Texas Certified Peer Specialist Program Policy and Procedure Manual Effective February 1, 2011
Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Peer Support and Peer Support Services... 1 Certified Peer Specialists... 1 Program Administration... 2 Program Background and Funding... 2 Medicaid Billing... 2 Program Contact Information... 3 Application Process... 3 Qualifications for Acceptance to Training... 3 Steps in Application Process... 3 Priority System... 4 Pre- requisites... 5 Training Program... 5 Testing... 6 Continuing Education and Re- Certification... 6 Mandatory CEU Content... 6 Pre- Approved Conferences... 6 Pre- Approved Classroom Style Training... 9 Pre- Approved Online Training... 11 DBSA Continuing Education for Peer Specialists... 12 DBSA Recovery Education Center Training Online Learning Program... 12 Requesting Approval for an Event Not Listed... 12 Record Keeping Requirements for Certified Peer Specialists... 13 Advanced and Masters Level Certified Peer Specialists... 13 Approved Endorsements... 14 Endorsements Under Development... 14 Reciprocity... 14 Guiding Principles and Code of Ethics... 15 Guiding Principles for Peer Specialists... 15
Code of Ethics... 15 Rules of Conduct... 16 Professional Standards... 16 Unlawful Conduct... 17 Sexual Misconduct... 18 Fraud Related Conduct... 18 Safety and Welfare... 19 Records Management... 20 Assisting Unlicensed Practice... 20 Cooperation With Via Hope... 20 Complaints and Sanctions... 21 Employment... 21 Workplace Etiquette... 21 Job Description Components... 22 CPS Communications... 22 Appendices... 22 Appendix A Excerpt of Medicaid TAC Rule... 23 Appendix B Job Description Components... 25
Introduction Peer Support and Peer Support Services Many organizations and academics have developed definitions for peer support and peer support were developed by Appalachian Consulting Group, the developers of the training curriculum. They should not be considered the only valid definitions, but they reflect the principles taught in our training. other encouragement, hope, assistance, guidance, and understanding that aids in recovery. It can be done anytime or anywhere when two or more peers are in a mutual, supportive relationship. that are led by people in recovery and based on the philosophy of peer support. They take place within the structure of an agency or organization and are provided as a service by a trained peer specialist. Peer support services necessarily involve face- to- face contact with other individuals. If a peer specialist is assigned job tasks that do not involve working with peers, he or she is not providing peer support. The activities conducted by a certified peer specialist should be related to the individualized treatment plan. Certified Peer Specialists Peer Specialists are individuals in recovery from a mental illness who use their lived experience to assist other individuals in their own recovery. Peer specialists provide a variety of peer support services; however, their primary asset is their ability to share their story and inspire hope for recovery. Certified Peer Specialists (CPSs) have had specialized training to enable them to provide peer support more effectively and have passed a certification exam to demonstrate their competence. CPSs work in a variety of settings community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals and consumer- run organizations are some common organizations that employ peers. The basic Via Hope Peer Specialist Training requires 40 hours over five days, and covers topics including Five Stages in the Recovery Process, the Role of Peer Support in Recovery, Effective Listening, Ethics, and the relationship between mental and physical health (Whole Health). The curriculum is structured to train Texas peer specialists in skills and content universal to peer support issues as well as to provide an understanding of the resources and systems unique to our state. In addition to basic certification as a Peer Specialist, individuals may take additional training in areas of specialization and receive endorsements that indicate they have developed a recognized level of competence in that specialized area. With a combination of experience and endorsement, a Certified Peer Specialist can achieve the designation of Advanced Peer Specialist or Master Peer Specialist. A list of endorsement areas is found in a later section of this manual. 1 Effective 02/01/2011
Program Administration Program Background and Funding Via Hope Texas Mental Health Resource is funded by grants from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. It is a training and technical assistance resource for individuals recovering from mental illness, family members, youth and young adults who are interested in mental health, and mental health professionals. The training and technical assistance provided by Via Hope promotes the concept of recovery and furthers the goal of making the mental health system in Texas more consumer- driven. With the funding provided by DSHS and the Hogg Foundation, Via Hope operates a statewide training and certification program for Peer Specialists. Medicaid Billing There are no restrictions on the activities an employer may request a Certified Peer Specialist to perform. Community Mental Health Centers to bill Medicaid for rehab services provided by a Peer Provider (the term used in the Plan for a Peer Specialist), as long as they follow certain rules published in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) at Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 419, Subchapter L. Under these rules, a Peer Provider (i.e. Peer Specialist) must: Have received a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate; Have at least one cumulative year of receiving mental health services for a disorder that is treated in the target population for Texas; and Work under the direct clinical supervision of an LPHA. Peer Providers (Peer Specialists) may provide the following services: Medication training and support services to an adult; Psychosocial rehabilitation including o independent living services, o coordination services, o employment related services, and o housing related services, Skills training and development services; Day programs for acute needs. The training for certified peer specialist includes additional information about what these services can include. An excerpt of the TAC rule is found in Appendix A. 2 Effective 02/01/2011
