Mississippi
Mississippi
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.
What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
The applicant must provide official documentation of a minimum of a high school diploma, GED certificate or be at least sixteen (16) years of age and enrolled in a GED program or enrolled in school.
What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
Attest to engaging in self-directed recovery for six of the last 12 months, sign the Code of Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct (witnessed by notary), agree to a background check, and complete an "information gathering form".
What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?
* Applicant must, within the last three years (not necessarily consecutively), have a minimum of 100 hours of paid or volunteer work experience or activities related to mental health, community or public service.
* Provide two professional references.
What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?
Complete a 4 day training and pass a written exam.
What is the average cost for CPS training?
$50.00
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all)
Applicant and potentially employer.
Other potential funding sources.
Is there a state-wide certification test?
Yes, included in the training.
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?
Certification is a part of attending the training.
Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?
What is the cost of the certification test?
No additional cost.
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?
No.
Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?
Yes, the application is $30. Renewal is every 4 years at a cost of $40.
Is there a statewide certification body?
Yes
Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.
Aurora Baugh
Mississippi Department of Mental Health
Division of Recovery and Resiliency
1101 Robert E. Lee Building
239 North Lamar Street
Jackson, MS 39201
601-359-1288
Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?
On average, how often are trainings held in your state?
Multiple trainings are held a year, as each class currently has a 25 person limit.
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.
Training is provided by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.
What are the continuing education requirements?
Roughly 5 hours per year are required.
Who tracks CEUs?
The Staff Development Officer at the peer's place of employment.
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.
No certification requirement, but supervisors are encouraged to attend trainings.
Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:
Adult, Youth, and Parent/Caregiver.
What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?
CPSSP-A - Certified Peer Support Specialist Professional (Adult)
CPSSP-Y - Certified Peer Support Specialist Professional (Youth)
CPSSP-P - Certified Peer Support Specialist Professional (Adult)
Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?
Employment in Mississippi's Public Mental Health system is mandatory to hold the certification.
How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?
Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?
Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?
Yes
Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*
Association of Mississippi Peer Support Specialists
Peer Specialists Organization Website*
Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*
Email: [email protected]
Other relevant/helpful contacts:*
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?
Helpful Websites/ References*
http://www.dmh.ms.gov/peer-support-services/
http://www.dmh.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/CPSS-APPLICATION-Janua…
http://www.dmh.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/CPSS-Individual-Guide…
http://www.dmh.ms.gov/cpss-documents/
http://www.dmh.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CPSS-Renewal-Direction…
Additional Info*
If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?
Trainings are now being held online.
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