Is there a state-endorsed certification process?
Yes
Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?

In Wyoming, the peer support specialist certification process is designed to be applicable to both mental health and substance use peer support. The certification application allows one to indicate current endorsements of Mastery, Forensic, and/or Whole Health Peer and select Specialist’s experience areas of Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, and/or Dual Diagnosis

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

Hold a high school diploma or equivalence

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

Personal Requirements: 
Must live in Wyoming at least 51% of the year. Lived experience description that informs the board what your lived experience is and what it has meant to you. The applicant must have a personal history of substance use disorder and has been engaged in recovery for at least two years and/or in recovery for at least two years and/or the applicant must have a personal diagnosis (experience) of a mental health condition and has been engaged in recovery for at least two years
 

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

Professional Requirements: 46 training hours specific to the IC&RC domains
For each training submit a certificate of completion or other evidence of successful completion 500 hours of volunteer or paid work experience specific to the IC&RC domains over the past year  ~ Name of organization(s) for each time frame  ~ Number of hours Contact information for verification of completed hours 25 hours of supervision specific to the domains
Verification of supervision statement from each supervisor including name, email and phone number
Review and sign the Wyoming Peer Specialist Code of Ethical Conduct and Violations of Ethical conduct document 
Must pass the online remote-proctored IC&RC exam

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

For training Apply and be accepted. This course is limited to persons with their own personal experience recovering from a significant mental illness and/or substance use or alcohol addiction. Attendees/applicants should be well grounded in their recovery. At least two years of continuous recovery is required. High school diploma or equivalent is required.
For certification:
Formal education information– high school diploma or equivalent 46 training hours specific to the IC&RC domains
For each training submit a certificate of completion or other evidence of successful completion
500 hours of volunteer or paid work experience specific to the IC&RC domains over the past year  ~ Name of organization(s) for each time frame  ~ Number of hours Contact information for verification of completed hours 25 hours of supervision specific to the domains
Verification of supervision statement from each supervisor including name, email and phone number
Lived experience description that informs the board what your lived experience is and what it has meant to you Review and sign the Wyoming Peer Specialist Code of Ethical Conduct and Violations of Ethical conduct document 

What is the average cost for CPS training?

Recover Wyoming Tuition is covered through various grants. If you are accepted into the course, there is no tuition cost.

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

Recover Wyoming Tuition is covered through various grants. If you are accepted into the course, there is no tuition cost.

Other potential funding sources.

Recover Wyoming Tuition is covered through various grants. If you are accepted into the course, there is no tuition cost.

Is there a state-wide certification test?

Application must be filled out, and applicant attests they will "strive to adhere to the Wyoming Peer Specialist Professional Ethics and to improve competency as a Peer Specialist."

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

A background check is not required for Peer Specialist Certification.

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

The certification process is overseen by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) for Peer Recovery. Initial Certification Fee: $175 Total $80 goes directly toward IC&RC exam fee to be registered as an exam candidate $95 initial certification fee.

What is the cost of the certification test?

The certification process is overseen by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) for Peer Recovery. Initial Certification Fee: $175 Total $80 goes directly toward IC&RC exam fee to be registered as an exam candidate $95 initial certification fee.

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

N/A

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

Renewal Fee: $75 fee must be paid to complete a certification renewal and to be considered for review

Is there a statewide certification body?

Yes

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

Wyoming Department of Health, Behavioral Health Division 
122 West 25th Street Herschler 2 West, Suite B Cheyenne, WY 82002
800) 535-4006 (307) 777-6494

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

Varies across the state according to region.

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.

Recover Wyoming provides training for Peer Specialists for the state to include the New Peer Specialist Training, Forensic Training, and Annual Peer Conference.

What are the continuing education requirements?

20 hours of continuing education earned every two years, including 6 hours of ethics training, is the minimum required for IC&RC recertification (renewal) 
Complete Wyoming Certified Peer Specialist Renewal Application
Update any new contact information if applicable
Attach trainings and verification documentation to the renewal application 
Review and sign Code of Ethical Conduct
Pay the renewal fee

Who tracks CEUs?

Peer specialists.

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

No information found regarding separate certification path for Peer Support Supervisors in Wyoming. However, certification requirements note that the Peer Specialist's employer provide a supervisor responsible for employment support for the Peer Specialist and encourage the supervisor to obtain training related to the Peer Specialist program. 

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

In Wyoming, the peer support specialist certification process is designed to be applicable to both mental health and substance use peer support. The certification application allows one to indicate current endorsements of Mastery, Forensic, and/or Whole Health Peer and select Specialist’s experience areas of Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, and/or Dual Diagnosis

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

In Wyoming, the peer support specialist certification process is designed to be applicable to both mental health and substance use peer support. The certification application allows one to indicate current endorsements of Mastery, Forensic, and/or Whole Health Peer and select Specialist’s experience areas of Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, and/or Dual Diagnosis
https://recoverwyoming.org/peer-specialist-training-certification/

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?

Youth and Family Support Partners are paid for by a Wyoming Section 1915(b) Waiver: Wyoming Medicaid’s Youth Initiative. EqualityCare is Wyoming's Medicaid program, which provides peer support, bills it under Skills Training. All requirements of SMDL #07-011 must be met for peer support services to be reimbursable under the Medicaid program. More information under Medicaid Billing of Peer Support Services found at: https://health.wyo.gov/behavioralhealth/mhsa/peer-specialists/

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

Youth and Family Support Partners are paid for by a Wyoming Section 1915(b) Waiver: Wyoming Medicaid’s Youth Initiative. EqualityCare is Wyoming's Medicaid program, which provides peer support, bills it under Skills Training. All requirements of SMDL #07-011 must be met for peer support services to be reimbursable under the Medicaid program. More information under Medicaid Billing of Peer Support Services found at: https://health.wyo.gov/behavioralhealth/mhsa/peer-specialists/

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?

Recover Wyoming is now providing a Telephone Recovery Support (TRS) program. Staff and volunteers making the calls are Wyoming Certified Peer Specialists. Funding for TRS is provided by the Wyoming Department of Health/Behavioral Health Division. 

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?

Recover Wyoming 1017 E Lincolnway
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: 307-421-7261 Email: [email protected] 

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*

Recover Wyoming 1017 E Lincolnway
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: 307-421-7261 Email: [email protected] 

Peer Specialists Organization Website*

Recover Wyoming 1017 E Lincolnway
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: 307-421-7261 Email: [email protected] 

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*

Recover Wyoming 1017 E Lincolnway
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone: 307-421-7261 Email: [email protected] 

Other relevant/helpful contacts:*

Wyoming Peer Specialist Certification contact information: www.recoverwyoming.org Email: [email protected] Phone: (307) 421-7261

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

Recover Wyoming Annual Peer Conference  

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

Peer specialists can achieve a Mastery endorsement, which signifies they have made substantial contributions to the field. 

Additional Info*

None found

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

Yes, Recover Wyoming oversees the certification process for Peer Specialists in Wyoming through the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) for Peer Recovery. 

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