Program Contact Information Via Hope is a grant program administered by Mental Health America of Texas (MHAT) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Texas (NAMI TX). To contact Via Hope for anything regarding Peer Specialist Training and Certification: Via Hope Texas Mental Health Resource Attention: Workforce Development Training Coordinator c/o Mental Health America of Texas 1210 San Antonio Street, Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701 Phone: 512-454- 3706 x200 or 1-877- 482-8550 Email: Info@Viahope.org Website: www.viahope.org Application Process Qualifications for Acceptance to Training To be accepted as a candidate for Certified Peer Specialist training, applicants must be: Individuals age 18 or older with a diagnosis of a mental illness and current or prior use of mental health services, who have a desire to use their experiences to help others with their recovery; Individuals willing to publicly identify as a person living with a mental illness in order to model the reality of recovery; High School graduates or have a GED; Far enough along in his or her recovery to undertake the stress of training for and working as a Certified Peer Specialist. The training to become a Certified Peer Specialist is training for a job and potentially a career. It can be a very rewarding position; however, it is not for everyone. To help an individual determine whether he or she is ready for the training and the job of a peer specialist, Via Hope has developed a Training Readiness Guide available on the website at www.viahope.org/pdf/cps_training_readiness_guide.pdf which should be reviewed prior to completing an application. Steps in Application Process The application process for peer specialist training includes a written application, two letters of reference, and a brief telephone interview. The letters of reference should be from individuals that can speak to the recovery and ability to relate to and work with other individuals. The application process is designed to determine whether the individual is far enough along in their personal 3 Effective 02/01/2011
recovery to benefit from the training and has the interpersonal and communication skills to be an effective peer specialist. The current application form is found on the website at www.viahope.org/pdf/cpsapplication.pdf. The application is updated in advance of each training class, and the current application must be used. If an individual applies, is not selected, and wants to be considered for a future training, a new application for that training must be completed. Applications may be completed online and emailed to the program, or they may be downloaded and completed by hand. They must be received by the deadline specified on the application and must be completed in their entirety. Incomplete or illegible applications are not reviewed. Applications are submitted to: Email: info@viahope.org or marybeth@mhatexas.org Mail: Fax: Certified Peer Specialist Training Via Hope Texas Mental Health Resource c/o Mental Health America of Texas 1210 San Antonio Street, Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701 1-512- 454-3725. Applicants must also participate in a telephone interview process. The purpose of the interview is to obtain a sense of s interpersonal skills (verbal communication and interaction with others during a discussion) to determine if the individual to become an effective certified peer specialist, and to determine if the individual is ready to undertake the stresses of the five day training.. The two step application process, along with the priority system described below, determines who is accepted for training. Priority System Enrollment is limited to a class size of thirty participants. If applications exceed class size, participants are selected using a priority system based on current employment status. First preference is given to applicants who are currently employed in a peer specialist position. Second preference is given to applicants who are currently volunteering in a peer specialist position. Third priority is given to applicants who have an offer of employment pending successful completion of the certification class. Fourth priority is given to other applicants who have demonstrated mental health leadership and support experience. 4 Effective 02/01/2011
Pre-requisites There are no pre- requisites in terms of prior training, employment, or volunteer experience, although these are considered in evaluating the applications. Prior recovery related Employment as a certified peer specialist may be somewhat stressful. For this reason, individuals applying for certification training are strongly encouraged to develop personal wellness tools, such as a Wellness, Recovery, Action Plan (WRAP), preferably before attending peer specialist training. WRAP, developed by Mary Ellen Copeland, is a simple self- help system for individuals in recovery to identify personal resources and then use those resources to stay well and feel better when you start feeling badly. For more information about WRAP, visit the Copeland Center website at www.copelandcenter.com. Training Program The Certified Peer Specialist training is a five day, forty hour intensive course with homework most evenings. An outline of the current course curriculum is found in Appendix B. To be eligible to take the certification exam, individuals must: Attend all five days and not miss more than four hours of the training for any reason. Actively participate in discussions and role plays utilizing personal experiences as mental health consumers rather than clinical roles or training. Complete all homework assignments. Classes begin at 8:30 am on Mondays and end at mid- afternoon on Friday. There currently is no registration fee for the training. Breakfast, lunch and snack breaks are provided for all participants. For individuals traveling more than forty miles to the training site, Via Hope provides lodging, usually starting on the Sunday night prior to the training.. Individuals are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to the training site. employer. However, to ensure that financing does not pose a barrier to anyone attending training, scholarships are available on request. The training is provided in a relaxed, casual setting. However, it is training for employment in the workplace; casual but neat attire is required. No supplies are needed for the training; all course materials are supplied. The currently schedule of peer specialist and related training, including training for supervisors of peer specialists, is posted on the website at www.viahope.org/pdf/peerspecialisttrainingcalendar2011.pdf. 5 Effective 02/01/2011
