Supervision of Peer Workers Training
Supervision offers an opportunity to support the delivery of quality behavioral health services, professional development, and support. Supervision supports an individual’s professional and personal objectives, including focusing on competency, accountable practice, continued professional development and personal support, and highly ethical practices.
The training for supervisors is offered by CalMHSA at no cost! This free course is derived from the foundational training for best practices for the “Supervision of Peer Workers” developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Supervision focuses on the interactions between supervisor and supervisee with an aim of promoting effective practice. Supervision aims to build on the strengths and successes of the Peer Worker and address areas for improvement. The “Supervision of Peer Workers” training offered by CalMHSA meets the state’s training requirements for the supervision of Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists certified in California.
Course Objectives
- Identifying the qualifications for supervisors of Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists.
- Understanding the principles and competencies of peer work.
- Understand how to model best practices and recovery-oriented-approach to supervision.
- Access additional resources to improve competencies as a Supervisor of peer work.
- Training course is approximately 1-hour in length.
- All participants who complete the course will receive a certification of completion.
- Certificate of completion will be accepted by CalMHSA towards the continued education requirements for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist biennial recertification.
CEU Credit
- This course meets the continuing education (CE) course requirements for 1 hour of continuing education and is approved by the following entities:
- CAMFT for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCS, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences
- CAADE, California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators
- CADTP, California Association of DUI Treatment Programs
- The course must be completed in its entirety and a course evaluation must be submitted by licensees to be eligible for the CE credit.
- CalMHSA will issue a record of course completion to licenses as noted above.
- CalMHSA is responsible for this course and its content.
To Register for Supervisor Training
- Select the Supervisor Training button below to register for the course.
- Create an account (or login) in the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Select ‘Supervision of Peer Workers Training’ under ‘Peer Certification Program’
- Complete the course Registration Form. Registration is required to meet state data collection requirements under this program.
- Complete the Course
- Course evaluation will be available at the end of course completion.
Please note the following:
- Individuals who have submitted an application for Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification must use the same log in information to log into the LMS to take the course.
- Individuals who have previously logged into the CalMHSA LMS must use their credentials to log into the LMS to take the course.
- Individuals who are new to the LMS will need to create an account.
Qualifications for Supervision of Peer Workers
Individuals considering peer support specialist supervision work must meet one of the following option qualifications:
Option 1
- Have a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification; and
- Have two (2) years of experience working in the behavioral health system; and
- Have completed an approved supervisory training.
Option 2
- Be a non-peer behavioral health professional, including registered or certified substance use disorder counselor; and
- Have worked in the behavioral health system for a minimum of two (2) years; and
- Have completed an approved supervisory training.
Option 3
- Have a high school diploma or general equivalency degree (GED)
- Have four (4) years of behavioral health direct service experience. May include peer services.
- And have completed an approved supervisory training.
Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Supervisors must take a DHCS-approved Peer Support Supervisory training within 60-days of beginning to supervise a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist.
Best Practice Guidelines for Employing Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists!
We’re excited to share these valuable insights and recommendations that will help organizations optimize their integration of Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists. Explore these guidelines to enhance your peer workforce and improve the quality of care you provide.