times can be lengthy, as demand for the training is high and there is limited space in each Academy. Individuals who have been accepted and are waiting to get in to a training might consider seeking other opportunities to learn, gain experience, volunteer, or further their education. HOPE, Inc. Academy of Professional Peer Support Application Packet Page 3

4 Cenpatico Integrated Care Members Referral Process and Checklist The Academy primarily serves Cenpatico Integrated Care Members who are currently receiving services at an ICC through a referral to our program. Members who are interested in applying are encouraged to work with staff at their ICC (including Case/Care Managers, Recovery Support Specialists, Recovery Coaches, etc.) to create employment goals, seek opportunities to build employment skills and explore working in peer support roles, and include goals and action items on individual service/recovery plans prior to applying to the Academy. We encourage members to work with staff at their ICC to complete/submit the application and then begin the referral process while waiting for space to become available in the training. **NOTE** ICC Staff please connect with the SSA Referral Point of Contact specific to your ICC to coordinate referral processes with the Academy of Professional Peer Support. Each ICC has a unique process for coordinating referrals. HOPE, Inc. s Academy of Professional Peer Support requests the following service codes be included on an individual s service plan as part of the referral packet: H0038, H2014, T1016. Participants must have a goal listed on their service plan related to participating in a peer support employment training program to become certified and pursue employment providing peer support, or something similar. Example: I want to participate in a peer support employment training program to become certified to provide peer support services and find employment in the behavioral health field. The following documents are required for a complete referral packet: Documents Required for Referral Packet Complete and current (within the last 12 months) Recovery Plan or Individual Service Plan with the minimum elements described in Section 3.9 Assessment and Service Planning as well as a valid signature(s) including client/guardian and authentication. The ICC must ensure that a goal related to the service appears on the member s recovery plan or ISP. Assessment or update (most current but within the last 12 months) that follows the minimum elements described in Section 3.9 Assessment and Service Planning. The pages must include date, begin, and end time of assessment, diagnosis code/s and signature(s) and licensed credentials of person authorized to make a diagnosis. Face sheet with current member information including emergency contact and Behavioral Health Eligibility Category (TXIX, Non-Title XIX SMI, etc.) Release of Information (date signed and expiration date) HOPE, Inc. Academy of Professional Peer Support Application Packet Page 4

5 Academy of Professional Peer Support Application Instructions Please complete the personal information section and short answer responses on this form. You may write in pen on the printable version of this form or you can choose to complete an electronic version. An electronic version is available on HOPE s website: If you need more space, you may attach one (1) additional sheet of paper. To submit completed application: Bring a hard copy to the HOPE, Inc. reception desk, or; electronic copy to APPS@hopetucson.org. You will receive a response by phone within 2-4 weeks of application submission. If you cannot be reached by phone, please tell us how you can be reached, including alternate methods and/or message numbers if needed. ONLY complete applications will be considered. A submitted application does not guarantee acceptance. Please provide the information requested and follow the instructions closely. Contact Academy staff with any questions. TODAY S DATE FIRST NAME LAST NAME MIDDLE INITIAL STREET ADDRESS APT/UNIT # CITY STATE ZIP CODE PHONE NUMBER ADDRESS WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REACH YOU? DATE OF BIRTH PHONE OTHER (EXPLAIN) Are you employed in the Behavioral Health Field? If yes: EMPLOYER POSITION YES NO Are you currently a Cenpatico Integrated Care (CIC) Member? Are you living with a Serious Mental Illness? YES NO YES NO If you are enrolled with a CSP for Behavioral Health Services, please select your provider: COPE CODAC La Frontera HOPE MHC Healthcare Pasadera Assurance El Rio Other Are you enrolled in AHCCCS? Are you enrolled in YES NO Vocational Rehabilitation? YES Have you participated in any other peer support employment training program? YES NO HOPE, Inc. Academy of Professional Peer Support Application Packet Page 5 NO If yes, what is the name of the training and when did you complete it?

6 How did you hear about HOPE s Recovery & Wellness Support Training? HOPE Website Flyer/poster At HOPE Outreach Event Other (Explain) Short Answer Section: NOTE: We receive many applications for the Academy, and we choose candidates for this training based on the content and clarity of responses to the following questions. Please be specific and draw from your personal experience and recovery journey. 3-5 sentences is an appropriate length for each response. 1.) What does peer-support mean to you? How has the support of others who have lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges aided you in your recovery? 2.) Why do you want to participate in the Academy, and what are the goals you are hoping to achieve? HOPE, Inc. Academy of Professional Peer Support Application Packet Page 6

7 3.) What experience do you have in the Behavioral Health field, including work experience in the field and/or your experience accessing mental health and/or substance use treatment or support services? HOPE, Inc. Academy of Professional Peer Support Application Packet Page 7

8 4.) Do you require special accommodations to participate in this training? If yes, please explain: 5.) Do you have any additional comments? Thank you for your interest in applying! HOPE, Inc. Academy of Professional Peer Support Application Packet Page 8