Testing Individuals who have successfully completed the training are eligible to take the on- line certification exam. Each class determines their own five day testing period, typically starting about two weeks after the end of the training. Individuals who do not pass the exam the first time may re- take the exam the next time it is offered. Individuals are notified within four weeks following the exam whether or not they passed. Individuals who do not pass the exam in two attempts may reapply to take the certification training again on a space available basis. Continuing Education and Re-Certification The Via Hope Peer Specialist Certification is valid for a period of twenty four months from the date the certification is issued. During that period the Peer Specialist must acquire a minimum of twenty Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain his or her certification. Each CEU is equivalent to one hour of contact time in an approved training event. These approved events may be conferences, classroom style training, or on- line courses such as Webinars and self- directed courses. Lists of pre- approved training events are provided in the following sections. Prior approval is not required to obtain credit for taking these courses. The final section describes the application process to obtain approval for CEU credit for an event not listed in this guide. There are six hours of required content, as described below. The remaining Continuing Education courses may be taken to contribute to general skill levels, or they may be taken to earn an endorsement in a specialized skill area. The accumulation of endorsements is an essential element in earning an Mandatory CEU Content Each Certified Peer Specialist is required to take three hours of training in Ethics and three hours of training in Cultural Competency every two years. Via Hope will make at least one training opportunity in each subject area available each year. Other training courses in these topics may be approved on a case by case basis. For information on Via Hope sponsored training opportunities in these two areas, refer to the peer specialist training calendar on viahope.org. Pre-Approved Conferences The following list of conferences is pre- approved for CEU credit. 6 Effective 02/01/2011
In State Conferences Texas Catalyst for Empowerment Consumer Conference Description: The initial consumer- focused, consumer- run conference will be held in Summer, 2011 and will emphasize recovery, personal empowerment, support and advocacy. It will be sponsored in part by Via Hope, and will provide numerous learning opportunities for certified peer specialists, including the required courses on ethics and cultural competency. Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar Description: The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health sponsors this conference every two years as part of an initiative to promote mental health, recovery and wellness, and to increase opportunities for consumers, youth and their families to participate in policy making, advocacy, design and delivery of mental health services, peer services and supports. www.hogg.utexas.edu Texas Chapter USPRA Conference Description: The Annual USPRA Conference brings together agencies, practitioners, families and persons living with psychiatric disabilities as well as leaders in psychiatric rehabilitation education and research from major universities across the United States. The Conference offers multiple sessions and learning tracks by keynote speakers. It also offers networking opportunities and face to face connections. http://www.uspratexas.org/index.html NAMI Texas Annual Conference Description: NAMI Texas's role as an advocacy organization grew from the need of its members, consumers, and families to effect a positive change in the response of society, government, and business to an individual with mental illness. The annual NAMI Texas Conference is a gathering of consumers and family members who come together for education, and support through networking with other families living with mental illness. Policymakers present strategies for effective mental health systems change advocacy on the state and local level. www.namitexas.org Out of State Conferences NAPS Conference Description: The National Association of Peer Specialists, Inc. (NAPS), is a private, non- profit organization dedicated to peer support in mental health systems. NAPS sponsors an annual conference for peer specialists that brings together peer specialists and supporters of the peer specialist movement to share ideas, strategies, and information about innovative programs that work. www.naops.org Alternatives Conference Description: This national mental health conference organized by and for consumer/survivors is aimed at offering in- depth technical assistance on peer- delivered services and self- help recovery methods. This annual conference offers information to individuals across the country that are 7 Effective 02/01/2011
