Course Description

The CPS Certification Training is a 75-hour training, delivered live (in-person) over 10 training days.  The training provides foundational knowledge, skills and values that equip individuals to work as Peer Supporters in the state of Pennsylvania.  

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

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 to take this course may be available from your local PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, your county office of Behavioral Health, or the Veteran's Administration. Employers seeking to hire CPS personnel may also pay the expense of your training.

  • Where will the classes be held, Parking, etc.

    Classes will be held at our Center City Philadelphia Training Center at 833 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA. We are close to all SEPTA Regional Rail, Subway, Subway-Surface and PATCO lines as well as many Bus routes.

  • What is the training schedule?

    Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm.

  • Can I attend Online?

    This class will be completely in-person classroom sessions with a live instructor. The PA Certification Board now allows Hybrid CPS Instruction (one week online and 1 week in -person) which we offer. Please courses.training.mhphope.org for dates and times of Hybrid training.

Instructors

Learning and Development Specialist

Carrie Tann-Cooper, B.F.A., MS

Carrie Tann-Cooper, (she/her/hers) is a Certified Peer Specialist, certified WRAP II facilitator and a Learning and Development Specialist. Carrie earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Rosemont College in 2017 and her Master of Science degree from Full Sail University in 2019. Prior to joining the Institute, she spent eight years as an early childhood educator as well as an elementary teacher in Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 2021, Carrie partnered with the Lions Club International where she created and facilitated a free mentorship program for underserved young-adults in Delaware that focused on college prep, mental and physical health and life skills pertinent to entering into adulthood. Throughout her career as an educator, Carrie has gained extensive experience with writing and implementing curricula, as well as experience with teaching and working with children and young adults who have autism, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges. Carrie has a passion for facilitating trainings for all age groups and uses storytelling and real-life experiences to enhance the materials for the classes she teaches.

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.

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