Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) - Idaho

Idaho Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) Program Certifying Body: BPA Health Address: 8050 W. Rifleman St., Ste. 100, Boise, ID 83704 Phone: (800) 486-4372 | Email: mail@bpahealth.com Website: bpahealth.com/peer-and-family-support-faqs/ Credentials: CPSS (Certified Peer Support Specialist); CFSP (Certified Family Support Partners) Mental health peer support only; substance use peers may qualify if co-occurring with mental illness. Substance use specific: Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification (IBADCC) - Certified Peer Recovery Coach Eligibility Requirements: - High school diploma or GED - Lived experience of mental illness or co-occurring disorder - Minimum 1 continuous year in recovery - 2 letters of reference from individuals involved in recovery process - Must have email address and computer access - Must be comfortable with reading, writing, and computer use - Must be able to pass a criminal background check (no felony in last 5 years) Training Requirements: - 40 hours of training (multiple locations; online training available) - 100% attendance required - Pass comprehension exam with 80% or higher on final day - If exam failed: retake within 4 weeks Certification Process: - Apply through BPA Health for 6-month provisional CPSS certification - Complete within 6 months: 20 hours supervision (by degreed human services professional) + 100 hours work/volunteer (bachelor's+) or 200 hours (HSD/GED only) - Extensions available if needed - Upon completion: full 1-year certification awarded - Exam cost included in training fee (~$500) Background Check: Required for employment with vulnerable adults; felony in last 5 years may be a barrier. Contact Criminal History Unit: 208-332-7990. Continuing Education: 10 hours/year (at least 1 hour ethics); individual tracks hours and submits certificates. Medicaid Reimbursable: Yes, through Managed Care via Optum Idaho. Training Providers: - Path to Prime: idahopeersupport.com/training | Jess Wojcik: jess@idahopeersupport.com | (970) 570-1972 - LIFE Counseling Center | Paige Howard: phoward@lifecounselingcenter.net | (208) 465-5433 Statewide Organization: Empower Idaho - empoweridaho.org Contacts: Anna Guida (aguida@jannus.org), Claudia Ordonez-Landry (cordonezlandry@jannus.org), Erin Moore (emoore@jannus.org) Conference: Peer Support Connection Conferences Specializations: Certified Family Support Partners (CFSP) Certified Peer Specialists in Idaho (2024): 478 Source: Copeland Center Peer Specialist Database