interested in the latest advances in mental health recovery and peer support. www.power2u.org Mental Health America Annual Conference Description: This annual conference provides opportunities to strengthen wellness in individuals and communities through advocacy, education and service delivery. It provides an opportunity for people in the mental health field to connect with others who are committed to promoting an agenda that will improve health outcomes and drive down the high rates of mental health and substance abuse in the United States. http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/conference/ NAMI National Convention Description: This annual convention features researchers and clinicians providing information and tools to advance and sustain recovery from mental illness. Policymakers offer strategies and tactics to effectively advocate for changing the mental health system in our nation. Abundant networking opportunities exist so we can learn from each other on how to make change on the local level. www.nami.org DBSA National Conference Description: DBSA offers a unique peer- centered conference for individuals living with depression or bipolar disorder, as well as for family members or health care providers looking for ways to best help their loved ones, patients, or clients by partnering with them on their path to recovery. The conference consists of compelling keynote presentations, educational workshops, and pre- conference institutes. www.dbsalliance.org One Time Events The events listed below do not occur on a yearly basis. For more information about these events and when they will be offered, go to the website listed under each event. International WRAP Around the World Conference Description: This conference is sponsored by the Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery. The conference brings together people in recovery, peer specialists, professionals, and supporters. It is planned by a diverse group of Advanced Level WRAP Facilitators who review submissions for workshops, panels and other parts of the conference. www.copelandcenter.com Via Hope Recovery Oriented Learning Community Kick Off Conference Description: This collaborative learning experience will help participant organizations focus on building a recovery orientation that supports, and is supported by, the use of peer specialists. The Kick- Off conference will orient RFLC participants to the RFLC process and content. National leaders in peer support service implementation, recovery orientation and related topics will act as faculty throughout the RFLC year and will present on these topics during the kick- off conference. www.viahope.org 8 Effective 02/01/2011
Pre-Approved Classroom Style Training The following list of classroom style training courses is pre- approved for CEU credit. Via Hope Classes Advanced Skills Training for Certified Peer Specialists Description: Participants learn specialized skills and tools to advance their career in the peer support profession. They receive a 200 page workbook and resource tools for advanced peer work while building a personalized professional development plan. It is also an opportunity to connect with other peer support colleagues who work in the field. Focus for Life Description: The consumer- led Prosumer Group offers Focus for Life, a three day training for people recovering from mental illness who seek to foster a path toward personal wellness. The class includes five steps to becoming empowered in their lives: recovery, happiness, meaningfulness, empowerment and resiliency. Peer Support Whole Health and Resiliency Description: This training is a strength- based, person- centered planning process that looks comprehensively at a person s health life- style as well as strengths, interests, and natural supports. It focuses on six healthy life- style domains healthy eating, physical activity, restful sleep, stress management/relaxation response, and service to others. The program stresses creating new self- directed health life- style habits and disciplines. Peer specialists learn how to help other consumers get, set, and keep attainable health goals. Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Description: Participants discover the things they need to do every day to keep themselves well, triggering external events that may create feelings of negatively, early warning signs such as irritability or anxiety that indicate a person may be starting to feel badly, and how to develop a response plan. They learn to recognize signs that indicate the situation is getting much worse, such as reckless behavior or isolation, and develop an action plan to stabilize the situation. Using this knowledge and a self- created Wellness Toolbox, participants are able to develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan helps them feel well more often and move forward with their recovery. NAMI Classes Peer to Peer Mentor Training Peer to Peer is a ten week course for people with a serious mental illness who are interested in establishing and maintain their wellness and recovery. Peer to peer mentor training is a three day training on how to teach the Peer to Per course. 9 Effective 02/01/2011
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) Presenter Training In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a one and a half hour interactive, multimedia presentation by consumers for consumers and others that offers hope and provides insight into recovery. IOOV presenter training is a 16 hour training course. During training, presenters learn to organize the details of their stories, prepare for audience participation and inquiries, and tailor presentations to a variety of groups. NAMI Connection Support Group Facilitator Training NAMI Connection is a weekly recovery support group for people living with mental illness in encouragement and understanding. The support group facilitator training requires three days. Suicide Prevention Classes QPR Institute QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer, an emergency mental health intervention for a potentially suicidal person created by Paul Quinnett. QPR training includes information on the problem of suicide nationally and in Texas, common myths and facts associated with suicide, warning signs of suicide. tips for asking the suicide question, methods for persuading suicidal individuals to get help, ways of referring at risk people to local resources, and time for Questions and Answers. There are two types of QPR training an individual can take. The basic QPR training requires one and a half hours. Each attendee receives a QPR booklet and card with information on suicide prevention, suicide prevention brochures as well as resource information for the local community. The QPR certification course trains Instructors to teach QPR for Suicide Prevention to their community. Participants learn about the nature of suicidal communications, what forms these communications take and how they may be used as the stimulus for a QPR intervention in this eight hour course. This course targets prevention education efforts, examines suicide and suicide prevention in history, and facilitates role plays. It requires eight hours. More information may be found at www.qprinstitute.com. Living Works ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) The ASIST workshop is for caregivers who want to feel more confident and competent in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. This workshop is a two- day, highly interactive, practical, practice- oriented workshop. Participation in the full two days is required. The 10 Effective 02/01/2011
