The first Erie County CPS Newsletter is available on this site under "Newsletter". Check it out! Thanks to Heidi Blakeslee for her graphic arts ability and Scot Valimont for his input. If you would like to put something in the next issue, please call 814-452-4462 ext.132 for details. Mid October is the deadline for next issue.
There are 2 monthly meetings for CPSs held at the Mental Health Association on the second floor. One, which is held the second Wednesday of every month at 12 noon, is a Professional Development Training meeting for which CPSs can gain CEU credits. CPSs need 18 credits per year to be recertified as a CPS. This meeting provides professional trainings to meet those requirements.
The second meeting is held the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5pm and it is a "Meal and Support" meeting where food is shared as well as good conversation and support. The main food is supplied by MHA with everyone bringing some other food to share. Hope you can join us for one or both of these meeting. Individual WRAP sessions are also available to all CPSs. Contact: Kate Bender 814-452-4462 ext.132
There are 49 Certified Peer Specialist in Erie County. They have all been in trainings for the Certification that promotes the recovery culture. Some work in various settings such as: Center Team (MHA) Housing Team (MHA),Consumer Employment Outreach Coordinator (MHA), Consumer/Family Satisfaction Team (MHA), Peer Support to individuals in the Community (Stairways BH), Youth in Transition (Stairways BH), ACT (Stairways BH), Customer Representative (Stairways BH),Personal Care Home (Stairways BH), Fairweather Lodge, (Stairways BH), Peer Support in Crisis and Outpatient (Safe Harbor BH), Director of Advocacy and Recovery (ECCM). CPS work to help people see their inherent rights and responsibilities and advocate for respectful and professional treatment from the rest of a person's treatment team. For more information about becoming a Certified Peer Specialist or to join a WRAP group or create a personal one-on-one WRAP. contact: Kate Bender - 814-452-4462 ext. 132
PMHCA Conference - June 14th-17th - King of Prussia,PA
USPRA Conference - June 14th-17th - Boise, Idaho
4th Annual Conference on Women, Addiction & Recovery - July 26th-28th - Chicago, Ill.
3rd Annual National Peer Specialist Conference - August 23-25 - Westin Yorktown-Lombard, Chicago, Ill.
Alternatives Conference - September 29th-Oct. 3rd - Hyatt Anaheim, California
Contact kbender@mhanp.org for further information
The National Association of Peer Specialists, Inc. (NAPS), is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to peer support in mental health systems. We are a group of dedicated peer specialists seeking ways to improve the effectiveness of the mental health system through the hiring of other peer specialists.
National Association of Peer Specialists
This site registers you with the MHAPA forum and puts you on a listing of CPSs looking for CPS positions. Click Register for CPS positions for further information.
You can now apply for Non-Civil Service State Jobs online at Non-Civil Service State Jobs
The PA State Civil Service Commission created Civil Service positions for Certified Peer Specialists. It should be noted that if you submit a Civil Service application with a Certified Peer Specialist Certificate,no testing will be required to qualify for Civil Service Peer Specialist positions. View This Site for details.
PA Peer Support Coalition Discussion Board
People in recovery from psychiatric disabilities, researchers and others from around the country gathered in Philadelphia in July 2006, to create a new national trade association , named the Peer Specialist Alliance of America (PSAA). The purpose of this association is to promote the emerging profession of Certified Peer Specialist.See peerspecialistallianceofamerica.org