Is there a state-endorsed certification process?

Yes

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

No specific certification for substance use peer support specialists - Mental Health Peer Support Specialist (HCPS) handbook specifically states: "Have a primary diagnosis of mental illness or co-occurring disorder. A single, primary diagnosis of a substance use disorder does not meet certification requirements". HCPS - Hawaii Certified Peer Specialist
Hawaii Forensic Peer Specialist (FPS) Training and Internship Program is for Improving Reentry for Adults with Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Illness

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?

Personal requirements: Be at least eighteen (18) years of age or older; Have a primary diagnosis of mental illness or co-occurring disorder. A single, primary diagnosis of a substance use disorder does not meet certification requirements; Must self-identify as a person who has received or is receiving mental health or co-occurring services as part of his or her personal recovery process; Must have demonstrated a minimum of twelve consecutive months in self-directed recovery in the last two years. Self-directed recovery includes experience in leadership, advocacy, and peer support.

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

Professional requirements: Successfully complete an AMHD OCA-approved Peer Specialist Training Program; Demonstrated mastery of the following competencies: An understanding of the basic skills and knowledge needed to provide direct peer-to-peer support service; An understanding of the recovery and resiliency process and the ability to use one’s personal recovery story to help others; An understanding of healing and collaborative relationships and the ability to establish such relationships with other peers; An understanding of the importance of taking care of oneself and the ability to do it

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

Each applicant must meet all minimum requirements as outlined by the HCPS Guidelines, Standards, and Procedures Guide. Could not locate this guide.
Must Compete Hawai`i Certified Peer Specialist (HCPS) Application. Three completed Professional References
Signed HCPS Code of Ethics Signed HCPS Scope of Activities
Documentation of completed WRAP, BRIDGES, Peer Educator, CPRP or other relevant training (if applicable)
Signed Intention to Become a Certified and Employed HCPS https://health.hawaii.gov/amhd/consumer/hcps/ at HCPS Training application

What is the average cost for CPS training?

Costs and fees are not described in the handbook or online. Contact the Hawaii Office of Consumer Affairs at (808) 586-4688.

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

Costs and fees are not described in the handbook or online. Contact the Hawaii Office of Consumer Affairs at (808) 586-4688.

Other potential funding sources.

Costs and fees are not described in the handbook or online. Contact the Hawaii Office of Consumer Affairs at (808) 586-4688.

Is there a state-wide certification test?

Individuals are awarded certification only after attending the HCPS Training, and successfully passing both oral and written examinations. No fees are described in the handbook or on the website

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

Must Compete Hawai`i Certified Peer Specialist (HCPS) Application. Three completed Professional References
Signed HCPS Code of Ethics Signed HCPS Scope of Activities
Documentation of completed WRAP, BRIDGES, Peer Educator, CPRP, or other relevant training (if applicable)
Signed Intention to Become a Certified and Employed HCPS https://health.hawaii.gov/amhd/consumer/hcps/ at HCPS Training application

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

Appears not to disqualify, and no reference to a background check on the website or in the handbook. Hawaii Forensic Peer Specialist (FPS) Training and Internship Program is for Improving Reentry for Adults with Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Illness https://health.hawaii.gov/amhd/consumer/hfps/

What is the cost of the certification test?

Individuals are awarded certification only after attending the HCPS Training, and successfully passing both oral and written examinations. No fees are described in the handbook or on the website

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

No, but they must maintain "active status" by completing and submitting an application for renewal annually; providing documentation of successful completion of required continuing education as approved by the HCPS Advisory Committee; and having no reports of violation of the HCPS Code of Ethics.
Each Hawai`i Certified Peer Specialist is responsible for maintaining his or her certification and must submit his or her renewal application and all other required documentation at least forty-five (45) calendar days prior to the end of the recertification date. Unless renewed annually, active status shall expire one year from the most recent renewal or certification date.
To obtain an application for Certification Renewal, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at (808) 586-4688

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

None found

Is there a statewide certification body?

