Is there a state-endorsed certification process?

WV peer certification goes through our state board of the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professional (WVCBAPP) and the process for certification can be found on their website. https://www.wvcbapp.org/

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

Presnetly, WV BMS only offers SUD peer support

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

Have a high school diploma or GED equivalency 

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

46 clock hours of education specific to domains. A nationally recognized Peer Support Specialist Certification training will meet the majority of these qualifications.
3 college credits are equivalent to 45 clock hours

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

46 clock hours of education specific to domains. A nationally recognized Peer Support Specialist Certification training will meet the majority of these qualifications.
3 college credits are equivalent to 45 clock hours

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

BMS no longer oversee PRSS certification, it can be found at https://www.wvcbapp.org/

What is the average cost for CPS training?

Payment for classes and CEU training varies.

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

Payment for classes and CEU training varies.

Other potential funding sources.

Payment for classes and CEU training varies.

Is there a state-wide certification test?

Yes, information about he certification test can be found at the WVCBAPP website. Previously there has been some funding by grants to assist with payment for certification.

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

500 hours of volunteer or paid experience specific to the domains
Volunteer and part time experience is acceptable if it is provided under direct supervision Supervised work experience must be in the four PR domains
5 hours of supervision specific to the domains with a minimum of 6 hours in each of the four domains.  Ongoing and initial supervision must be provided at least twice a month by an organization’s documented and qualified supervisory staff.

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

Fingerprint-Based Background checks are still required.

What is the cost of the certification test?

Yes, information about he certification test can be found at the WVCBAPP website. Previously there has been some funding by grants to assist with payment for certification.

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

Information on trainings and CEUs can be found here https://www.wvcbapp.org/.  Must re-certify every two years with 20 hours of continuing education, including 6 hours of
NAADAC/NCC AP National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) specific ethics

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

cost can be found at the https://www.wvcbapp.org/ website

Is there a statewide certification body?

Information concerning state peer certification can be found at the WVCBAPP website

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

Information concerning state peer certification can be found at the WVCBAPP website

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.

Presently, information concerning peer training and CEUs can be found at the WVCBAPP website.

What are the continuing education requirements?

Must re-certify every two years with 20 hours of continuing education, including 6 hours of NAADAC/NCC AP National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) specific ethics

Who tracks CEUs?

Individuals.

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

Yes, information about peer supervision can be found at the WVCBAPP website.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

Presnetly, WV BMS only offers SUD peer support

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

Presnetly, WV BMS only offers SUD peer support

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?

Yes, if they are enrolled with WV Medicaid and directly work for an LBHC or CBHC.

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

Yes, if they are enrolled with WV Medicaid and directly work for an LBHC or CBHC.

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?

Telehealth options are available to peers

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?

Yes, there are organization like the Peer recovery Network, Peer Resources Network, and Recovery Resource Group

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*

Yes, there are organization like the Peer recovery Network, Peer Resources Network, and Recovery Resource Group

Peer Specialists Organization Website*
Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*
Other relevant/helpful contacts:*

J.K. McAtee, [email protected]

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

Conference are set up throughout the year, and there are numerous conferences that involve peers such as the Appalachian Addiction and Prescription Drug Abuse group, Peer Recovery Retreat.

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

Several organizations have rewards for peers for excellence in their work.

Helpful Websites/ References*

https://www.wvcbapp.org/ should be included with the aboved mentioned websites

Additional Info*

N/A

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

WV peer certification goes through the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professional (WVCBAPP), and the process for certification can be found on their website. https://www.wvcbapp.org/

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

Fingerprint-Based Background checks are still required. & Yes, certain criminal history will disqualify you from receiving a certification.  Those can be found in the following manual; https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Provider/Documents/Manuals/Chapter%20700%20WV%2…% 20Policy%20FinalApprovedforManual.pdf

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

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