workshop consists of small group discussions and skills practice. ASIST workshops in various areas may be identified by contacting the sponsor, Living Works, at asist@livingworks.net. Suicide Prevention Coalition ASK Gatekeeper Training Ask is a new alternative to QPR training, developed here in Texas by the Suicide Prevention Coalition. Unlike QPR, it is not proprietary, and people attending it would not have to purchase materials from the QPR Institute. The training is designed as a one and one- half to two hour workshop to provide time to share basic information about suicide and teach and practice basic suicide intervention skills. Following are the key content areas of the basic suicide prevention gatekeeper training workshop. The workshop includes a place for the insertion of 2-3 slides to individualize it for special target groups. Longer workshops will include more information on postvention. A resource section will be added for health and/or mental health professionals in the audience who desire contact information on where to go for more intensive training in suicide prevention and postvention and to give resources for evidenced based or best practice lethality assessments which are in the public domain. Intentional Peer Support (IPS) IPS is a process where workshop participants use the relationship to create new ways of seeing, thinking, and doing; to develop greater awareness of personal and relational patterns; and to support and challenge each other as new behaviors are tried. IPS promotes a trauma- informed way of relating, and has been used in crisis respite, by peers, mental health professionals, families, friends and community- based organizations. www.prosumersinternational.org Pre-Approved Online Training The following list of on- line training courses is pre- approved for CEU credit. The number of approved hours varies from event to event. Magellan Health Services Resiliency and Recovery E-Learning Center Courses provided by the Magellan Health Services Resiliency and Recovery E- Learning Center may be found at http://www.magellanhealth.com/training/#webinars CEU credit may be obtained by taking any of the following Peer Support e- courses. Peer Support e- course 1: Peer Specialists 101: Research, Core Competencies and Ethics Peer Support e- course 2: The Five Stages in Recovery and the role of Peer Specialists Peer Support e- course 3: Using Your Recovery Story Peer Support e- course 4: Effective Supervision of Peer Specialists 11 Effective 02/01/2011
DBSA Continuing Education for Peer Specialists On- line self study courses provided by DBSA Continuing Education for Peer Specialists may be found at http://www.softconference.com/dbsa/slist.asp?c=1798 CEU credit may be obtained by taking any of the following on- line courses. 010 Using Your Story Effectively in a Healing Relationship 020 What Peer Specialists Can Learn from the Coaching Movement 030 Peer- Led Health Self- Management: An Emerging Field of Practice 040 Not a Pity Party: Effective Peer Support Groups 050 The Complementary Roles of Peer Specialist and Clinical Staff DBSA Recovery Education Center Training Online Learning Program The following DBSA Recovery Education Center Training Living Successfully courses are found at http://www.softconference.com/dbsa/slist.asp?c=1242 CEU credit may be obtained by taking any of the following on- line courses. 010 Week 1 Course Training " Mood Disorder Basics" 020 Week 2 Course Training " Resources and Assistance" 030 Week 3 Course Training " Relationships and Recovery" 040 Week 4 Course Training " Building the Plan" Requesting Approval for an Event Not Listed A Certified Peer Specialist who is interested in participating in a class, on- line training, or conference that is not on the approved list must submit a Request for Training Approval for C.E.U.s form. To obtain approval prior to the class, the request must be submitted a minimum of thirty days prior to the start of the training. Approval can be requested after completing the training; however, there is no guarantee that it will be approved. The form can be requested by calling Via Hope at 877-482- 8550 or sending an email to info@viahope.org. Refer to Appendix B to see what information is required. Via Hope will review the request within ten business days, and advise the Peer Specialist if the class is approved for CEUs. Any class approved for an individual will be added to the pre- approved list. To complete the Request form, you will need the following information; The title of the training, The provider of the training, A contact name and contact information (phone, email), The start and end dates of the training, The total number of contact hours, The training location, Information on the content of the training (preferably from the training provider), Whether a completion certificate is issues following the training, and Whether any other organizations or professions issue CEU credit for the training. 12 Effective 02/01/2011
