We are excited to announce an upcoming online (zoom-based) Certified Peer Specialist training in June 2023!

 

This Virtual (Zoom-based) Certified Peer Specialist training is supported by Department of Health Services and Access to Independence.

 

Training Dates: June 20th – 22nd, 27th – 29th, July 11th – 13th, 18th – 20th, 25th – 26th

Hours: 5:00PM – 8:30PM CT

Location: Online (Zoom-based)

Trainers: Tamra Oman & Tara Wilhelmi

Training serves: Residents of Jefferson, Kenosha, Racine, Rock, Walworth, Adams, Florence, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Taylor, Vilas and Wood Counties.

Training Cost: Free for participants

 

When to Apply (and Deadlines/Closing)

A button will appear below this section with the words “Click Here to Apply” at the time applications open. Click that button to access the application form for this training.

Applications Open: Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 at 12PM (Noon)

Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 at 12PM (Noon)

 

We have already received 50 application submissions, or the application deadline has passed. We are unable to consider any more applications for this training.

 

Possible Early Closing of Applications:

A maximum of 50 applications will be considered. If 50 applications are received prior to the application deadline (see above), the application form will automatically close and no additional applications will be received.

 

Determining Eligibility and Fit

The following are required to be eligible to apply for this CPS training:

  • Must self-identify as having navigated personal lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges
  • Must reside in Jefferson, Kenosha, Racine, Rock, Walworth, Adams, Florence, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Taylor, Vilas and Wood Counties.
  • Must have at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

14-18 participants will be selected for this training. To be considered for selection, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements above, submit an application form, and complete an interview. There is no training registration cost for participants.

Applying for this or any CPS training does not guarantee selection as a participant.

Applications received are reviewed by trainers in full, and a variety of criteria may determine whether an applicant is asked to interview and possibly participate in a training. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Whether or not the applicant meets the basic eligibility requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist (18 or older, possesses either a high school diploma or GED, is a Wisconsin resident, has first-hand, personal lived experience navigating mental health or substance use)
  • Whether or not the applicant meets secondary eligibility requirements that are training-specific (belongs to the county, tribe, region, and/or community served by the particular training)
  • Whether or not the applicant is seeking employment or is already employed in a peer support position and/or a supervisory role to CPS (trainings are intended to serve workforce development efforts as part of an employment initiative)
  • Whether or not the applicant is a community member looking to use their personal experiences to support others towards recovery/wellness/meaningful living
  • How well the applicant is able to demonstrate an understanding of recovery principles, especially in such a way that supports self-determination of people with lived experience
  • Whether or not the applicant has experience offering peer support in a professional or personal setting

Because this training is the pre-requisite to registering for the state-approved CPS exam, and a pathway to working in a professional peer support role, applications demonstrating the following may not be given priority in the application review process:

  • Applicants seeking this certification simply as a resume booster
  • Applicants looking to obtain the certification but not go on to work in the role of a CPS or CPS supervisor
  • Applicants looking to use this training as the “next step in their recovery”
  • Applicants who show they do not support many pathways to recovery
  • Applicants only seeking certification in order to bill as a CPS while providing non-CPS services

Considerations

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the role of a Certified Peer Specialist before applying. Click here to learn more about the role and work of a Certified Peer Specialist.

Filling Out and Submitting the Online Application

First, we highly recommend filling out and submitting the online training application form using a desktop computer or tablet and not a smart phone.

It is important that you answer all required questions  (marked with an asterisk) on the online training application form. There are also formatting requirements in regards to dates and other fields (such as email address). If required fields are not answered in the application form or the fields are entered incorrectly, it will register as an error and your application will not be submitted to us when you press the “submit” button.

