Yes
No, they have the same application process.
High School Diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET, etc.)
18 years of age or older
Lived experiences in significant mental health or substance use disorder
Been in recovery for at least one year
Two reference Letters:
-One must know for a year
-One must have knowledge of recovery
Sign NCCPSS (North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist) Code of Ethics form
40 hours of North Carolina approved Peer Support Specialist training
20 hours of additional training related to mental health or substance use and typically from a college.
N/A
The University of North Carolina through North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services initiative
Based on feedback from peer support stakeholders across North Carolina, an expert panel was convened to examine available data, lessons learned, empirical evidence, and global examples regarding peer support best practices. The group will use the information gathered to inform the implementation, training, certification, and oversight of peer support practice, thus ensuring integrity to the values, ethics, and practices of the peer profession and workforce in North Carolina. This panel, known as the NC Peer Support Expert Commission (NCCPSS Expert Commission), is comprised of representatives from the following stakeholder groups:
Peer Voice NC as North Carolina’s Statewide Peer/Consumer Movement
North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist Workgroup
The NC Certified Peer Support Specialist Program, administered by Behavioral Health Springboard
North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services
Various stakeholders with knowledge, exposure, and experience with peer support
Group Composition:
The NCCPSS Expert Commission is composed of a diverse group of experts with representation from various geographical areas, age groups, racial, ethnic, and cross-disability groups, as well as the LGBTQIA community. Members have experience working within organizations that provide Medicaid services, state-funded Peer Support services, peer-run organizations, and individuals who have lived experience in mental health and substance use.
Purpose:
The mandate of the NCCPSS Expert Commission is to compile empirical evidence, examine best practices, and make recommendations to various governmental entities for the alignment of best practices of peer support across NC.
Areas of Focus
Priority 1: Establish recommendations for the composition, scope, and authority of an oversight and certification body for NC Certified Peer Support Specialist’s ethical practice and fidelity to best practices.
Priority 2: Establish short and long-term policies, procedures, and standards for NC Peer Support training, curricula, trainers, accountability for curricula owners, and related issues.
Priority 3: Plan for the sustainable implementation of this Commission’s work, including designing recommendations for authority that balances the firmness of statute and the flexibility of rules.
Priority 4: Design processes and standards related to Certification and Recertification of Peer Support Specialists, including a competency-based evaluation.
Priority 5: Establish processes and requirements for the training of and credentials for “specialty” Peer Support roles, including but not limited to forensic, integrated care, LGBTQIA, and transgender specialties.
See list at https://pss.unc.edu/training for 40-hr training
See list at https://pss.unc.edu/20-hours-additional-training-resources for 20-hr additional training
Every two years must have 20-hrs of continuing education
There is Veteran Service Member or Military Service Member designation.
Yes
Yes. NC Peer Support Conference - Promoting Advocacy: Support, Lead, and Inspire