G e o r g i a C e r t i f i e d P e e r S p e c i a l i s t P r o j e c t
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New Training
We are pleased to announce the upcoming February certification training for Peer Specialists at The Lodge at Simpsonwood in Norcross, GA February 27-March 8, 2012. The Georgia CPS Project is an initiative of the Division of DBHDD in partnership with the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. Please note the training schedule, cost, and application procedure below. The February training marks our 33rd to date. There are approximately 677 Certified Peer Specialists from GA, including those who have joined us for training from 12 other states and 4 Canadian Provinces. Certified Peer Specialists (CPSs) work in a variety of settings both within and outside of the mental health system and are leaders in some of GAís newest initiatives: The Medical College of GA has hired a CPS to bring strengths based recovery and the concept of peer support to student physicians, psychologists and psychiatrists. CPSs in Milledgeville are supporting consumers currently transitioning from long-term hospitalization into the community under the Olmstead Law. A CPS in partnership with clinical providers in a traditional system has created The Peer Support Specialist Program of the Veteranís Administration in Augusta. The presence of one CPS in the lives of Georgiaís consumers is a powerful statement of belief in the reality of recovery and the power of peer support to aid in recovery.The National Institute of Medicine promotes the GA CPS Project as a model for other states to emulate. The Annapolis Coalition on Behavioral Health Workforce has also identified the Project as an ìinnovative and exceptional practiceî. The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), released a Resource Kit, BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR RECOVERY: HOW STATES CAN BILL MEDICAID FOR PEER SUPPORT SERVICES AND TRAIN A WORKFORCE OF PEERS. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently endorsed peer support services, a milestone accomplishment that will allow other states to tap into a steady funding mechanism for peer support services.Training graduates are eligible to sit for the certification exam given in Atlanta approximately one month after their training. Certified Peer Specialists are expected to attend continuing education held twice a year. Georgiaís CPSs are prepared to meet Medicaid requirements for reimbursement in Peer Supports, ACT, and CPSs also serve in PSR, CSI, and wherever the power of consumer role models can and should be felt.Presenters: Presenters from Appalachian Consulting, and the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, will conduct the training with guest presenters from APS Healthcare, Georgia Advocacy Office and other community partners.
Audience: This training is for current or former consumers of Mental Health services in Georgia, who have an interest in peer support for individuals who have been diagnosed with Mental Illness or a dual diagnosis of Mental Illness and Addictive Disease.
This training is for current or former consumers of Mental Health services in Georgia, who have an interest in peer support for individuals who have been diagnosed with Mental Illness or a dual diagnosis of Mental Illness and Addictive Disease. Date, Time & Location: (Both weeks are required)
Week One:
February 27 - March 2
Beginning at 1:00 PM on Monday February 27 and ending on Friday March 2 at 12:00 PM.
Week Two:
March 5 -8
Beginning at 1:00 PM on Monday March 5 and ending on Thursday March 8 at 1:00 PM.
Registration
Fee: $85.00 (Covers the cost of the Participantís Manual, along with the Wellness Recovery Action Plan by Mary Ellen Copeland, and other workbooks and materials. This Registration fee is due when you are accepted to the training.
$85.00 (Covers the cost of the Participantís Manual, along with the Wellness Recovery Action Plan by Mary Ellen Copeland, and other workbooks and materials. This Registration fee is due when you are accepted to the training.Cost: Hotel accommodations and meals are included for the dates of the training only. (Those participants wishing to stay over the weekend between the training weeks can do so at an additional cost and must make their own arrangements with Epworth By the Sea.
Hotel accommodations and meals are included for the dates of the training only. (Those participants wishing to stay over the weekend between the training weeks can do so at an additional cost and must make their own arrangements with Epworth By the Sea.Single Occupancy: $903.00 per person $129.00 per night
Double Occupancy: $626.50 per person $89.50 per night
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PROJECT DOES NOT ASSIGN ROOMMATES OR ASSIST WITH TRANSPORTATION. IT IS EXPECTED THAT PARTICIPANTS ARE ABLE TO MAKE THEIR OWN ARRANGEMENTS.
Deadline: The deadline for all application materials is February 13, 2012.
The deadline for all application materials is February 13, 2012. (Applications received after this date will be handled on a first come first serve basis as space permits.)
(Training class size is limited to 40 - 45 persons.)
Application: Those wishing to participate should complete and return the Application Form and Pre-Test according to the following guidelines:
Those wishing to participate should complete and return the Application Form and Pre-Test according to the following guidelines:ïCandidates must have a diagnosis of mental illness or a dual diagnosis of mental illness and addictive disease and a strong desire to identify themselves as a person with mental illness (current or former consumer of mental health services).