This is what happens if you try to submit an application with errors:

  • Applicant presses “submit” button
  • Instead of being redirected to the “application submission page,” the training application form page reloads
  • This page now contains language telling the hopeful applicant that some fields were entered incorrectly (applicant may need to scroll down to see this)
  • Incorrectly filled out or missing fields are highlighted in red
  • Applicant should fix errors and resubmit
  • Upon successfully addressing errors, the application submission page with a timestamp will appear (we recommend you print or save a print screen of this page when it appears) and a copy of the application will be sent to the applicant’s email address they provided alongside an outline of next steps

Please note: If the application form or event page page reloads instead of the “application submission page,” there is something wrong with your application, and you will need to follow the instructions to address any errors.

What to Expect After Applying

Once the application deadline has passed or 50 applications are received (whichever is sooner), trainers will be sent applications to review, contact up to 25 applicants out of the total applicant pool for virtual interviews, and then select a final cohort of training participants after conducting virtual interviews. Though a maximum of 25 people will be contacted for interviews, everyone can expect to hear back about the final decision in regard to their application.

Please know that it may take some time for participant selection to be finalized, and we ask for your patience. Final selection decisions for this training may not be made until Monday, June 5th, 2023.

We are happy to announce a virtual Certified Peer Specialist Training of Trainers coming in March of 2023!

In March 2023, the Division of Care and Treatment Services (DCTS) and staff at Access to Independence working on the Wisconsin Peer Specialist Employment Initiative will be holding an online Certified Peer Specialist Training of the Trainer (CPS ToT). This training will only be open to current trainers and certified peer specialists from partnered organizations who will be supporting with the upcoming translation of the CPS curriculum.

 

Training dates: March 22nd-24th (Wed-Fri) and 27th-29th (Mon-Wed)

Hours: 9am-4pm CT (includes 45 minutes for lunch and breaks throughout training)

Trainers: Gaochi Vang, Marguerit Galindo, Victor Kilpatrick, and Paula Buege

 

The following are required to be eligible to apply to this CPS ToT:

  • Must be a Certified Peer Specialist with active Wisconsin certification or attain certification as a peer specialist in Wisconsin by January 18th, 2023
  • Must reside in any Wisconsin county
  • Must be willing and able to facilitate a minimum of 2 CPS trainings per year
  • Must be able to facilitate online trainings and arrange for travel for facilitation of in-person trainings

It is anticipated that 20-25 participants will be selected for this training. To be considered for selection, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements above, submit an application form, and complete a virtual interview. There is no training registration cost for participants, and selected participants will be compensated at $35/hour for the training. 

**A reminder that current trainers who are interested in continuing to be a Certified Peer Specialist trainer after their certificate expires in 2023 (March 2023 or August 2023) will have to apply to this Training of the Trainer. If your certificate expires in August of 2023 but the March training was not completed, priority for training facilitation will go to trainers who are trained in the latest curriculum.

 

When to Apply (and Deadlines/Closing)

A button will appear below this section with the words “Click Here to Apply” at the time applications open. Click that button to access the application form for this training.

Applications Open: Monday, December 19th, 2022 at 12pm (noon)

Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 31st, 2023 at 12pm (noon)

 

The deadline to apply for this Certified Peer Specialist Training of Trainers has passed.

 

Filling Out and Submitting the Online Application

First, we highly recommend filling out and submitting the online training application form using a desktop computer or tablet and not a smart phone. We are not responsible for nor are we able to retrieve applications that become lost, receives an error and/or fails to meet the application submission period. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to retrieve applications that fail to upload nor are we able to provide the privilege to submit an application once the application process has closed, to anyone.

It is important that you answer all required questions  (marked with an asterisk) on the online training application form. There are also formatting requirements in regards to dates and other fields (such as email address). If required fields are not answered in the application form or the fields are entered incorrectly, it will register as an error and your application will not be submitted to us when you press the “submit” button.

This is what happens if you try to submit an application with errors:

  • Applicant presses “submit” button
  • Instead of being redirected to the “application submission page,” the training application form page reloads
  • This page now contains language telling the hopeful applicant that some fields were entered incorrectly (applicant may need to scroll down to see this)
  • Incorrectly filled out or missing fields are highlighted in red
  • Applicant should fix errors and resubmit
  • Upon successfully addressing errors, the application submission page with a timestamp will appear (we recommend you print or save a print screen of this page when it appears) and a copy of the application will be sent to the applicant’s email address they provided alongside an outline of next steps

Please note: If the application form or event page page reloads instead of the “application submission page,” there is something wrong with your application, and you will need to follow the instructions to address any errors.

