Peer Support Training Project

Applications to this program are currently closed. Applications will open January 27, 2025 through February 7, 2025 for our April and June cohorts. See the “How to Apply” section below for more information about the application process.

About the Peer Support Training Project

Are you passionate about mental health and want to give others hope? Turn your lived experience into a fulfilling career! 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 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 incredibly high demand. This sought-after certification opens doors 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. Make a profound impact on lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in the healthcare and behavioral health sector.

What do I receive? 

Program Benefits (At No Cost to You!):

• 80-Hour Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Training
  Receive comprehensive, no-cost training recognized by Medi-Cal, equipping you with essential skills for peer support.
• Covered Exam Fee for Certification
  We fully cover the cost of one California Peer Support Specialist Certification exam, ensuring you can advance without financial barriers.
• Paid Internship Opportunity
  Gain hands-on experience through a paid internship, all at no cost to you.
• Career Readiness Training
  Benefit from career readiness training designed to enhance your professional skills and prepare you for success—all at no cost.
• Additional Career-Related Training Opportunities
  Access ongoing training and development opportunities, completely free, to support your career growth and professional development.

What does the Medi-Cal Peer Support Training entail?

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:

• Recovery model
• Communication skills
• Trauma-informed care
• Cultural competency
• Medi-Cal Code of Ethics and more!

Who It's For

• Ages 18+ 
• Has a high school diploma or GED 
• Live in San Diego County 
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. 
• Identify as having lived experience with recovery from a mental health or substance use condition, either as a person who received services or as a parent, caregiver, or family member of a person who has received services 
• Has a strong dedication to recovery

To be successful in this course, participants should know how to perform the computer tasks on this checklist.

How to Apply

Applications to this program are closed. Applications will open January 27, 2025 through February 7, 2025 for our April and June cohorts.

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:

• Share your personal story: Tell us about your experiences with behavioral health challenges, specifically related to mental health or substance use.
• Describe your recovery journey: How have you worked towards recovery? Highlight the techniques, strategies, and any people or resources that have been key to your progress.
• Supporting others: How have you helped others in their own recovery journey? Share any ways you’ve provided support or guidance to those going through similar challenges.
• Your goals for the program: What do you hope to achieve if you are accepted into this program? How do you think this opportunity will impact your professional growth?

When applications are closed, we encourage you to work on your resume and your written response for submission 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). 

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