Course Description

The CPS Certification Training is a 75-hour hybrid training fully authorized by the PA Certification Board (PCB). The class is delivered live (in-person) during the first week, and Online via Zoom the second week.  

The training provides foundational knowledge, skills and values that equip individuals to work as Peer Supporters in the state of Pennsylvania.  This training costs $1400.00  

The CPS Certification Training includes the following topics:

  • The history of Recovery and Peer Support
  • Recovery Values
  • WRAP Seminar I
  • CPS Core Competencies
  • Outreach and Engagement
  • Stages of Change
  • Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
  • Ethics and Boundaries
  • Documentation
  • Mental Models / Ladder of Inference
  • Diversity and Worldview
  • Support for Transitions
  • Credentialing and Job Search

Successful completion of this training requires consistent attendance, full participation in activities and assignments, as well as satisfactory scores on two weekly tests.  Successful completion of this course renders the learner eligible to sit for the PA Certification Board exam, which is required for full certification.

Training Location

Mental Health Partnerships, 833 Chestnut Street, 11th floor Philadelphia, PA 19107

Instructors

Bilingual Learning and Development Specialist

Mon Ocampo

Mon Ocampo (They/Them/Theirs/Elle) is a Bilingual Learning and Development Specialist for the Institute@MHP. They were born in Honduras and migrated to the US at a young age. Based on their lived experiences, Mon has dedicated themselves to serving and advocating the mental health needs of the Latine community and for the improvement of service-providing systems. Prior to joining the Institute, Mon worked as a peer mentor serving the acclimation period of the young migrant Latine community by providing resources and making connections within the community. They have also been part of one of Stoneleigh Foundation's research projects that highlights and strategizes youth-voiced opinions on the systematic gaps and their experiences with community-based resources. Combining their past experiences, Mon hopes to bring awareness to the systemic gaps that exist in mental health systems and educate different communities by uplifting the voices of those working within the recovery community.

Lead Learning and Development Specialist

James Klasen

Jim is an Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator and Certified Older Adult CPS trainer. He brings over 35 years of experience from the workforce development field. Jim has worked with youth, welfare recipients, persons returning home from prison, and persons impacted by trauma, mental health, and substance related challenges. Jim is a CPS and brings lived experience sharing his recovery journey openly as evidence that recovery and wellness are both possible and probable. His journey has led naturally to his “encore career” as the Institute's representative to Delaware County.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does the PA Certification Board recognize this training?

    Yes! We are an authorized vendor for Certified Peer Specialist training.

  • What education do I need to qualify?

    To qualify for Certified Peer Specialist Training, you must: Identify as a Peer or person with lived experience with Mental Health experience.

  • What is the training schedule?

    The classes are held on weekdays, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

  • Can I attend Online?

    Yes! the PCB has now authorized Online training for 1/2 of all CPS courses. Please note that this training still requires 1 week of In-Person courses.