 

What to Expect After Applying

Once the application deadline has passed, trainers will be sent applications to review, contact applicants for virtual interviews, and then select a final cohort of training participants after conducting virtual interviews. Everyone can expect to hear back about the final decision in regard to their application.

Please know that it may take some time for participant selection to be finalized, and we ask for your patience. Final selection decisions for this training may not be made until Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 (three weeks prior to the training start-date).

 

Click Here to Apply

We are happy to announce a virtual Certified Peer Specialist training coming in November of 2022!

 

This Zoom-based, virtual Certified Peer Specialist training is funded through Department of Health Services and supported by Access to Independence.

Training dates: November 21st-23rd (M-W), 28th-30th (M-W), December 5th-7th (M-W) & 12th-14th (M-W)

Hours: 4:00pm – 8:00pm CDT (Mon.,Tue., & Weds. weekly)

Trainers: Paula Buege & Victor Kilpatrick

Training serves: Residents of Adams, Florence, Forest, Jefferson, Kenosha, Langlade, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Racine, Rock, Taylor, Vilas, and Walworth counties only.

Training cost: Free for participants

 

When to Apply (and Deadlines/Closing)

A button will appear below this section with the words “Click Here to Apply” at the time applications open. Click that button to access the application form for this training.

Applications Open: Monday, September 12th, 2022 at 12pm (noon)

Application Deadline: Monday, October 10th, 2022 at 12pm (noon)

 

 

Possible Early Closing of Applications:

A maximum of 50 applications will be considered. If 50 applications are received prior to the application deadline (see above), the application form will automatically close and no additional applications will be received.

 

Determining Eligibility and Fit

The following are required to be eligible to apply for this CPS training:

  • Must self-identify as having navigated personal lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges
  • Must reside in residents of Adams, Florence, Forest, Jefferson, Kenosha, Langlade, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Racine, Rock, Taylor, Vilas, and Walworth counties only.
  • Must have at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

14-18 participants will be selected for this training. To be considered for selection, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements above, submit an application form, and complete an interview. There is no training registration cost for participants.

Applying for this or any CPS training does not guarantee selection as a participant.

Applications received are reviewed by trainers in full, and a variety of criteria may determine whether an applicant is asked to interview and possibly participate in a training. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Whether or not the applicant meets the basic eligibility requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist (18 or older, possesses either a high school diploma or GED, is a Wisconsin resident, has first-hand, personal lived experience navigating mental health or substance use)
  • Whether or not the applicant meets secondary eligibility requirements that are training-specific (belongs to the county, tribe, region, and/or community served by the particular training)
  • Whether or not the applicant is seeking employment or is already employed in a peer support position and/or a supervisory role to CPS (trainings are intended to serve workforce development efforts as part of an employment initiative)
  • Whether or not the applicant is a community member looking to use their personal experiences to support others towards recovery/wellness/meaningful living
  • How well the applicant is able to demonstrate an understanding of recovery principles, especially in such a way that supports self-determination of people with lived experience
  • Whether or not the applicant has experience offering peer support in a professional or personal setting

Because this training is the pre-requisite to registering for the state-approved CPS exam, and a pathway to working in a professional peer support role, applications demonstrating the following may not be given priority in the application review process:

  • Applicants seeking this certification simply as a resume booster
  • Applicants looking to obtain the certification but not go on to work in the role of a CPS or CPS supervisor
  • Applicants looking to use this training as the “next step in their recovery”
  • Applicants who show they do not support many pathways to recovery
  • Applicants only seeking certification in order to bill as a CPS while providing non-CPS services

 

Considerations

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the role of a Certified Peer Specialist before applying. Click here to learn more about the role and work of a Certified Peer Specialist.

