Process to Hire and Train a Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS) in your Community

STEP ONE: Complete the Readiness Documents

Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans/Community Mental Health Agencies interested in bringing Youth Peer Support to their community can begin the process by completing & submitting the following documents:

YPS Organizational Readiness Plan

YPS Organizational Readiness Checklist

Hiring a Parent Support Partner or Youth Peer Support Specialist

Directions: Open, complete and save the above documents and forward the completed documents to Sara Reynolds, Youth Peer Support Statewide Coordinator at: [email protected]. Once Sara has received and reviewed the documents she will contact you and then forward the training registration packet. For tips on hiring a Youth Peer Support Specialist, please refer to Hiring a Parent Support Partner or Youth Peer Support Specialist. 

STEP TWO: Complete the Registration Packet

The following registration packet must be completed and submitted to Sara Reynolds at [email protected] AND Krissy Dristy at [email protected] by the designated deadline in order to register a Youth Support Specialist to attend the initial training:

YPS Registration Packet

What is involved in the Youth Peer Support Specialist Certification Process?

YPS Certification Requirements

Youth Peer Support Training Requirements:

The Youth Peer Support Specialist training model requires 100% attendance and participation in all training requirements as outlined in the minimum training requirements document below.

Minimum Training Requirements

Youth Peer Support Specialist Supervision Requirements:

Supervision of the Youth Peer Support Specialist is provided by a CMHSP Child Mental Health Provider who:

• Has direct knowledge and contact with youth receiving Youth Peer Support service.
• Provides clinical direction related to treatment goals.
• Supports clinical staff to integrate YPSS’s into treatment team, development of goals, etc.
• Attends all training requirements as outlined here.

Agency Expectations of the Youth Peer Support Project:

It is a requirement that:

• The YPSS will be hired and employed by the CMH or contract agency before they attend Part One of training.
• YPSS and their supervisor will complete a training orientation call with Program Manager/Statewide Coordinator prior to start of cohort training.
• All pre-training paperwork will be completed by the given deadlines (registration, supervisor contact information, media release and emergency contact).
• The agency will ensure that their YPSS(s) have equipment and all technology to perform their job.
• The agency will ensure that YPSS is aware that 100% participation in all certification requirements is required. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• If the YPSS is employed through a family or contract organization, a supervisor from that organization will be identified and will participate in a minimum of monthly supervision with the CMH and YPSS.
• Employers establish a work schedule that includes a consistent number of hours of work per week and meets the needs and availability of the youth and families being supported.
• The workload will be individualized to assure that individuals receive a high-quality YPS service.
• The agency will ensure that the YPSS will be an active member of the treatment team and will participate in team and planning meetings.
• The YPSS will continue to actively provide this service to a minimum of one youth, parent, or primary caregiver to be seen on a regular and ongoing basis as outlined in the IPOS.
• Upon completing Part One of training, the YPSS will begin to work with youth.
• All MDHHS requirements for YPS training, Part One and Part Two, and ongoing certification requirements will be met. This includes all MDHHS requirements for recertification.
• All supervisors must complete the one time required New Supervisor training. When sending a YPSS to cohort training, the supervisor must attend the required joint training with the YPSS in person.
• Supervisors will attend one supervisor roundtable annually, thereafter. Supervisors will continue to participate in additional TA/training as required by the YPS model or requested by ACMH
• Individual supervision will be provided by a qualified children’s mental health professional (CMHP) identified by the agency on a regular basis. Weekly or bi-weekly supervision is highly recommended.

It is strongly recommended that:

• A minimum of two YPSS be hired per agency as they will offer additional support to one another, which contributes to improved retention rates for the YPSS and offers choice by broadening the range of strengths, skills, and experiences from which to draw in providing support for youth.
• Employers establish a consistent work schedule that includes a minimum number of hours of work per week (i.e. 20 hours per week).
• The workload will be individualized to assure that youth receive a high quality YPS service.

Questions?

For more information about how to bring the Youth Peer Support service to your Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan/Community Mental Health or to learn more about the Youth Peer Support training process, contact Sara Reynolds, Youth Peer Support Statewide Coordinator at: [email protected] or 517-643-3544 or Kristina Dristy, YPS & PSP Program Manager at: [email protected] or 517-643-3314.

Youth Peer Support State Contacts:

Sara Reynolds, Youth Peer Support Statewide Coordinator,  [email protected] or 517-643-3544

Kristina Dristy, Program Manager, YPS & PSP, [email protected] or 517-643-3314

Justin Tate, Manager of Programs for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance in the Division of Mental Health Services to Children and Families, MDHHS [email protected] or 517-241-1497.

Carla Pretto, Executive Director, Association for Children’s Mental Health [email protected] or 517-599-6269.