Yes. State of Hawai'i, Department of Health, Adult Mental Health Division (AMHD) Main Office:
1250 Punchbowl Street, Room #256
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801-3378Phone: (808) 586-4686
Fax: (808) 586-4745
https://health.hawaii.gov/amhd/contact-us/
Office of Consumer Affairs approves testing, training, and evaluation

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

State of Hawai'i, Department of Health, Adult Mental Health Division (AMHD) Main Office:
1250 Punchbowl Street, Room #256
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801-3378Phone: (808) 586-4686
Fax: (808) 586-4745
https://health.hawaii.gov/amhd/contact-us/
Office of Consumer Affairs approves testing, training, and evaluation

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?

For information on recognized trainings and/or facilitators, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at (808) 586-4688.

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

For information on recognized trainings and/or facilitators, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at (808) 586-4688.

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.

For information on recognized trainings or facilitators, please contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at (808) 586-4688.
Other evidence-based or best practice Peer Specialist Training Programs may be considered if appropriate documentation related to the program’s curriculum, requirements, and competencies is submitted to OCA.  in the handbook

What are the continuing education requirements?

HCPSs must complete 16 hours of continuing education trainings, seminars, workshops, or college courses each year. Note: Online trainings can be counted towards this annual requirement however must not exceed 8 hours out of the 16 required. HCPSs who are employed by Hawaii Adult Mental Health Division-funded programs may count provider agency in-service trainings as required by AMHD toward the 16 required hours. Successful completion of part or all of a Peer Specialist Training Program recognized by OCA may count toward continuing education if it was not used to obtain initial certification. Individual; At the end of each year, each HCPS must submit a continuing education verification form for each training event.
To obtain a verification form, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at (808) 586-4688

Who tracks CEUs?

HCPSs must complete 16 hours of continuing education trainings, seminars, workshops, or college courses each year. Note: Online trainings can be counted towards this annual requirement; however, they must not exceed 8 hours out of the 16 required. HCPSs who are employed by Hawaii Adult Mental Health Division-funded programs may count provider agency in-service trainings as required by AMHD toward the 16 required hours. Successful completion of part or all of a Peer Specialist Training Program recognized by OCA may count toward continuing education if it was not used to obtain initial certification. Individual: At the end of each year, each HCPS must submit a continuing education verification form for each training event.
To obtain a verification form, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at (808) 586-4688

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

No certification path for Peer Support Supervisors. A Hawai`i Certified Peer Specialist (HCPS) who is employed must be under the general supervision of a mental health professional in accordance with acceptable guidelines and standards of practice as defined by the State.  at handbook 

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

No specific certification for substance use peer support specialists - Mental Health Peer Support Specialist (HCPS) handbook specifically states: "Have a primary diagnosis of mental illness or co-occurring disorder. A single, primary diagnosis of a substance use disorder does not meet certification requirements". HCPS - Hawaii Certified Peer Specialist
Hawaii Forensic Peer Specialist (FPS) Training and Internship Program is for Improving Reentry for Adults with Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Illness

What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?
Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?

Yes, but must meet the following guidelines. 1) Applicants must be employed to work in the role as a paid Certified Peer Specialist by an agency that is funded by AMHD and authorized to participate in the Medicaid Rehabilitation Option (MRO) program. 2) Agencies that are funded by AMHD and authorized to participate in the MRO program shall:  a) Establish the criteria under which they hire, train, and retain Certified Peer Specialists. b) Provide supervision for Certified Peer Specialists in accordance with acceptable guidelines and standards of practice as defined by the State and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  c) Operate in accord with its contracted scope of services for the service which employs the Certified Peer Specialist.