 

Filling Out and Submitting the Online Application

First, we highly recommend filling out and submitting the online training application form using a desktop computer or tablet and not a smart phone. We are not responsible for nor are we able to retrieve applications that become lost, receives an error and/or fails to meet the application submission period. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to retrieve applications that fail to upload nor are we able to provide the privilege to submit an application once the application process has closed, to anyone.

It is important that you answer all required questions  (marked with an asterisk) on the online training application form. There are also formatting requirements in regards to dates and other fields (such as email address). If required fields are not answered in the application form or the fields are entered incorrectly, it will register as an error and your application will not be submitted to us when you press the “submit” button.

This is what happens if you try to submit an application with errors:

  • Applicant presses “submit” button
  • Instead of being redirected to the “application submission page,” the training application form page reloads
  • This page now contains language telling the hopeful applicant that some fields were entered incorrectly (applicant may need to scroll down to see this)
  • Incorrectly filled out or missing fields are highlighted in red
  • Applicant should fix errors and resubmit
  • Upon successfully addressing errors, the application submission page with a timestamp will appear (we recommend you print or save a print screen of this page when it appears) and a copy of the application will be sent to the applicant’s email address they provided alongside an outline of next steps

Please note: If the application form or event page page reloads instead of the “application submission page,” there is something wrong with your application, and you will need to follow the instructions to address any errors.

 

What to Expect After Applying

Once the application deadline has passed or 50 applications are received (whichever is sooner), trainers will be sent applications to review, contact up to 25 applicants out of the total applicant pool for virtual interviews, and then select a final cohort of training participants after conducting virtual interviews. Though a maximum of 25 people will be contacted for interviews, everyone can expect to hear back about the final decision in regard to their application.

Please know that it may take some time for participant selection to be finalized, and we ask for your patience. Final selection decisions for this training may not be made until Monday, October 31st, 2022 (three weeks prior to the training start-date).

 

We are happy to announce an online Certified Peer Specialist training coming in July of 2022!

 

This online (Zoom-based) Certified Peer Specialist training is funded through WI Department of Health Services and supported by Midstate Independent Living Choice.

Training dates:  July 6th, 11th, 13th, 18th, 20th, 25th, 27th and August 1st, 3rd, 8th, 10th, 15th – All dates are Mondays and Wednesdays.

Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am-1pm

Trainers: Paula Buege & Rene Livingston-DeTienne

Training serves:  Residents of Adams, Florence, Forest, Jefferson, Kenosha, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Racine, Rock, Taylor, Vilas, Walworth, and Wood counties.

Training cost: Free for participants

 

When to Apply (and Deadlines/Closing)

A button will appear below this section with the words “Click Here to Apply” at the time applications open. Click that button to access the application form for this training.

Applications Open: 12pm (noon) on Wednesday, May 4th, 2022

Application Deadline: 12pm (noon) on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022

 

Possible Early Closing of Applications:

A maximum of 50 applications will be considered. If 50 applications are received prior to the application deadline (see above), the application form will automatically close and no additional applications will be received.

 

Determining Eligibility and Fit

The following are required to be eligible to apply for this CPS training:

  • Must self-identify as having navigated personal lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges
  • Must reside in Adams, Florence, Forest, Jefferson, Kenosha, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Racine, Rock, Taylor, Vilas, Walworth, and Wood counties.
  • Must have at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

14-18 participants will be selected for this training. To be considered for selection, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements above, submit an application form, and complete an interview. There is no training registration cost for participants.

Applying for this or any CPS training does not guarantee selection as a participant.

