OMHSAS Transformation Transfer Initiative Grant Project
Older Adult Certified Peer Specialist Training
OMHSAS is accepting concept papers from vendors to support Pennsylvania’s 2011 Transformation Transfer Initiative (TTI) Grant Project to implement statewide Older Adult Peer Specialist Training. Two vendors will be selected whose primary responsibility will be selection and oversight of trainers, implementation of trainings, as well as program sustainability.
In this packet applicants will find:
1) Requirements & Expectations
2) Project Training Opportunity and Financial Stipend Information
3) Requirements for Maintaining Certification
4) Vendor Questionnaire
5) Instructor Candidate Attestation
6) Vendor Attestation
1) Requirements and Expectations
The following application packet is designed for potential vendors to describe how their instructor candidates can effectively deliver a training curriculum to PA Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) working with Older Adults. An understanding of how older adult peer support services influence transformation of the Mental Health system should be demonstrated in the concept paper.
Each training vendor will be required to contract with four instructors to implement the 18 hour Older Adult Certified Peer Specialist (OA-CPS) training. Two candidates must be experienced instructors in the field of mental health and recovery and two instructors must be Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) with mental health and recovery training experience.
Two training vendors will be selected to deliver the 18-hour OA-CPS training curriculum in Pennsylvania. Selection of vendors will focus on their candidate’s knowledge of mental health and recovery and prior experience in training adult learners. The 18-hour course may only be taught by OA-CPS instructors who have satisfactorily completed the OMHSAS 4-day train the trainer course. Train the trainer for OA-CPS is not a training primer, therefore instructor candidates selected must have at least 2 years training experience in mental health and recovery. Each vendor will be required to hold at least two OA-CPS trainings per year for three years, with a recommended class size of 20-25 CPS. CPS age 50 and older with strong employment potential should be considered a priority when recruiting candidates for future training classes.
The 4-day train the trainer is sponsored by OMHSAS in partnership with Dr. Cynthia Zubritsky, University of Pennsylvania. The training includes interactive classroom instruction including delivery of the curriculum to a class of Certified Peer Specialists. The 4-day training also includes a written exam and performance evaluation of the instructor candidate’s ability to present the curriculum. Instructor candidates must be present for the entire 4-day training schedule for the week of June 6-10, 2011. Each of the above items determines whether or not an individual is granted approval to teach the 18 hour OA-CPS course. It is not guaranteed that all participants who attend the instructor training will achieve certification.
OMHSAS requires that the 18-hour Older Adult CPS curriculum be presented in its entirety. The training must be facilitated by a team of at least two OMHSAS certified instructors comprised of one experienced instructor and one CPS.
Future training dates, locations and fees may be determined by the training vendors. OMHSAS approved materials must be used during the training. Instructors are required to submit participant evaluations to maintain certification. OMHSAS and UPenn will provide ongoing technical assistance and support to certified instructors.
2) Project training opportunity and financial stipend
Vendors selected for the TTI Grant Project will receive training and a stipend as follows:
· Instructor candidates will participate in a 4-day OA-CPS train the trainer course the week of June 6-10, 2011in Valley Forge/Philadelphia area. Specific dates, time and location TBD
· Instructor candidates will receive $250 stipend to defray the cost of travel and meals
· Overnight accommodations will be provided through the Grant
3) Requirements for Maintaining Certification
To maintain certification, OA-CPS Instructors are required to:
· Conduct the first 18-hour OA CPS training within 4 months of certification.
· Conduct at least two OA-CPS trainings per year for a period of three years.
· Present the OA CPS curriculum in accordance with the course outline, and objectives. Instructors should add local resources, contact information and examples, that do not otherwise alter course materials.
· Collect evaluations from each course participant. Instructors must use the evaluation form provided in the curriculum kit.
· Submit evaluations and reports at the completion of each OA CPS training to demonstrate effective delivery of the training, and to evaluate how the program is received.
· Respect the privacy of course participants, colleagues and others, including the responsibility to protect personal information when gathering information on registration forms or in submitting evaluations; or in gaining permission prior to sharing personal stories or experiences of others.
· Instructors will be eligible for recertification every three years based upon satisfactory completion of all deliverables.
