Certified Peer Support Specialists
Certified Peer Support Specialists are individuals who have personally experienced and are in recovery from a mental illness and/or substance use disorder. They are uniquely trained to provide support to others who can benefit from their lived experiences. The North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist Program, a rigorous and comprehensive training program, ensures that these peers have met a set of requirements necessary to support individuals with mental health or substance use disorder. It's important to note that not everyone with recovery experience in mental health or substance use disorders is a Certified Peer Support Specialist.
Peer Support Services
Peer Support services are provided through organizations that contract with their local LME/MCO, per the Medicaid and state Peer Support Services definitions. The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services mandates that Certified Peer Support Specialists must deliver all peer support services billed through Medicaid or State funds. For additional information, follow this link: Certified Peer Support Specialists | NCDHHS.
Hiring/Supervising Certified Peer Support Specialists
Behavioral health services and peer-run organizations hire Certified Peer Support Specialists to support individuals they work with on their recovery journey. Thus, Certified Peer Support Specialists must adhere to the organization's policies and assigned duties consistent with the role of a Certified Peer Support Specialist. The organization must also have policies supporting Certified Peer Support Specialists to sustain their recovery while working. It is critical to support Certified Peer Support Specialists through supervision. The North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist Program encourages supervisors to complete the "Supervising NC Certified Peer Support Specialists" training before supervising Certified Peer Support Specialists.
Questions
If you have any questions, check the FAQ page here.