If the supporting informational materials are available electronically, the Form and materials may be emailed to info@viahope.org. If available only in hard copy, they may be faxed to 1-512- 454-3725 or mailed to: Via Hope c/o Mental Health America of Texas 1210 San Antonio Street, Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701 Via Hope will consider approval for courses in the following subject areas. These topics and skills are beneficial for the Peer Specialist, for both providing peer support and utilizing self- care skills. Facilitating Support Groups Time Management Community Resources Alternatives to Seclusion and Restraint Supported Employment Supported Housing Dual Recovery Psychiatric Advanced Directives Motivational Interviewing Skills Conflict Resolution Record Keeping Requirements for Certified Peer Specialists It is the responsibility of each Certified Peer Specialist to maintain appropriate records and documentation of their own CEU training. Via Hope periodically audits a random sample of Peer Specialist CEU records. Failure to maintain sufficient documentation is grounds for suspension of a peer ould enable Certified Peer Specialists to track their CEUs. To receive CEU credit for a training event the Peer Specialist must be able to present a certificate of completion. In the rare case that this is not provided at the training, an event registration receipt may be accepted. If neither is supplied, a copy of the materials handed out in class and signed by the instructor may be accepted as certification. If CEU requirements are not met within the two year required period, the Peer S certification is suspended until the Peer Specialist has completed the required CEU hours. Advanced and Masters Level Certified Peer Specialists Individuals are encouraged to take additional training that qualifies them for to become an Advanced Certified Peer Specialist. Advanced training has several advantages. First, it equips the individual to be a more effective peer specialist who can be of more help to other peers. It increases self confidence, makes the individual more valuable to the employer, 13 Effective 02/01/2011
To receive an Advanced Certification, a Peer Specialist must earn two or more Endorsements and have a minimum of one year of work experience (paid, volunteer, or internship). Endorsements are specialty areas of education and practice selected to provide a knowledge and skill base in that area. The hours required for each endorsement vary depending on the subject area, but range from 12 to 40 hours. Any training approved for an endorsement qualifies towards meeting the annual CEU requirements, although the three CEU hours of Ethics and three of Cultural Competency are still required. An individual who has achieved the Advanced Certified Peer Specialist designation may continue to earn endorsements and accrue experience. With an additional two endorsements and an additional one year of experience, an individual may qualify as a Master Certified Peer Specialist. Approved Endorsements The following endorsements and their requirements are currently authorized. WRAP Facilitator. To be eligible to become a WRAP facilitator, an individual must first take an approved 24 hour WRAP facilitation and develop a personal WRAP. Time spent in the WRAP facilitation can count training from an authorized advanced wrap facilitator. Successful completion of the WRAP facilitator training qualifies for a WRAP endorsement. Wellness Coach. The endorsement to become a Wellness Coach requires successful completion of the twelve hour Peer Support Whole Health and Resiliency Training. Peer Support Whole Health and Resiliency training is a strength- based, person- centered planning process that looks comprehensively at - style as well as strengths, interests, and natural supports. It focuses on six health life- style domains healthy eating, physical activity, restful sleep, stress management/relaxation response, and service to others. The program stresses creating new self- directed health life- style habits and disciplines. Endorsements Under Development The following areas are currently being evaluated as potential endorsement areas. Forensic Services Employment coaches Bridger services (linkage to community resources, including housing) Adults with chronic and severe symptoms Adults with intellectual disabilities Children and young adults Acute adult services Reciprocity Individuals who have taken certification training from a recognized source in another state, and received a certification recognized by the state Medicaid agency in the state where the certification was issued, 14 Effective 02/01/2011
may apply to become certified by completing the Via Hope Reciprocity Application. An application may be requested by sending an email to info@viahope.org or calling 1-877- 482-8550 Applicants do not have to take and pass the Via Hope certification exam; however, they receive a provisional certification for up to six months (or twenty our months following their previous training, whichever is less), during which time they must complete a two day Whole Health and Resiliency training. The certification period for reciprocal certifications is the same as for all other certifications, and the same continuing education requirements are in effect for that period. Guiding Principles and Code of Ethics Guiding Principles for Peer Specialists cation process for Peer Specialists in the State of Texas assures consumers, families, employers, and the public that individuals certified by Via Hope as Peer Specialists are qualified and have developed competencies in a set of educational principles and experiences needed to perform the responsibilities of a Certified Peer Specialist. Via Hope has adopted the Certified Peer Specialist Code of Ethics below in order that all Peer Specialists, certified or seeking certification will conform their behavior to the highest standards of ethical practice. Via Hope is the governing body that investigates and sanctions Certified Peer Specialists, or those seeking certification, who breach this Code of Ethics. Certified Peer Specialists, or those seeking certification should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the Code and guide their behavior accordingly. Code of Ethics The principles in the following Code of Ethics will guide Certified Peer Specialists in their various roles, relationships and levels of responsibility in which they function professionally. By accepting the Certification Certificate and holding oneself out as a Certified Peer Specialist, an 1. The primary responsibility of Certified Peer Specialists is to help individuals achieve their own needs, wants, and goals. Certified Peer Specialists are guided by the principle of self- determination for all. 2. Certified Peer Specialists shall maintain high standards of personal conduct. Certified Peer Specialists shall also conduct themselves in a manner that fosters their own recovery. 3. Certified Peer Specialists openly share with consumers and colleagues their recovery stories from mental illness and shall likewise be able to identify and describe the supports that promote their recovery. 4. Certified Peer Specialists shall, at all times, respect the rights and dignity of those they serve. 15 Effective 02/01/2011
