R523-5-7. Curriculum Requirements for Adult Peer Support Specialist Training Programs

  (1) This curriculum shall provide at least forty (40) hours of instruction for original certification and twenty (20) hours for any and all re-certifications. The curriculum shall include the following components as they relate to the PSS's lived experience and recovery in order to assist in the identified client's strengths working towards recovery:

  (a) Etiology of mental illness and substance use disorders;

  (b) The stages of recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders;

  (c) The relapse prevention process;

  (d) Combating negative self-talk;

  (e) The Role of peer support in the recovery process and using your recovery story as a recovery tool;

  (f) Dynamics of change;

  (g) Ethics of peer support;

  (h) Professional relationships, boundaries and limits;

  (i) Scope of peer support;

  (j) Cultural competence: self-awareness - cultural identity;

  (k) Stigma and labeling;

  (l) Community resources to support individuals in recovery;

  (m) Assisting individuals in accomplishing recovery goals;

  (n) Coach, mentor, and role model recovery;

  (o) Assist in identification of natural, formal and informal supports;

  (p) Stress management techniques;

  (q) Assist individuals in reaching educational and vocational goals;

  (r) Crisis prevention; and

  (s) Assist with physical health and wellness.

  (2) The curriculum shall include:

  (a) Active listening and communication skills; and

  (b) Basic motivational interviewing skills.

  (3) The curriculum must include a strong emphasis on ethical behavior, dual relationships, scope of peer support and professional boundaries and should include case studies, role plays and experiential learning.