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Idaho
Peer Specialist Training and Certification Program
The Unique Role of Peer Specialists
Peer Specialists are persons who have experienced mental illness first-hand and
have unique insight to support the recovery of others. Idaho is one of many
states that have recognized the value of incorporating Peer Specialists into
their mental health services staff.
Peer Specialists promote recovery by offering persons hope and encouragement,
and emphasizing self-direction and empowerment. For persons living with a
mental illness, recovery is an individual experience and encompasses all aspects
of one’s life. The recovery journey involves the development of hope,
self-esteem, and purpose; making one’s own choices; forming connections with
others; and living a satisfying and meaningful life.
Peer Specialist Training
The Idaho Peer Specialist Training and
Certification Program offers training on an annual basis. State funding covers
the training of 14 persons per year – two from each of Idaho’s seven mental
health service regions. The five-day course teaches the concepts and stages of
recovery; the role of a Peer Specialist; skills in effective listening, goal
setting, problem-solving, and promoting whole health; Peer Specialist ethics;
and other topics. Those who complete the course are invited to take a
Certification exam to become eligible for employment as a Certified Peer
Specialist.
Peer
Specialist Employment
Mountain States Group currently employs seven
part-time Certified Peer Specialists. They are working within the Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare’s Regional Mental Health Programs throughout
the state. Most of the Specialists are assisting clients as a part of a
region’s Assertive Community Treatment Team, and many work with clients involved
in Idaho’s District Mental Health Courts.
Peer Specialist Training Application:
(To download application please click the link to the left).
Contact
Information
For more information on the Peer Specialist Program, or how to
apply for the training, please contact either:
Kimberly Demar L.S.W., Peer Specialist Project Coordinator
(208) 336-5533, extension 306
kdemar@mtnstatesgroup.org
Martha
Ekhoff, Peer Specialist Program Director
(208)
336-5533, extension 340
mekhoff@mtnstatesgroup.org
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