Is there a state-endorsed certification process?
No, there are Peer Support Specialists but not an official certification process
Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?
Yes, there is not a certification for mental health peer support specialist but there is one for Recovery Coaches.
What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
N/A
What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
N/A
What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?
N/A
What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?
Recommended: Intentional Peer Support (IPS) Core Training, Seminar I: Developing Your Own WRAP and WRAP Facilitator Training
What is the average cost for CPS training?
Typically training will be free (+$100 fee per person for training materials).
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all)

Other potential funding sources.

Is there a state-wide certification test?
No
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?
N/A
Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?
N/A
What is the cost of the certification test?
N/A
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?
N/A
Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?
N/A
Is there a statewide certification body?
No
Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.
N/A
Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?
On average, how often are trainings held in your state?

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.
For peer trainings (not certification): Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery To Register: please email: Jane Winterling, Director of the Vermont Recovery Education Project [email protected] Alyssum To Register: please email [email protected] Pathways Vermont To Register: please email [email protected]
What are the continuing education requirements?
N/A
Who tracks CEUs?
N/A
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.
N/A
Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?
N/A
Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?
No certified peer services, peer support services in general may be covered through state funding or other grants.
How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?
A grant from the Department of Mental Health was awarded to Pathways Vermont to fund a Peer Workforce Development Initiative. Peer support services are paid for by state, local, and federal dollars.
Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?
Yes
Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*
Peer Workforce Development Initiative @ Pathways Vermont Funded by the Department of Mental Health (DMH)
Peer Specialists Organization Website*
Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*
[email protected] (888) 492-8218
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?

Additional Info*
Katie Wilson - serves on the Peer Workforce Development Initiative [email protected] General email: [email protected]
If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?
In light of Covid-19 the certified Statewide IPS Facilitators are transitioning the training to an online format.

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