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

Yes, but must meet the following guidelines. 1) Applicants must be employed to work in the role as a paid Certified Peer Specialist by an agency that is funded by AMHD and authorized to participate in the Medicaid Rehabilitation Option (MRO) program. 2) Agencies that are funded by AMHD and authorized to participate in the MRO program shall:  a) Establish the criteria under which they hire, train, and retain Certified Peer Specialists. b) Provide supervision for Certified Peer Specialists in accordance with acceptable guidelines and standards of practice as defined by the State and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  c) Operate in accord with its contracted scope of services for the service which employs the Certified Peer Specialist.

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?

No information regarding this is on the website or in the handbook. If the employment standards and guidelines for Medicaid-reimbursable services are met, then they are likely reimbursable.

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?

Pūʻā Foundation has an initiative, Peer Support Kōkua Project, to help with Training and Employment of Native Hawaiians as Certified Peer Specialists to work with Native Hawaiians in the child welfare and criminal/juvenile justice systems.  Email: [email protected] Phone: 808-945-3570
United Self-help
c/o Waikiki Community Center 310 Paoakalani Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 USA

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*

Pūʻā Foundation has an initiative, Peer Support Kōkua Project, to help with Training and Employment of Native Hawaiians as Certified Peer Specialists to work with Native Hawaiians in the child welfare and criminal/juvenile justice systems. https://www.puafoundation.org/peer-support Email: [email protected] Phone: 808-945-3570
United Self-help
c/o Waikiki Community Center 310 Paoakalani Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 USA
https://unitedselfhelp.org/

Peer Specialists Organization Website*

Pūʻā Foundation has an initiative, Peer Support Kōkua Project, to help with Training and Employment of Native Hawaiians as Certified Peer Specialists to work with Native Hawaiians in the child welfare and criminal/juvenile justice systems. https://www.puafoundation.org/peer-support Email: [email protected] Phone: 808-945-3570
United Self-help
c/o Waikiki Community Center 310 Paoakalani Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 USA
https://unitedselfhelp.org/

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*

Pūʻā Foundation has an initiative, Peer Support Kōkua Project, to help with Training and Employment of Native Hawaiians as Certified Peer Specialists to work with Native Hawaiians in the child welfare and criminal/juvenile justice systems. https://www.puafoundation.org/peer-support Email: [email protected] Phone: 808-945-3570
United Self-help
c/o Waikiki Community Center 310 Paoakalani Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 USA
https://unitedselfhelp.org/

Other relevant/helpful contacts:*

N/A

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

None found

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

The HCPS Advisory Committee meets on an as-needed basis and shall be made up of, but is not limited to, representatives from the OCA, Certified Peer Specialists, and the AMHD Administration. This core group provides specific recommendations that include, but are not limited to, requirements of certification, training, and acceptable continuing education. at handbook

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

Appears not to disqualify, and no reference to a background check on the website or in the handbook. Hawaii Forensic Peer Specialist (FPS) Training and Internship Program is for Improving Reentry for Adults with Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Illness https://health.hawaii.gov/amhd/consumer/hfps/ & none found on website or in handbook. Suspension of certification can occur and reasons include but may not be limited to: Failure to provide required continuing education documentation prior to the annual renewal date, Failure to complete and submit an application for renewal, Failure to submit any other documentation and/or information required by the Office of Consumer Affairs, Failure to adhere to the HCPS Code of Ethics, Failure to adhere to the HCPS Scope of Activities, Deliberately providing false information on any document submitted to the Office of Consumer Affairs, Prescribing clinical services (example: Advice about the types of psychiatric medications a person should use), or Providing clinical services(example: Providing psychotherapy).

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

For information on recognized trainings and/or facilitators, contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at (808) 586-4688.

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

152 (2024)

How does the state/certification body approve Peer support training vendors?

For information on recognized trainings or facilitators, please contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at (808) 586-4688.
Other evidence-based or best practice Peer Specialist Training Programs may be considered if appropriate documentation related to the program’s curriculum, requirements and competencies is submitted to OCA.  at handbook

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