Reentry Peer Specialist certification training
Monday, July 24th, 2023 – Saturday, July 29th, 2023
Required self-paced (online) July 31st-August 4th, 2023
Core training is a required pre-requisite to this training.
Application Open June 16th, 2023-July 10th, 2023
Via Hope is offering the Reentry Peer Specialist Certification training online via Zoom technology, polls, chats, and short interactive breakout sessions.
This eight day (6 live online, 2 days self-paced online) peer certification training was developed specifically for formerly incarcerated individuals that have had a mental health or substance use challenge. This training is designed to directly address the significant barriers to becoming a whole person that effects employment and other reentry challenges that many people face after release from incarceration. The emphasis on the trauma individuals experience before, during, and after incarceration is a significant distinction from other training models. There is also an emphasis on the Freedom vs. Release perspective. The Reentry Peer Specialist credential will also offer formerly incarcerated individuals with an opportunity to further their own recovery while providing support and hope to other people who may be trying to find their own way through reentry and recovery.
Application and Registration Fees:
- The Core training must be taken prior to this training (Texas Residents only)
- The registration for Reentry Peer Specialist certification training is $950 (due at registration)
- The registration fee covers materials
- Training materials will be mailed to address on application
- If for any reason the application is not accepted a full refund will be provided
- If the applicant is unable to attend for a valid reason and notifies Via Hope at least three business days prior to the training, a full refund will be provided. (written notice with documentation must be provided for approval)
Training Eligibility Requirements:
- Core training completed (Texas residents only)
- Individuals must be age 18 or older.
- Individuals must be a high school graduate or have completed a G.E.D.
- Individuals must have internet and computer access for eLearning training and exam.
- Individuals must have been confined to a JAIL or PRISON as an adult.
- Individuals must have lived experience in mental health, substance use or co-occurring recovery and a desire to use her/his experiences to help others with their recovery.
- Individuals must be willing to publicly identify as a person with lived experience in order to model the reality of recovery.
Via Hope actively welcomes a diverse group of training applicants with respect to race, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and lived experience.
Application, Selection, and Participation Requirements
- The application must be completed in its entirety.
- Selection is based primarily on information provided in this application. However, a telephone interview may also be conducted. Completing the application does not guarantee acceptance to the training.
- Applicants must agree to attend and actively participate in all days of training (audio and video).
- Attendees will participate in discussion and role-plays utilizing personal experiences as individuals in recovery.
- Participants must pass the knowledge assessment following the training in order to submit an application to the Texas Certification Board to become certified.
This certification is specific to Reentry Peer Specialist only. You will not be certified to provide any other direct peer services. 250 hrs of field experience is required for full certification. This credential is not Medicaid Billable.