Delaware

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Is there a state-endorsed certification process?: 

Yes, training provided by MHA in DE. Certification application and Exam through the DE Certification Board, using the IC&RC National Exam

Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?: 

No.

What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

High School Diploma or GED

What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

– Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
– Applicant must have direct personal experience living with mental illness and/or addiction and recovery.
– Applicant must be willing to self-disclose lived experience for the purpose of education, role modeling, and providing hope to others about the reality of recovery.

What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

– Applicant must have worked or volunteered as a Peer worker in the field of behavioral health, at an approved agency for at least 3 months.
–Applicant must be currently working or volunteering as a Peer worker in the field of behavioral health, at an approved agency

What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?: 

– Successful completion of MHA in DE's Peer Recovery Specialist Certification Training (46 - 50 hours)

What is the average cost for CPS training?: 
$0
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all): 

N/A

Other potential funding sources.: 

N/A

Is there a state-wide certification test?: 
Yes, the IC & RC Exam is adminstered by the DE Certificaiton Board.
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?: 

Applicant must complete Delaware Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Training. (Applicant must have at least 3 months experience and be currently working or volunteering under supervision in a peer role, at a state approved agency to qualify for training.)

-Applicant must submit completed application and $100 fee to DE Certification Board
Application requirements include but are not limited to:
*Currently working or volunteering as a peer worker at an approved agency
*1000 of supervised work at an approved agency
*Documentation of the above work
*Essay about lived experience
*Disclosure of felonies
*Live or work in Delaware
*Proof of High School Diploma or GED
*References

– Once the application is approved by the Delaware Certification Board, applicant must pass the IC&RC Certifation Exam. ($100 first attempt $50 each additional attempt)
– Once applicant passes the exam, they must recertify with proof of 20 hours of continuing education every two years.

Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?: 

No

What is the cost of the certification test?: 
$100 first attempt, $50 each additional attempt
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?: 

No, however 20 hours of continuing education is required with recertification each year

Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?: 
No
Is there a statewide certification body?: 

Yes, the Delaware Certification Board

Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.: 

DCB is a private, non-profit corporation that establishes, safeguards, and monitors certification standards for professionals in the substance use and other behavioral health fields. It advocates for quality, comprehensive substance use and other behavioral health services in Delaware and on an international level.

https://www.decertboard.org/

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?: 

Mental Health Association in Delaware - Peer Service training system https://mha-in-de.corsizio.com/

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?: 
Monthly.
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: 

Mental Health Association in Delaware (online trainings available through Corsizio.com)
302-654-6833
information@mhainde.org

What are the continuing education requirements?: 

20 hours every two years for recertification

Who tracks CEUs?: 
Peer workers are responsible for keeping track of their own CEUs this includes keeping copies of certificates for proof.
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.: 

Yes.
-Complete Peer Supervision Training through MHA in DE
-Currently be a non-peer supervisor of peer workers
-Complete the application through the DE Certification Board
Application Requirements Include but are not limited to:
*two (2) years of full-time employment or 4000 hours of part-time employment in the
behavioral health field of which one (1) year of full-time employment or 2000 hours must be as a
supervisor in the behavioral health field.
*$75 fee
*Bachelor's Degree or more
*Current Job Description

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: 

N/A

What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?: 

N/A

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?: 

Only through the PROMISE program.

How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?: 

Individuals receiving benefits under the PROMISE 1115 Waiver (through Medicaid) qualify to receive this service.
-Providers under DSAMH contracts are reuqired to have peer services avialable as part of regular services

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?: 

No

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization: 

N/A

Peer Specialists Organization Website: 

N/A

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact: 

N/A

Other relevant/helpful contacts:: 

MHA in DE Peer Services contact:
Natalie Klaus-Rogers – Director, Peer Training & Outreach Services
Phone: 302-654-6833

Are there conferences held in the state specifically for Peer Supporters?: 

MHA Annual Learning Collaborative

Are there recognition or award opportunities for peer support specialists or Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?: 

Awards are given out at annual Learning Collaborative

Helpful Websites/ References: 



Additional Info: 

N/A

If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?: 

Some trainings offered online.