DMH

DMH Peer Support Specialist Requirements – Categories and Descriptions A. Employment Requirement 1. The applicant must be currently employed at a Mississippi “state mental health system” program, as defined in Chapter One. B. Education Requirement 1. The applicant must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., General Educational Development – GED). However, young adults (age 18- 26) may, instead, be enrolled in and attending high school or in the process of obtaining a GED equivalent. C. References 1. The applicant must submit two professional references of support. The references must attest to the individual’s ability to perform the role of a Certified Peer Support Specialist. D. Ethics Requirement 1. All applicants must read and abide by the DMH Peer Support Specialist Professional Principles of Ethical and Professional Conduct as well as the Department of Mental Health Operational Standards for Mental Health, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, and Substance use Community Service Providers Part V, Section C – Ethical Conduct. It is the applicant’s responsibility to read these principles before signing and submitting the application. The applicant should keep a reference copy. 2. It is the applicant’s responsibility to read these principles before signing and submitting the application. The applicant should keep a reference copy. 3. Applicants must inform the Division of Peer Recovery and Support of any previous or pending disciplinary action against them by any professional credentialing body or association. Applicants who have had any past or currently held DMH professional credential or any other professional credential be the subject of any disciplinary action must notify the Division of Peer Recovery and Support during the application process. At a minimum, this notification must be provided in the appropriate space on the application form. DMH may delay action on the application until the matter has been resolved and verified to the satisfaction of DMH and/or the PLACE Review Board. E. Self-Disclosure Background Checks 1. Individual must self-identify as current or former recipient of mental health and substance use or former recipient of mental health and intellectual or developmental disability services and demonstrate a minimum of six (6) consecutive months in self- directed recovery within the last twelve (12) months. F. Exam/Training Requirement 1. Successful completion of Certified Peer Support Specialist Training, as prescribed by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. 2. Proficiency for successful completion of Peer Support Specialist examination will be 75%. Applicants must provide proof of completion. G. Lived Experience Requirement