Peer Counselor Apprentice On The Job Training Program

The Peer Counselor On The Job Training Program aims to equip participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively support individuals in their recovery journey. Through a comprehensive curriculum, apprentices will learn the core competencies required for providing peer support services while maintaining ethical and professional standards.

Training Outline:

Module 1: Working with Others (300 hours)

• Communicates Effectively: Developing active listening and empathetic communication skills.
• Builds Positive Relationships: Building trust, rapport, and fostering a supportive environment.

Module 2: Strengths Assessment and Recovery Needs (150 hours)

• Gathers Information: Utilizing various sources to gather comprehensive information.
• Assesses and Identifies Strengths and Needs: Identifying strengths and recovery needs through assessment.

Module 3: Planning Services (100 hours)

• Supports Participant Decision-Making: Assisting participants and their families in creating a plan of care.
• Celebrates Goals and Supports Recovery: Celebrating achieved goals and supporting new recovery objectives.

Module 4: Assisting in Personal Planning (100 hours)

• Identifying Individual Goals: Understanding individual goals and needs for recovery plans.
• Different Types of Plans: Differentiating between wellness recovery action plans, advance directives, relapse prevention plans, no-harm contracts, and goal plans.

Module 5: Providing Services (400 hours)

• Coordinating Care: Collaborating with the team to ensure comprehensive care.
• Maintaining a Safe Environment: Ensuring emotional and physical safety.
• Trauma-Informed Practices: Understanding and incorporating trauma-informed approaches.
• Crisis Intervention: Identifying crises and using de-escalation techniques in peer settings.

Module 6: Linking to Community Resources (100 hours)

• Identifying Appropriate Resources: Recognizing and recommending suitable community resources.
• Supporting Decision-Making: Assisting participants and their families in selecting resources.
• Connecting to Resources: Facilitating connections to community resources.

Module 7: Community Education & Advocacy (150 hours)

• Providing Education: Educating participants about mental health and recovery.
• Participating in Prevention Activities: Engaging in prevention efforts related to mental health.
• Providing Advocacy: Representing the needs and rights of individuals in recovery.

Module 8: Cultural Competency & Individualized Care (200 hours)

• Delivering Culturally Relevant Services: Providing peer support that considers cultural differences.
• Consultation on Cultural Issues: Seeking consultation when dealing with cultural considerations.
• Understanding Multiculturalism: Recognizing the impact of multiculturalism on resilience.

Module 9: Documenting (50 hours)

• Completing Required Documentation: Completing and maintaining documentation as required.
• Responding to client requests to view records: Assisting clients in viewing their records appropriately.
• Understanding RCWs and WACs related to documentation: Familiarity with the laws and regulations related to documenting.

Module 10: Professional and Ethical Conduct (250 hours)

• Fulfilling Responsibilities and Commitments: Fulfilling responsibilities ethically and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ethical Practices: Managing personal and professional boundaries.
• Obtaining Consent: Following rules and guidelines regarding client consent.
• Maintaining Confidentiality and Privacy: Protecting client anonymity.
• Managing Stress and Personal Health: Coping with stress and maintaining personal well-being.

Module 11: Professional Development (100 hours)

• Continuous Learning: Actively seeking opportunities for improvement. Effective Supervision: Making the most of supervision for growth and learning.

Module 12:

• Engages Colleagues in Collaborative and Caring Relationships (100 hours)
• Providing Support: Offering support to colleagues in the field of peer counseling.
• Sharing Lived Experiences: Using personal experiences to connect with and support peers.

Appendix A: Role Play Scenarios

Appendix B: Translation Services

Appendix C: Sample Release of Information Form

Throughout the program, apprentices will engage in practical experiences, case studies, role-plays, and simulations to enhance their skills and readiness to become effective peer counselors. Upon successful completion, apprentices will be ready to embark on their journey as certified peer counselors, promoting recovery and providing support to individuals on their path to wellness.

Note: Each competency should be graded on a scale that reflects the apprentice’s performance, such as “Exceeds Expectations,” “Meets Expectations,” “Needs Improvement,” and “Unsatisfactory.” Provide specific feedback and examples to support the assigned grade for each competency. Regular evaluations and feedback sessions will contribute to the apprentice’s growth and proficiency in these critical area