The state has identified 4 areas of specialization for certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists. The trainings build on the foundational knowledge and skills of persons with a state certification. CalMHSA does not recommend taking these trainings prior to the core competency training.
The four of specialization are:
- Parent, Caregiver, and Family Member Peer
- Peer Services – In Crisis Care
- Peer Services for Unhoused
- Peer Services for Justice Involved
Parent, Caregiver, Family Member Peer
Parent, Caregiver, Family member Peers play a critical role in the wellbeing of the families they serve. The Peer-to-Peer relationship focuses on the relationship between the parents, caregivers, and/or family member’s support on behalf of the person in care.
An additional 40 hours of learning will be implemented for Medi-Cal Peers Support Specialist to specialize as Parent, Caregiver, Family Member Peer. Training will focus on the following competencies:
- Professional Responsibilities
- Systems Knowledge and Navigation
- Resources and Natural Supports
- Wellness and Resiliency
- Effecting Change
Peer Services - In Crisis Care
In-Crisis Peer support services can complement clinical services and help individuals in crisis. The inclusion of peer support workers in crisis care helps facilitate a trauma-informed response and recovery oriented and strengths-based approaches. Peer support workers demonstrate that recovery is possible and act as an advocate for the individual. This may help improve outcomes, such as reduced trauma and agitation, increased trust, reduced hospitalizations and emergency department usage for mental and/or substance use disorders, reduced recurrence of symptoms, and decreased recidivism.
Additional hours of learning will be required for Medi-Cal Peers Support Specialist to specialize in crisis peer work. Training will focus on the following competencies:
- Pathways to Crisis
- Prevention and De-Escalation
- Engagement and Resource Connection / Navigation
- Person-Centered Trauma-Informed
- Co-occurring disorders of mental health and substance use
- Recognize and Respond to Crisis and Emergency Situations
- De-Escalation and Crisis Resolution
- Crisis and special populations
- Post-Crisis Support
- Self-awareness and self-care.
Peer Services for Unhoused
Peer support services for people who are unhoused can complement clinical services and help individuals who are unhoused or may become unhoused.
Individuals and/or families may have unique behavioral health challenges and/or co-conditions. Peer support specialists with experience being unsheltered or unhoused offer a unique perspective in supporting others meet their needs, including behavioral health, housing support, and health conditions.
Additional hours of learning will be implemented for Medi-Cal Peers Support Specialist to specialize working with the Unhoused. Training will focus on the following competencies:
- Application of Lived Experience
- Empowerment and Promotion of Recovery
- Co-Occurring Disorders: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
- Special Populations and Cultural Considerations
- Trauma Informed Care
- Self-Awareness and Self-Care
- Conflict Resolution
- Professional boundaries and ethics
- Safety and Crisis Planning
- Systems and Resource Navigation
Peer Services for Justice Involved
The experience with the criminal justice system can impact an individual’s life in many ways and it is best understood by individuals who have similar lived experience. Peers may support individuals with linking to services that address their behavioral health needs and preventing further involvement in the criminal justice systems and ease reentry into their community after incarceration.
Additional hours of learning will be implemented for Medi-Cal Peers Support Specialist to specialize working with justice involved persons. Training will focus on the following competencies:
- Application of Lived Experience
- Role of Advocacy
- Role of Consumers and Family Members
- Engagement Skills and Interventions
- Cultural Responsiveness
- Trauma Informed Support
- Self-Awareness and Self-Care
- Co-occurring disorders of mental health and substance use
- Professional Boundaries and Ethics
- Safety and Crisis Planning
- Community Reintegration Support
- Recidivism Risk Factors
- Community Reintegration Support
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