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, Funding available for new employees of Peerstar, inc.

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.

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?

    There is no scholarship available for this training. If you are seeking employeement Peerstar will fund training for new employees to be certified.

  • 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. No further requirements are needed.

  • What is the training schedule?

    The classes are held on weekdays, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. In Person classes begin Monday, and ending Friday. Online classes begin the following Monday through Friday.

  • Can I attend Online?

    Yes! The 2nd week of training is live online via Zoom. You can attend anywhere that you have internet access.

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.