A unique, intensive training opportunity

offered by Meridian Behavioral Health Services

October 5-9, 2009 & October 12-16, 2009
Sylva, NC

Join us for an exciting, fun, and highly participative two-week trainingprogram that will prepare you for employment as a

Peer Support Specialist.

Several years ago Meridian embarked upon a journey of recovery, seeking to transform the way that we provide services. The fundamentals of this transformation included:the message of hope, an emphasis on wellness management and recovery education, a focus on being recovery-oriented in all we say and do, and the presence of Peer Support Specialists within our workforce. At Meridian, we value Peer Support Specialists as integral team members who have the credential of lived experience and inspire hope by sharing their stories and modeling recovery for others. Meridian’s Peer Employment Training program is an80-hour course designed to teach the skills of peer support.

During the training you will learn:

  • How to deepen your understanding of yourself and strengthen your recovery. The first section, “Personal Development - Knowing Yourself,” contains modules on recovery, peer support, self esteem, community and culture, meaning and purpose, and emotional intelligence
  • How to tell your recovery story from the perspective of a hero during the section entitled, “Turning Point-Preparing Yourself for Work”.
  • The skills of peer support from a peer perspective rather than a clinical point of view. In section three, “Skill Development”, you will learn about communication skills, conflict resolution, trauma and resilience, substance abuse, being with people in challenging situations, and partnering with professionals.

From the training you will gain:

  • A Certificate of Completion for Peer Employment Training
  • A copy of the Peer Employment Training Workbook
  • The preparation for competitive employment as a Peer Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, Peer Bridger or other type of peer support positions. .
  • An excellent opportunity to take charge of your own recovery and give back to the community by helping other individuals to do the same

Pre-requisites: Completion of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan program is preferred but not required.

Important Note: This training has met the standards established by the North Carolina Division of Mental Health for the Peer Support Specialist credential in the state of North Carolina.

Workshop Faculty

Bo Simms, Recovery Education Specialist for Meridian Behavioral Health Services, has a master’s degree in education. Bo has the master level instructor certification for the Peer Employment Training program using the nationally recognized curriculum developed by the RecoveryOpportunityCenter in Phoenix, AZ. Bo is an Advanced Level Mental Health Recovery and WRAP Facilitator Trainer with the CopelandCenter for Recovery and Wellness. Bo has lived experience with recovery from a mental health diagnosis and is a skilled and compassionate facilitator, connecting with each student from a position of mutuality and love.

Limited to 20 participants!

Cost: $1,200

Location:Sylva, NC (Directions will be sent closer to the Training)

Accommodations and meals: We will provide lunch and refreshments. A list of hotels close to the training site is attached.

 Would you like vegetarian lunch?

Registration Deadline: October 1, 2009

Send reservations to:

Registration Form

Name:

Agency:

Address:

Telephone:Email:

Method of payment:  Check #

Mail payment by October 1, 2009 to:

Meridian Behavorial Health Services, PO Box 2187, Sylva, NC 28779

Attention: Elaine McMahan

For detailed training information contact:

Bo Simms at

Phone: (828) 631-3973 Ext. 1469 Fax (828) 631-9280