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: Project Share, 7200 Chestnut St, Upper Darby Township, PA 19082

Instructors

Especialista Bilingüe en Aprendizaje y Desarrollo

Hannah Spittle, B.A.

Hannah Spittle es una Especialista Bilingüe en Aprendizaje y Desarrollo en el Instituto de MHP. Con una licenciatura en Español y Educación de la Universidad Estatal de Ohio, Hannah tiene una pasión por educar a personas de todas las edades. Durante su tiempo en la Universidad Estatal de Ohio, fue tutora de español y participó en el programa Adopta una Escuela, una organización de voluntariado para escuelas con falta de recursos en el área de Columbus. Para iniciar su carrera en español, Hannah pudo participar en un programa de intercambio en La Universidad de Alcalá en Alcalá de Henares, España. Antes de unirse a MHP, Hannah trabajó como traductora en una pasantía de verano para la Oficina del Censo de los Estados Unidos en 2020. Además, enseñó veintiséis clases por semana como profesora de español itinerante durante el año escolar. Hannah espera seguir utilizando sus habilidades al facilitar cursos de CPS y otros cursos de MHP en español.

Learning and Development Specialist

Ti'Aza Hill

Ti’Aza is a Certified Peer Specialist and WRAP facilitator, with over a half decade of experience in the helping field. She is particularly interested in supporting individuals with mental health diagnosis and returning citizens. Ti’Aza is passionate about holistic approaches to wellness outside the medical model and centered on human interaction with nature and green spaces. Prior to joining the institute, she worked to support returning citizens in finding resources and employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does the PA Certification Board recognize this training?

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

  • Are there Scholarships available?

    Funding for this course may be available from your local Office of Vocational rehabilitation, Behavioral Health Administration, or Veteran's Administration. Please email us at [email protected] for other possible funding opportunities.

  • 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. Week 1 is held in Person and Week 2 will be held on Zoom.

  • 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.