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Continue readingAbout the Peer Support Training Project
Are you passionate about mental health and want to give others hope? Join our Peer Support Training Project and get certified as a peer support specialist.
What is a peer support specialist?
A peer support specialist is someone with lived experience in overcoming mental health or substance use challenges, either as a recipient of services or as a family member or caregiver of someone who has received services. They receive specialized training to offer support and assistance to others facing similar struggles.
Why become a peer support specialist?
With a shortage of 8,000 workers in San Diego County’s behavioral healthcare field, certified peer support specialists are in high demand to work in hospitals, clinics, community organizations and government agencies. As a peer support specialist, you’ll offer personalized support, empowering individuals to find their unique path to recovery.
What do I receive?
- Program benefits (at no cost to you!):
- 80-hour certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Training
- Covered exam fee for certification
- Paid hands-on internship opportunity
- Career readiness training
- Additional career-related training opportunities
What you get from the program
Paid Work Experience
Hands-on learning at a workplace for a limited time
Job Placement Assistance
Job search support, career advice and information about growing industries
Educational Services
Education assistance to achieve training and career goals
Work Readiness Training
Training on basic skills like teamwork and working under deadlines needed to get—and keep—a job
Supportive Services
Resources like transportation, childcare, or work supplies to help you complete the program
Eligibility requirements
How the program works
From enrollment to completing the program, here’s what you can expect at every stage:
Submit your application online (when applications are open)
Engage in coursework and hands-on learning to get certified
Get real-world experience
Receive job placement assistance
How to apply
Applications are currently closed. Check back soon.
Applications will reopen April 2026 for our August and September 2026 cohorts.
Questions?
Read our FAQs, email us at hello@workforce.org or call (619) 319-WORK (9675).
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Frequently Asked Questions
We offer live virtual 80-hour Medi-Cal Peer Support Training provided by NAMI San Diego over the course of 13 days from 8 a.m.–12 p.m., Monday through Friday. Participants will learn behavioral health skills covering the 17 peer support core competencies as identified by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). The training will be led by Shannon Switzer, lead trainer and certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist. NAMI San Diego is a CalMHSA-approved training provider.
Topics covered include:
When applications are open, the enrollment process includes an application form, which typically takes 10–15 minutes. After submission, you will be directed to respond to supplemental questions which will include submission of a resume and a written response of 100-250 words to each of the following questions:
When applications are closed, you can join the interest list by clicking on the “Join Waitlist” button on this page. When you sign up for the waitlist, we’ll notify you by email as soon as possible when the next application period opens.
While you’re waiting for applications to open, we also encourage you to work on your resume and your written response for submission so you are prepared when applications reopen.
In the meantime, we invite you to review our programs list page to see which programs are actively enrolling participants, sign up for a workshop or stop by a career center. Questions or need more information? Contact hello@workforce.org or call (619) 319-WORK (9675).
This program offers help:
Check out this checklist of computer tasks you should complete or know how to perform to be successful in your course.
Still have questions? Email us at hello@workforce.org or call (619) 319-WORK (9675).