Peer Support Specialist training

NAMI Multnomah’s training course is an Oregon AMH department-recognized program for individuals to become Peer Support Specialists. The training is conducted by Project ABLE and offered free of charge through a Multnomah County contract (you *must* live or work in Multnomah County to qualify, no exceptions). The trainings are one-week intensive programs meeting Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm each day, with the exam given on the final day. More information on the growing trend of Peer-Delivered Services is available through the State of Oregon Mental Health division.

All 2013 trainings are FULL
Call in Fall 2013 to be placed on class lists for 2014

2013 PSS Training Sessions
January 21 – 25 | April 22 – 26
July 15 – 19 | October 14 – 18

Class size limited to 16 | Only 4 trainings each year 

To register, call 503.228.5692
or email nami.multnomah@gmail.com
2013 Peer Support Specialist Training Flyer (PDF file) 

REQUIREMENTS:

•  Must be a Peer with mental illness who wants to support Peers with mental illness (or a qualified Peer family member); AND must be a resident of Multnomah County and/or work or volunteer for a Mental Health provider agency in the County. 
• The training is free: however, the actual cost is $950 per person. Due to this, full commitment to attend all five class sessions (total of 40 classroom hours) is expected. 
• An exam must be passed to receive a certificate of completion. 
• Graduates must also participate in a minimum of two “mentoring sessions” with NAMI and Project ABLE (available the first and third Tuesdays of each month).

PSS training components emphasize the AMH philosophy of Recovery; Self-determination; Partnerships; Person-centered planning; Strengths-based healing; Cultural awareness; and Trauma-informed services. Classes are fun and interactive, and cover a variety of topics including:

• Mental Health Recovery
• Compassionate interactions
• Listening to hear
• Barriers to effective communication
• The power of language
• Understanding the impacts of trauma
• Boundaries and “Rescue Triangles”
• Ethics and confidentiality
• Documentation
• Wellness and self-care

Continuing Education for PSS:

All graduates of the NAMI Multnomah / Project ABLE training are encouraged to attend bi-weekly “Mentoring Sessions” for continuing education. These 2-hour sessions offer a chance to interact with other Peer Support Specialists, ask questions, share experiences, and further your knowledge and skills. Currently we hold these sessions on the first and third Tuesdays at 1pm at NAMI Multnomah’s office.