Candidates must have a diagnosis of mental illness or a dual diagnosis of mental illness and addictive disease and a strong desire to identify themselves as a person with mental illness (current or former consumer of mental health services). ïApplicants must hold a GED or High School diploma and be at least 18 years of age. You may be requested to provide a copy of this document.
Applicants must hold a GED or High School diploma and be at least 18 years of age. You may be requested to provide a copy of this document.ïIn addition, applicants must demonstrate strong reading comprehension and written communication skills as indicated by their responses on the pre-test.
In addition, applicants must demonstrate strong reading comprehension and written communication skills as indicated by their responses on the pre-test.ïApplicants must have demonstrated experience with leadership, advocacy, or governance, and be well grounded in your recovery (one year between diagnosis and application to the training).
Applicants must have demonstrated experience with leadership, advocacy, or governance, and be well grounded in your recovery (one year between diagnosis and application to the training).Confirmation:
ïIf your application is accepted for this training you will be notified by telephone and provided additional information about lodging.
If your application is accepted for this training you will be notified by telephone and provided additional information about lodging. ïTo facilitate contact regarding your participation, please include an email address, daytime phone number and fax number.
To facilitate contact regarding your participation, please include an email address, daytime phone number and fax number. Contact:For more information on this event, you may contact:
For more information on this event, you may contact:Bob R. Patterson, CPS
Project Director, GA CPS Project
Phone: 404-687-9487
Email: cpsproject@gmhcn.org
2012 CPS TRAINING SCHEDULE
First Training
(The Lodge at Simpsonwood Norcross, GA)February 27 - March 8
February 27 - March 8First Application AvailableJanuary 23
January 23First Application DeadlineFebruary 13
February 13 Second Training
(The Lodge at Simpsonwood Norcross, GA)May 14-24
May 14-24Second Application Available April 2
April 2Second Application Deadline May 1
May 1Third Training
(Location TBA)September 17-27
September 17-27Third Application Available August 6
August 6Third Application DeadlineSeptember 3
September 3Fourth Training
(The Lodge at Simpsonwood, Norcross, GA)November 5-15
November 5-15Fourth Application availableOctober 2
October 2Fourth application deadline October 29
October 29QUALIFICATIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE:
Candidates must have a primary diagnosis of mental illness or a dual diagnosis of mental illness and addictive disease, and a strong desire to identify themselves as a person with mental illness (current or former consumer of mental health services). Applicants must hold a GED or High School diploma. You may be requested to provide a copy of this document. In addition, applicants must demonstrate strong reading comprehension and written communication skills as indicated by their responses on the pre-test. (Please do not type any portion of the application and pre-test, and do not have anyone fill out either of these forms for you.) You must have demonstrated experience with leadership, advocacy, or governance, and be well grounded in your recovery (one year between diagnosis and application to the training). Please feel free to contact the Project if you have any questions about your qualifications
Peers who are interested in becoming a Certified Peer Specialist apply through the Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project manager. Candidates are selected for the training based on their employment status and the ability to meet the training guidelines. Consumers who are currently employed by a public or private provider of Medicaid billable services are considered for acceptance first. A peer who has distinguished them self as a peer leader and is being sponsored by a Medicaid provider for possible hire is given next priority. Consumers who work within a peer service that does not bill Medicaid or a consumer that is seeking certification to improve their marketability are given next priority. This system was devised to assist program providers in meeting the guidelines that have been set by Medicaid
TRAINING HISTORY
31. February-March 2012 in Norcross, GA
32. October 2011 in St Simons Island, GA
31. August 2011 in Norcross, GA
30. March 2011 in Norcross, GA
29. October-November 2010 in St Simons Island, GA
28. August 2010 in Norcross, GA
27. February 2010 in Norcross, GA
26. October 2009 in St Simons Island, GA
25. July 2009 in Norcross, GA
24. February 2009 in Norcross, GA
23. September 2008 in St. Simons Island, GA
22. July 2008 in Norcross, GA
21. March 2008 in St. Simons Island, GA
20. October-November 2007 in in Norcross, GA
19. August 2007 in St. Simons Island, GA
18. March 2007 in Norcross, GA
17. November-December 2006 in St. Simons Island, GA
16. September 2006 in Norcross, GA
15. March 2006 in St. Simons Island, GA
14. December 2005 in Helen, GA
13. June 2005 in St. Simons Island, GA
12. March 2005 in St. Simons Island, GA
11. December 2004 in St. Simons Island, GA
10. July 2004 in Dahlonega, GA
9. April 2004 in Dahlonega, GA
8. December 2003 in St. Simons Island, GA
7. August 2003 in Dahlonega, GA
6. April 2003 in Milledgeville, GA.
5. November 2002 - St. Simons Island, GA.
4. October 2002 - North GA Mountains
3. April 2002 – Atlanta, GA
2. February 2002 – Macon, GA
1. October. 2001 – Pilot training held at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA
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Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project / All rights reserved. / March 2003