Resources available to certified instructors:
· An OA-CPS Learning Community will be developed, allowing Instructors to participate in quarterly teleconferences. Training data will be reviewed, updates will be provided and technical assistance will be available.
· OA CPS training dates can be advertised on www.papeersupportcoalition.org as well as the OMHSAS listserv
4) Vendor Questionnaire
Vendors selected for the TTI Grant Project will have the right to market and deliver a 3-day OA-CPS training curriculum for 3 years with option for renewal.
Please answer the following questions. Include specific examples of vendor and instructor candidates experience with older adults, mental health and recovery training, and relevant experiences and accomplishments.
1) Why is your organization applying to become a vendor of OA-CPS training?
2) How does the Older Adult CPS Training complement the services and/or trainings your organization currently provides?
3) Please outline specific experiences and/or skills of your organization that are relevant to facilitating the 18-hour OA-CPS course.
4) Please describe your organization’s plan for marketing the OA-CPS training. Include any relevant information from a business plan, organizational support, or other elements which demonstrate long-term development and sustainability.
5) Identify challenges or barriers to implementation or delivery of the OA CPS training. How will you address these challenges?
6) OA-CPS is designed to reduce the stigma and isolation of older adults with mental health issues. How will your organization and instructors become part of an effective solution.
7) Please identify your vendor organization and detailed information regarding instructor candidates in the chart below.
Name of Vendor:Primary Contact Person:
Position/Title:
Email Address:
City: County: State/Zip Code:
Telephone: (___)___-____ Fax: (___)___-____
What is your organizational structure? ___Private ___Public ___Non-Profit
___Other (please specify)
Name of experienced Instructor Applicant 1:
Position/Title (attach resume-required)
Organization:
Email Address:
Street Address:
City: County: State/Zip Code:
Daytime Telephone: (___)___-____ Fax: (___)___-____
Secondary Telephone: (___)___-____
Name of experienced Instructor Applicant 2:
Position/Title (attach resume-required)
Organization:
Email Address:
Street Address:
City: County: State/Zip Code:
Daytime Telephone: (___)___-____ Fax: (___)___-____
Secondary Telephone: (___)___-____
Name of experienced Instructor Applicant 3:
Position/Title (attach resume-required)
Organization:
Email Address:
Street Address:
City: County: State/Zip Code:
Daytime Telephone: (___)___-____ Fax: (___)___-____
Secondary Telephone: (___)___-____
Name of experienced Instructor Applicant 4:
Position/Title (attach resume-required)
Organization:
Email Address:
Street Address:
City: County: State/Zip Code:
Daytime Telephone: (___)___-____ Fax: (___)___-____
Secondary Telephone: (___)___-____
5) Instructor Candidate Attestation
OA-CPS instructor candidates are expected to attend the 4-day OA-CPS train the trainer with an extensive knowledge of mental health and recovery (personal or professional) and to possess teaching skills or related training experience. In their resumes, applicants should highlight any experience related to the instruction of adult populations, the ability to effectively facilitate diverse groups, and the competency/flexibility to create and maintain a positive learning environment.
Each OA-CPS instructor candidate must have the mental health and recovery knowledge and experience to be able to facilitate discussions and answer questions within the key modules of the 18-hour course, and can identify mental health services within their state and community. An important goal of the 18 - hour OA-CPS training is to reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues and extend outreach to older adults.
Instructor candidate signatures below indicate an agreement to serve as an OA-CPS instructor for a 3-year commitment through the end of calendar year 2014.
Applicant Signature:______Date:______
Applicant Signature:______Date:______
Applicant Signature:______Date:______
Applicant Signature:______Date:______
6) Vendor Attestation
______(name of vendor) possesses the necessary experience to provide marketing and logistical support for the effective delivery of the 18- hour OA-CPS training through the end of calendar year 2014. The vendor agrees to successfully market and deliver a minimum of two 18-hour OA-CPS trainings per calendar year. Vendor agrees to contract with four instructor candidates listed in this application.
Authorized vendor signature:______
Date:______
Please mail completed application to:
Bill Boyer, TTI Grant Coordinator
DGS Annex Complex
Room 203, Beechmont Building
21 Beech Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: 717-705-8297
Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2011
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