NYAPRS Note: The following comes from the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board and the Bureau of Recipient Affairs of the NYS Office of Mental Health.
The New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB) is currently accepting applications for people who would like to be a New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS). The board defines a certified peer specialist as a person who, by virtue of special knowledge, training, and experience, is uniquely able to inform, motivate, guide and support persons in recovery from a mental health diagnosis.
In order to become certified as a peer specialist, a candidate must demonstrate they have completed appropriate education and training, relevant to the work of a peer specialist and endorse the NYPSCB Code of Ethical Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure. In order to download a copy of the Code, please visit their website at www.nypeerspecialist.org for more information.
These are the current certification requirements for provisional certification in New York State as set by the NYPSCB:
1) Lived Experience: Certification is intended for those a) that have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, b) have lived experience with mental health services and c) have disclosed their lived experience with peers, staff and the general public.
2) Education: Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent
3) Training: Candidates must complete all 12 core courses offered by the Academy of Peer Services. For more information about the courses, please visit the Academy of Peer Services website at www.AcademyofPeerServices.org
4) Professional References: Candidates must request three references from individuals able to speak about their ability as a peer specialist
5) Code of Ethical Conduct & Disciplinary Procedures: All candidates must read and agree to abide by the Code of Ethical Conduct and understand that they will adhere to all aspects of the Disciplinary Procedures
If you are interested in becoming certified as a Peer Specialist and you have meet the current requirements for the NYCPS, you can download the application at
http://www.nypeerspecialist.org and submit your application to the NYPSCB via email, fax or US mail. For questions about the certification process, you can contact the NYPSCB office by emailing Tara Davis, Certification Coordinator, at tdavis@asapnys.org or by calling 518.426.0945
Important update about certification levels: In order to expedite the large number of applications we have received, the NYPSCB is currently processing only provisional certification applications. All candidates that meet the requirements for full certification will be automatically approved without needing to resubmit a provisional application. All provisionally certified NYCPS candidates will be notified once full certification is available and the NYPSCB staff will work with all candidates interested in becoming fully certified to determine their eligibility.
Although a second application will not be required, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation that shows peer services provided through paid employment or volunteer work. All previous peer support related work experience will be considered. People who are provisionally certified will be eligible to provide some Medicaid billable services. (Your agency must be recognized by Medicaid as eligible to provide billable services.)
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Frequently Asked Questions
1) Are there any application fees or cost? Currently, all fees associated with provisional applications, as well as fees for upgrading to full certification are being paid by the Office of Mental Health of New York State.
2) Can I get certified if I don’t have a copy of my high school diploma? No, all candidates must document their high school diploma or equivalent (GED) in order to become certified.
3) How long does it take to become certified? Typically, it takes 4 to 8 weeks to become certified. Once you submit your application, you will receive confirmation that your application has been received and if your application is complete you will receive confirmation within 2 to 4 weeks that your application has been forwarded to NYPSCB for review and approval.
4) Who serves on the NYPSCB? The members of the NYPSCB are appointed by OMH of NYS to represent the Peer Specialist community. The members have diverse backgrounds and possess extensive expertise in many facets of peer support and mental health services.
5) Is my certification status private and confidential? No, certification with the NYPSCB is public and your certification status will be publicly available.
6) Can I submit my letters of reference with my application? No, your letters of recommendation should be submitted directly to the NYPSCB office from your letter writers.
7) I want to get certified, but I need help with the application process – What do I do next? For immediate assistance with the application process, email info@nypeerspecialist.org