Applications received are reviewed by trainers in full, and a variety of criteria may determine whether an applicant is asked to interview and possibly participate in a training. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Whether or not the applicant meets the basic eligibility requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist (18 or older, possesses either a high school diploma or GED, is a Wisconsin resident, has first-hand, personal lived experience navigating mental health or substance use)
  • Whether or not the applicant meets secondary eligibility requirements that are training-specific (belongs to the county, tribe, region, and/or community served by the particular training)
  • Whether or not the applicant is seeking employment or is already employed in a peer support position and/or a supervisory role to CPS (trainings are intended to serve workforce development efforts as part of an employment initiative)
  • Whether or not the applicant is a community member looking to use their personal experiences to support others towards recovery/wellness/meaningful living
  • How well the applicant is able to demonstrate an understanding of recovery principles, especially in such a way that supports self-determination of people with lived experience
  • Whether or not the applicant has experience offering peer support in a professional or personal setting

Because this training is the pre-requisite to registering for the state-approved CPS exam, and a pathway to working in a professional peer support role, applications demonstrating the following may not be given priority in the application review process:

  • Applicants seeking this certification simply as a resume booster
  • Applicants looking to obtain the certification but not go on to work in the role of a CPS or CPS supervisor
  • Applicants looking to use this training as the “next step in their recovery”
  • Applicants who show they do not support many pathways to recovery
  • Applicants only seeking certification in order to bill as a CPS while providing non-CPS services

 

Considerations

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the role of a Certified Peer Specialist before applying. Click here to learn more about the role and work of a Certified Peer Specialist.

 

Filling Out and Submitting the Online Application

First, we highly recommend filling out and submitting the online training application form using a desktop computer or tablet and not a smart phone.

It is important that you answer all required questions  (marked with an asterisk) on the online training application form. There are also formatting requirements in regards to dates and other fields (such as email address). If required fields are not answered in the application form or the fields are entered incorrectly, it will register as an error and your application will not be submitted to us when you press the “submit” button.

This is what happens if you try to submit an application with errors:

  • Applicant presses “submit” button
  • Instead of being redirected to the “application submission page,” the training application form page reloads
  • This page now contains language telling the hopeful applicant that some fields were entered incorrectly (applicant may need to scroll down to see this)
  • Incorrectly filled out or missing fields are highlighted in red
  • Applicant should fix errors and resubmit
  • Upon successfully addressing errors, the application submission page with a timestamp will appear (we recommend you print or save a print screen of this page when it appears) and a copy of the application will be sent to the applicant’s email address they provided alongside an outline of next steps

Please note: If the application form or event page page reloads instead of the “application submission page,” there is something wrong with your application, and you will need to follow the instructions to address any errors.

 

What to Expect After Applying

Once the application deadline has passed or 50 applications are received (whichever is sooner), trainers will be sent applications to review, contact up to 25 applicants out of the total applicant pool for virtual interviews, and then select a final cohort of training participants after conducting virtual interviews. Though a maximum of 25 people will be contacted for interviews, everyone can expect to hear back about the final decision in regard to their application.

Please know that it may take some time for participant selection to be finalized, and we ask for your patience. Final selection decisions for this training may not be made until Tuesday, June 22nd, 2022 (two weeks prior to the training start-date).

We are happy to announce an online Certified Peer Specialist training coming in July/August of 2022!

 

This online, Certified Peer Specialist training is funded through WI Department of Health Services and supported by Access to Independence.

Training dates: July 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th, 28th and August 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, 23rd, 25th, 2022 – All dates are Tuesdays and Thursdays 

Hours: 4pm-8pm CDT

Trainers: Nze Okoronta & Vic Welle

Training serves: Residents of all Wisconsin counties who have first-hand lived experience with crisis systems, identifying with one or more of the following:

  • Experienced involuntary commitment
  • Experienced emergency detention related to mental health and/or substance use related crisis
  • Experienced medical trauma
  • Experienced psychiatric incarceration

Training cost: Free for participants

 

When to Apply (and Deadlines/Closing)

A button will appear below this section with the words “Click Here to Apply” at the time applications open. Click that button to access the application form for this training.

Applications Open: 12pm (noon) on Thursday, May 5th, 2022

Application Deadline: 12pm (noon) on Thursday, June 2nd, 2022

 

Possible Early Closing of Applications:

A maximum of 50 applications will be considered. If 50 applications are received prior to the application deadline (see above), the application form will automatically close and no additional applications will be received.

