Arkansas

Is there a state-endorsed certification process?

Yes, our state-endorsed certification body is the Department of Provider Services and Quality Assurance (DPSQA) at the Department of Human Services (DHS). COVID-19 did not change the process.

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

They are not separated and are under the same certification. We also have training specifically for Justice-Involved Peers. Soon, we will have training for Family Peer Support and Youth Peer Support.

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?

Must be age 18 or older.
Must have two or more years of lived experience, having personally received services within the behavioral health system.

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

None.

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

We have an application process for training. They must also provide a GED or High School Diploma and a background check that is less than 60 days old. They must attest that they have abstained from any illegal substances and alcohol for a minimum of 2 years. They must be at least 18 years old. They can be on MAT, but they have to provide documentation from their Doctor that they have successfully been on MAT.

What is the average cost for CPS training?

The training is paid through grants. It does not cost the trainee anything.

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

The training is paid through grants. It does not cost the trainee anything.

Other potential funding sources.

The training is paid through grants. It does not cost the trainee anything.

Is there a state-wide certification test?

Yes, we have specific tests for all levels of Peer Certification in Arkansas. It does not cost the Peer anything. It is paid through a grant.

What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?

Professional: They must have completed our Core training to be employed as a Peer in the State of Arkansas. They are not limited to where they can work.

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

According to Arkansas Code, a background check IS required. Additionally, a participant providing services cannot be subject to the DHS Participant Exclusion Rule. Legislation passed in 2019 under the title ""AR H 1433"" states that the Department of Human Services shall not disqualify or exclude an individual from participation in the Arkansas Medicaid Program based on a criminal background check if: (1) The individual is employed as a peer support specialist or other similar position; (2) The individual obtains certification in peer recovery by the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board; (3) The certification was obtained after the commission of a criminal offense; (4) The criminal offense does not involve violence or a sexual act; and (5) The certification process includes due process for appealing a decision based upon a disqualifying charge in the criminal background check.

What is the cost of the certification test?

Yes, we have specific tests for all levels of Peer Certification in Arkansas. It does not cost the Peer anything. It is paid through a grant.

Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?

They do not have to retake the certification exam. They do have to recertify. Depending on the level of certification, they are required to obtain a certain number of Continuing Education and Peer Supervision Hours.

Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?

The only cost for a Peer seeking certification in for the background check.

Is there a statewide certification body?

We have a Certification Manager who is in charge of tracking progress towards certification, testing for certification, and awarding certifications.

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

We have a Certification Manager who is in charge of tracking progress towards certification, testing for certification, and awarding certifications.

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?

They are able to go to arpeers.org and find out about all trainings. We have trainings every month. Currently they are in person trainings.

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?

They are able to go to arpeers.org and find out about all trainings. We have trainings every month. Currently they are in person trainings.

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.

MidSOUTH Training Academy
School of Social Work
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
2801 South University Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: (501)296-1920
Fax: (501)296-1927
Email: [email protected]

What are the continuing education requirements?

Each level of certification is required to have 40 hours of Continuing Education. We have a software program that tracks all required information for the peer. The Peer is responsible for inputing the information along with documentation to corroborate the information.

Who tracks CEUs?

Each level of certification is required to have 40 hours of Continuing Education. We have a software program that tracks all required information for the peer. The Peer is responsible for inputing the information along with documentation to corroborate the information.

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

We do have a separate Certification for Peer Recovery Supervisor's. They are required to have an additional 750 hours of work experience, 250 hours of Providing Supervision under a current Supervisor, an additional 80 hours of CE's, and additional 50 hours of Supervision.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

They are not separated and are under the same certification. We also have training specifically for Justice Involved Peers. Soon we will have training for Family Peer Support and Youth Peer Support.

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

They are not separated and are under the same certification. We also have training specifically for Justice Involved Peers. Soon we will have training for Family Peer Support and Youth Peer Support.

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?

Their services are Medicaid reimbursable only if they are QBHP certified and work for a Behavioral Health agency.

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

Their services are Medicaid reimbursable only if they are QBHP certified and work for a Behavioral Health agency.

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?

In some cases services can be done virtually. They are not Medicaid reimbursable.

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?

The Wolfe Street Foundation - Justin Buck - (501) 372-5662
P.E.A.R.L. - Todd Meyer - (479) 721-6778
Exodus.Life - Myra Woolfork - (501) 353-0347
NEA Divine Intervention - Shalinda Woolbright - (870) 206-4455

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*

The Wolfe Street Foundation - Justin Buck - (501) 372-5662
P.E.A.R.L. - Todd Meyer - (479) 721-6778
Exodus.Life - Myra Woolfork - (501) 353-0347
NEA Divine Intervention - Shalinda Woolbright - (870) 206-4455

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*

The Wolfe Street Foundation - Justin Buck - (501) 372-5662
P.E.A.R.L. - Todd Meyer - (479) 721-6778
Exodus.Life - Myra Woolfork - (501) 353-0347
NEA Divine Intervention - Shalinda Woolbright - (870) 206-4455

Peer Specialists Organization Website*

The Wolfe Street Foundation - Justin Buck - (501) 372-5662
P.E.A.R.L. - Todd Meyer - (479) 721-6778
Exodus.Life - Myra Woolfork - (501) 353-0347
NEA Divine Intervention - Shalinda Woolbright - (870) 206-4455

Other relevant/helpful contacts:*

Unknown

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

Each year we hold a Peer Recovery Conference to update peers on current trends, introduce others to peer support, and network.

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

Each year at our Conference we have an awards dinner that recognizes outstanding Peers and community stakeholders.

Helpful Websites/ References*

Our website is arpeers.org

Additional Info*

Unknown

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

Yes our state endorsed certification body is the Department of Provider Services and Quality Assurance (DPSQA) at the Department of Human Services (DHS). COVID-19 did not change the process.

Is the Certification curriculum peer-led and/or peer developed?

A group of peers in long term recovery along with the Appalachian Consulting Group designed our training material.

Are there any potential Barriers to certification and post certification employment?

(2) The individual obtains certification in peer recovery by the Department of Provider Services and Quality Assurance; & Yes. Any sex crime is disqualification. Also, a crime such as murder and manslaughter are examples of disqualification.

Are certification trainings offered in-person, online, or hybrid?

They are able to go to arpeers.org and find out about all trainings. We have trainings every month. Currently they are in person trainings.

Is there a recent count of the # of Peer Specialists in this state? What is the count, and the day this count was captured?

15,520 (2024)

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