North Dakota
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 a 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.
There is no registration cost for the training but travel and lodging are not reimbursable as the trainings are offered across the state and it is recommended to attend a training close to applicant.
Individual must cover travel and lodging if needed for training
N/A
No
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
Background check is not required for training and/or certification. A criminal record does not disqualify from entering the training.
N/A
Certification is good for two years. In that time it is recommended CPSS obtain 20 hours of CEUs.
Non-refundable application fee of $50
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
For questions about training email [email protected]
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.
Individual keeps track and may need to provide evidence of completion to the Behavioral Health Division for recertification.
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
N/A
Acronyms not used in state documentation, however may be CPSS I or CPSS II.
Yes
1915i Medicaid State Plan amendment
N/A
Change second email to Kyle Christianson at [email protected]
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.
N/A
North Dakota has our own state-endorsed certification process for Peer Support Specialists. COVID-19 did not change the process. Continue to provide virtual and in-person training.
North Dakota contracts with Appalachian Consulting Group to assist in the training. Also have several Peer Support Specialists that provide training alongside them that are with active providers in the state.
Background check is not required for training and/or certification. A criminal record does not disqualify from entering the training. & No, there are no personal or professional disqualifications for individuals seeking certification.
480 (2024)
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