 

Determining Eligibility and Fit

The following are required to be eligible to apply for this CPS training:

  • Must self-identify as having navigated personal lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges
  • Must have at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must identify with one or more of the following:
    • Experienced involuntary commitment
    • Experienced emergency detention related to mental health and/or substance use related crisis
    • Experienced medical trauma
    • Experienced psychiatric incarceration

14-18 participants will be selected for this training. To be considered for selection, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements above, submit an application form, and complete an interview. There is no training registration cost for participants.

Applying for this or any CPS training does not guarantee selection as a participant.

Applications received are reviewed by trainers in full, and a variety of criteria may determine whether an applicant is asked to interview and possibly participate in a training. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Whether or not the applicant meets the basic eligibility requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist (18 or older, possesses either a high school diploma or GED, is a Wisconsin resident, has first-hand, personal lived experience navigating mental health or substance use)
  • Whether or not the applicant meets secondary eligibility requirements that are training-specific (belongs to the county, tribe, region, and/or community served by the particular training)
  • Whether or not the applicant is seeking employment or is already employed in a peer support position and/or a supervisory role to CPS (trainings are intended to serve workforce development efforts as part of an employment initiative)
  • Whether or not the applicant is a community member looking to use their personal experiences to support others towards recovery/wellness/meaningful living
  • How well the applicant is able to demonstrate an understanding of recovery principles, especially in such a way that supports self-determination of people with lived experience
  • Whether or not the applicant has experience offering peer support in a professional or personal setting

Because this training is the pre-requisite to registering for the state-approved CPS exam, and a pathway to working in a professional peer support role, applications demonstrating the following may not be given priority in the application review process:

  • Applicants seeking this certification simply as a resume booster
  • Applicants looking to obtain the certification but not go on to work in the role of a CPS or CPS supervisor
  • Applicants looking to use this training as the “next step in their recovery”
  • Applicants who show they do not support many pathways to recovery
  • Applicants only seeking certification in order to bill as a CPS while providing non-CPS services

 

Considerations

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the role of a Certified Peer Specialist before applying. Click here to learn more about the role and work of a Certified Peer Specialist.

 

Filling Out and Submitting the Online Application

First, we highly recommend filling out and submitting the online training application form using a desktop computer or tablet and not a smart phone.

It is important that you answer all required questions  (marked with an asterisk) on the online training application form. There are also formatting requirements in regards to dates and other fields (such as email address). If required fields are not answered in the application form or the fields are entered incorrectly, it will register as an error and your application will not be submitted to us when you press the “submit” button.

This is what happens if you try to submit an application with errors:

  • Applicant presses “submit” button
  • Instead of being redirected to the “application submission page,” the training application form page reloads
  • This page now contains language telling the hopeful applicant that some fields were entered incorrectly (applicant may need to scroll down to see this)
  • Incorrectly filled out or missing fields are highlighted in red
  • Applicant should fix errors and resubmit
  • Upon successfully addressing errors, the application submission page with a timestamp will appear (we recommend you print or save a print screen of this page when it appears) and a copy of the application will be sent to the applicant’s email address they provided alongside an outline of next steps

Please note: If the application form or event page page reloads instead of the “application submission page,” there is something wrong with your application, and you will need to follow the instructions to address any errors.

 

What to Expect After Applying

Once the application deadline has passed or 50 applications are received (whichever is sooner), trainers will be sent applications to review, contact up to 25 applicants out of the total applicant pool for virtual interviews, and then select a final cohort of training participants after conducting virtual interviews. Though a maximum of 25 people will be contacted for interviews, everyone can expect to hear back about the final decision in regard to their application.

Please know that it may take some time for participant selection to be finalized, and we ask for your patience. Final selection decisions for this training may not be made until Thursday, June 30th, 2022 (two weeks prior to the training start-date).

 

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