The San Joaquin chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has announced a free online training program for residents across 28 northern and central California counties, including Plumas. The program, aimed at youth aged 16 to 25 and those working with this age group, focuses on training Medi-Cal peer support specialists.
The comprehensive 13-day training will be conducted via Zoom, with upcoming cohorts scheduled from February 10 to 27 and March 10 to 26. Classes will take place Monday through Friday, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Approved by the California Mental Health Services Authority, the NAMI CA Medi-Cal peer support specialist certification training is designed for individuals with personal experience in recovery from mental illness or substance use disorders. Organizers highlight the program’s potential to facilitate employment or volunteer opportunities within the public mental health system for both young individuals and family members of youths with mental health conditions.
Participants will engage in 80 hours of training, covering essential behavioral health skills and the 17 core competencies outlined by the Department of Health Care Services. Key topics include the recovery model, communication skills, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and the Medi-Cal code of ethics. Successful participants will receive a certificate of completion, qualifying them to take the Medi-Cal peer support specialist certification exam.
Furthermore, the Department of Health Care Access and Information’s Peer Training and Placement Program offers career counseling and job placement support to assist participants in securing volunteer or paid positions within their local public mental health systems.
Interested individuals can join the training by completing an online form. Additional information is available by contacting [email protected]. For inquiries regarding the Peer Training and Placement Program, contact [email protected].
