Kansas

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Is there a state-endorsed certification process?: 

Yes

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

Yes.
Certified Peer Specialist = Mental Health
Certified Peer Mentor = Substance Use Disorder

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

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

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

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Must Self-identify as a person in recovery from a behavioral health condition.
and must have established a minimum of one year in stable recovery.

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

Must read the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Peer Specialist Code of Ethics and sign the statement on application affirming adherence to this code.
Must sign affirmation of Merit of Public Trust
Must be gainfully employed as a Kansas Certified Peer Specialist in Training (or Kansas Certified Peer Specialist with prior certification) - with Level 2 CPS training approval form completed and signed by CPS Supervisor)

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

Completion of BHS approved Level One Online (self-paced format) Kansas Certified Peer Specialist in Training with an exam score of 80% or greater (if working and billing for peer support services prior to certification, individual must complete Level One training within 4 months of start position).
Completion of Level Two training - a 2.5 day in person training for Kansas Certified Peer Specialist and pass the exam with 80% proficiency (if working and billing for peer support services prior to certification, individual must complete Level Two training within a year of completing level one).

What is the average cost for CPS training?: 

Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all): 



Other potential funding sources.: 



Is there a state-wide certification test?: 
No, but each training has an exam at the end.
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?: 

Agree to and sign Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethics which covers topics such as CPS role to help others, maintain professional boundaries, share their experiences with mental health and recovery, and advocacy.

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



What is the cost of the certification test?: 

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

Yes

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

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
New England Building
503 S. Kansas Ave.,
Topeka, KS 66603-3404

Phone: 785-296-4986

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

https://kansascpstraining.getlearnworlds.com/pages/courses

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?: 
Offered up to 4 times per year in varying locations around the state
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: 

Online trainings: Kansas Certified Peer Specialists | Carrie Billbe (Carrie.A.Billbe@ks.gov)

Training developed by Wichita State University: Community Engagement Institute.

What are the continuing education requirements?: 

A minimum requirement of 6 hours of continuing education units annually and may be supplemented with additional requirement from hiring organizations. Topics may include ethics, boundaries, skill development and cultural competency.

Who tracks CEUs?: 

Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.: 

All individuals providing supervision to Kansas Certified Peer Specialists are required to complete Supervisor Training which is available online and focuses on peer support principles and supervision.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: 

Kansas Certified Peer Mentor - Substance Use

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

KCPST - Kansas Certified Peer Specialist in Training
KCPS - Kansas Certified Peer Specialist

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?: 



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



Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?: 



Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?: 



Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization: 



Peer Specialists Organization Website: 



Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact: 



Other relevant/helpful contacts:: 



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



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



Helpful Websites/ References: 

https://www.kdads.ks.gov/commissions/behavioral-health/training-registra...

https://www.kdads.ks.gov/docs/default-source/csp/licensing/peer-support-...(kcpst-and-kcps).pdf?sfvrsn=5c1405ee_6

https://www.kdads.ks.gov/docs/default-source/csp/licensing/peer-support-...

http://communityengagementinstitute.org/center-and-initiatives/center-fo...

https://www.kdads.ks.gov/docs/default-source/csp/licensing/peer-support-...

https://www.kdads.ks.gov/commissions/behavioral-health/training-registra...(sud)

Additional Info: 



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