Yes
No, Certified Peer Support Specialists can be people who identify as someone in recovery from a mental health, disorder, brain injury, substance use disorder, or combination. A family member of an individual with the above may also become a certified peer support specialist.
High School Diploma or GED or can demonstrate the ability to read and write at a level proficient enough for training, documentation, and the type of work peer support will require.
18 years of age or older
Currently reside or employed within the state of North Dakota
Self-identify as an individual who has personal lived experience and is willing to publicly identify as an individual in recovery from a mental health disorder, brain injury, substance use disorder, or combination; or is a family member of an individual living with a mental health disorder, substance use disorder, brain injury or combination.
None for training
Successful completion of a division approved peer support training program.
Training program is a 5 day (8:30am - 5pm daily) training offered in 4 locations across the state (Fargo, Minot, Grand Forks, Jamestown). Attendees must be present for the entire training week.
Individual must cover travel and lodging if needed for training
Documentation of completed training
3 letters of recommendation (1 personal recommendation, 1 professional recommendation, 1 recommendation that demonstrates the applicant's commitment to the applicant's or family member's recovery process)
A personal statement
Agree and sign North Dakota certified peer support specialist code of ethics
N/a
Yes
North Dakota Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Division
1237 W Divide Ave, Suite 1C | Bismarck, ND 58505-1208 | 701.328.8920
North Dakota's Behavioral Health Website
https://www.behavioralhealth.nd.gov/upcoming-trainings
North Dakota Department of Human Services' Behavioral Health Division has brought in Appalachian Consulting Group's (ACG) curriculum for peer specialist training.
20 hours of continuing education must be complete every two-year certification period with at least 2 hours on the topic of peer support specialist ethics. No more than 3 hours can be completed by self-study or distance learning methods unless an exception is granted by the division.
Continuing education for Certified Peer Support Specialist II (Supervisors) are the same as above with an additional 4 hours of training specific to supervision of peer support specialists.
Yes, Peer Supervisors are referred to as Certified Peer Support Specialist II.
Same basic requirements as Certified Peer Specialist I:
-Currently resides or employed within the state of North Dakota
-Self identify as person with lived experience or family member of an individuals with lived experience.
-At least 18 years of age
-Have high school diploma, GED, or demonstrate ability to read and write at needed level
-Successful completion of a division approved peer support training program
Additional requirements:
-Successful completion of a division approved peer support supervision training
-Applicant has at least 1500 direct service hours as a peer support specialist
Acronyms not used in state documentation, however may be CPSS I or CPSS II.
Yes
1915i Medicaid State Plan amendment
If you have input regarding location of future trainings or if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to peersupport@nd.gov
Want to network with other peer support specialists? Contact Kristy Johnson at kristyjohnson@nd.gov.
North Dakota Behavioral Health Conference - annual conference usually attended by behavioral health clinicians, peer support specialists, health care professionals, community agencies, consumers and family members.
Recovery Reinvented Event (an ongoing series of innovative practices and initiatives to eliminate the shame and stigma of addiction in North Dakota) - not specific to peer support but certified peer specialist often attend.
Recovery Champion Award (through Recovery Reinvented) - not specific to certified peer support specialists but for people who are reinventing recovery every day in their communities.