Overview
The North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) Program is an initiative of the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (DMH/DD/SUS). The NCCPSS Program certifies persons in recovery from serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorders (SUD) to support others on their recovery journey. The NCCPSS Program is housed in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). The NCCPSS Program implements the certification, courses, partner engagement, and evaluation of the Program.
Who are Certified Peer Support Specialists?
Certified Peer Support Specialists are people in recovery from serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder, who meet the criteria outlined by the DMH/DD/SUS, and approved to provide support to others who can benefit from their experiences. The North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist Program ensures that the peer has met a set of requirements necessary to support individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
Our Vision
To develop a qualified Peer Support Specialist workforce with the support, access, credibility, competency, respect, and valued role within the mental health and substance use disorder service delivery system to positively impact the lives of individuals experiencing mental health and addiction challenges.
Our Mission
The Program's mission is "Empowering peers, fostering recovery, and changing lives." The Program trains and supports individuals with recovery experience to become skilled Peer Support Specialists. Through education, collaboration, and shared understanding, we prepare peers to walk alongside others in recovery and help build stronger, more compassionate communities. To accomplish this goal, the Program:
- Prepare peer specialists for work in the North Carolina mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) service system.
- Certify persons in recovery who have met the certification criteria outlined by the DMH/DD/SUS.
The Program does not:
- Certify that the person has satisfactorily met all state requirements for certification.
- Guarantee the individual's job qualifications or employment skills.
The employer agency where the CPSS works is responsible for hiring, supervising, performance reviews, and ensuring the peer specialist can perform the job's essential functions, just like other positions.
Our Values
The NCCPSS Program staff are committed to upholding the following values that shape how we serve, collaborate, and lead.
Experience: We value the knowledge gained through lived and professional experiences, recognizing that diverse backgrounds enrich our understanding and enhance our ability to support and empower others.
Respect: We honor the dignity, experiences, and perspectives of every individual, fostering an environment of empathy, inclusivity, and mutual understanding.
Integrity: We commit to honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our actions, consistently upholding ethical standards and earning trust through reliability and fairness.
Collaboration: We believe in the power of working together, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering partnerships built on trust, respect, and open communication to achieve shared goals and strengthen our community.