5. Certified Peer Specialists never intimidate, threaten, harass, use undue influence, physical force or verbal abuse, or make unwarranted promises of benefits to the individuals they serve. 6. Certified Peer Specialists do not practice, condone, facilitate or collaborate in any form of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, political belief, mental or physical disability, or any other preference or personal characteristic, condition or state. 7. Certified Peer Specialists advocate for those they serve so that they may make their own decisions in all matters when dealing with other professionals. 8. Certified Peer Specialists respect the privacy and confidentiality of those they serve. 9. Certified Peer Specialists advocate for the full integration of individuals into the communities of their choice and promote the inherent value of these individuals to those communities. Certified Peer Specialists will be directed by the knowledge that all individuals have the right to live in the least restrictive and least intrusive environment. 10. Certified Peer Specialists shall not enter into dual relationships or commitments that conflict with the interests of those they serve. 11. Certified Peer Specialists never engage in sexual/intimate activities with the consumers they serve. 12. Certified Peer Specialists shall not abuse substances under any circumstance. 13. Certified Peers Providers shall keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to recovery, and openly share this knowledge with their colleagues. 14. Certified Peer Specialists shall not accept gifts of significant value from those they serve. Rules of Conduct The following Rules of Conduct set forth the minimum standards of conduct which all Certified Peer Specialists or those seeking certification are expected to honor. Failure to comply with an obligation or prohibition set forth in the Rules may result in disciplinary action. Professional Standards A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall meet and comply with all terms, conditions, or limitations of the peer professional certification which they hold. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not perform services outside of their area of training, expertise, competence, or scope of practice A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not fail to obtain an appropriate consultation or make an appropriate referral when the consumer's problem is beyond the area of 16 Effective 02/01/2011
training, expertise, competence, or scope of practice of the Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not in any way participate in discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, socio- economic status, political belief, psychiatric or psychological impairment, physical disability, or the amount of previous therapeutic or treatment occurrences. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall seek therapy for any psychiatric or psychological impairment, psychoactive substance abuse or dependence, emotional distress, or for any other physical health related adversity that interferes with their professional functioning, and where any such conditions exist and impede their ability to function competently, a Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking certification shall request inactive status for medical reasons for so long as is necessary. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification has a responsibility both to the client and/or participant(s) and to the organization within which the service is performed to maintain a high standard of ethical conduct The Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not discontinue professional services to a consumer nor shall the Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification abandon the consumer without facilitating an appropriate therapeutic closure of professional services for the consumer A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not reveal confidential information obtained as the result of a professional relationship, without the prior written consent from the recipient of services, except as authorized or required by law Unlawful Conduct Being convicted or found guilty of a felony, regardless of adjudication, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to any crime relating to the Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification ability to properly provide certified peer specialist services shall be grounds for disciplinary action. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not use, possess, or sell any controlled or psychoactive substance. Being convicted or found guilty, regardless of adjudication, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to any crime which involves the use of any controlled or psychoactive substance shall be grounds for disciplinary action. If a Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification is reprimanded by any agency or organization through any administrative proceedings, this may be grounds for disciplinary action by Via Hope. 17 Effective 02/01/2011
Sexual Misconduct A certified professional or person seeking certification shall not engage in any form of sexual contact/behavior with consumers. The prohibition shall apply with respect to any consumer of the agency by which the certified professional or person seeking certification is employed, regardless of whether or not the consumer is on their caseload. For the purposes of determining the existence of sexual misconduct the professional- consumer relationship, once established, is deemed to continue for a minimum of 2 years after the termination of services or the date of the last professional contact with the consumer A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not engage in sexual misconduct with any immediate family member or guardian of a consumer during the period of time services are being rendered to the consumer, during the entire professional consumer relationship. