The National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter in San Joaquin announces it is offering a free online training open to residents of 28 northern and central California counties, including Plumas.
The Medi-Cal peer support specialist training is available for youth aged 16 to 25 and anyone who works with youth aged 16 to 25.
The 13-day training will be held online via Zoom. It is cohort-based, and the two upcoming cohorts are Feb. 10 through 27 and March 10 through 26. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The NAMI CA Medi-Cal peer support specialist certification training webinar is approved by the California Mental Health Services Authority. The training is designed for individuals who identify as having personal experience with recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder. “Whether you are a youth aged 16-25 who identifies with this, or a parent, caregiver or family member of a youth with a mental health condition, this training can help you pursue employment or volunteer opportunities within the public mental health system,” say organizers. After completing the course, participants are eligible to take the Medi-Cal peer support specialist certification exam.
The 80-hour training covers behavioral health skills and the 17 peer specialist core competencies as outlined by the Department of Health Care Services. Topics include the recovery model, communication skills, trauma-informed care, cultural competency and the Medi-Cal code of ethics. Upon completing the training, participants will receive a certificate of completion, which is required to sit for the certification exam.
Through the Department of Health Care Access and Information Peer Training and Placement Program, participants will also receive career counseling and job placement support, helping them find either volunteer or paid positions within their local public mental health system, report organizers. Those interested in the HCAI Peer Training and Placement Program can contact [email protected].
To join the Medi-Cal peer support training, fill out the online form. More information is available from [email protected].
Information provided by National Alliance on Mental Illness San Joaquin County