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not engage a supervisee in sexual misconduct during the period a supervisory relationship exists. Fraud Related Conduct A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not Present or cause to be presented a false or fraudulent claim, or any proof in support of such claim, to be paid under any contract or certificate of insurance; Prepare, make or subscribe to a false or fraudulent account, certificate, affidavit, proof of loss or other document or writing, with knowledge that the same may be presented or used in support of a claim for payment under a policy of insurance; or Present or cause to be presented a false or fraudulent claim or benefit application, or any false or fraudulent proof in support of such a claim or benefit application, or false or fraudulent information which would affect a future claim or benefit application, to be paid under any employee benefit program. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not use misrepresentation in the preparation of an application for Certified Peer Specialist certification or in the procurement of certification or recertification as a Certified Peer Specialist, or assist another in the preparation of an application for certification or in the procurement of registration, certification or re- certification through misrepresentation. The term "misrepresentation" includes but is not limited to the misrepresentation of professional qualifications, certification, accreditation, affiliations, employment experience, educational experience, the plagiarism of application and recertification materials, or the falsification of reference. 18 Effective 02/01/2011
A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not use a title designation, credential or license, firm name, letterhead, publication, term, title, or document which states or implies an ability, relationship, or qualification that does not exist. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not practice under a false name or under a name other than the name under which his or her certification is held A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not sign or issue in the professional capacity a document or a statement that the Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification knows or should have known to contain a false or misleading statement. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not produce, publish, create, or partake in the creation of any false, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading advertisement. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not develop, implement, or maintain exploitative relationships with current or past consumers. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not misappropriate property from a consumer. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not enter into a relationship with a consumer which involves financial gain to the Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification or a third party resulting from the promotion or the sale of services unrelated to treatment or the therapeutic relationship A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not promote to a consumer for personal gain, any unnecessary, ineffective or unsafe psychoactive substance, or any unnecessary, ineffective or unsafe device, treatment, procedure, product or service A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not solicit gifts or favors from consumers. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not offer, give, or receive commissions, rebates, or any other forms of remuneration for a consumer referral. Safety and Welfare Peer Specialist In circumstances where the Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification becomes aware, during the course of providing or supervising professional services, that a condition of clear and imminent danger exists that a consumer may inflict serious bodily harm on another person or persons, the Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall, consistent with federal and state regulations concerning the confidentiality of medical records, take reasonable steps to warn any likely victims of the consumer's behavior. 19 Effective 02/01/2011
In circumstances where the Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification becomes aware, during the course of providing or supervising professional services, that a condition of clear and imminent danger exists that a consumer may inflict serious bodily harm to himself or herself, the Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall, consistent with federal and state regulations concerning the confidentiality of medical records, take reasonable steps to protect that consumer. Records Management A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not falsify, amend, knowingly make incorrect entries, or fail to make timely essential entries into the consumer record. A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall follow all Federal and State regulations regarding consumer records. Assisting Unlicensed Practice A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not refer a consumer to a person that the Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking certification knows or should know is not qualified by training, experience, certification, or license to perform the delegated professional responsibility. Cooperation With Via Hope A certified peer professional or person seeking peer certification who has firsthand knowledge of the actions of a respondent or a complainant shall cooperate with a Via Hope complaint investigation or disciplinary proceeding. A certified peer professional or person seeking peer certification shall not file a complaint or provide information to Via Hope which the certified peer professional or person seeking peer certification knows or should have known is false or misleading A Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall cooperate in any investigation conducted pursuant to this Code of Ethics and a Certified Peer Specialist or person seeking peer certification shall not interfere with an investigation or a disciplinary proceeding or attempt to prevent a disciplinary proceeding or other legal action from being filed, prosecuted, or completed. Interference attempts may include but are not limited to: The willful misrepresentation of facts before the disciplining authority or its authorized representative; The use of threats or harassment against, or an inducement to, any consumer or witness in an effort to prevent them from providing evidence in a disciplinary proceeding or any other legal action; 20 Effective 02/01/2011