Mental Health Peer Support Specialist Training

Cascade AIDS Project is excited to partner with Project Able Oregon to provide a week‐long Peer Support Specialist training for up to 12 individuals. Those who complete the training will become certified as Peer Specialists, via a state‐approved curriculum. Training is being offered with the goal of providing professional skills to HIV‐positive individuals that will be marketable within health care organizations across the state. In addition, CAP will seek to hire up to three individuals who’ve completed the certification for part‐time work at Cascade AIDS Project as Peer Specialists.

This training is specifically for people who are HIV+ and who have dealt with mental health challenges such as (but not limited to) depression, substance abuse, or anxiety. Individuals who would like to use their experience to offer support to other HIV‐positive individuals that may be struggling with mental health issues are encouraged to apply.

By filling out the application, you certify that you are HIV‐positive and have dealt with mental health issues in the past. This opportunity is not available to individuals who currently receive intensive support services through CAP’s CareLink program, MAI case management, or mental health support through CAP’s partnership with Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare. If you are participating in CAP’s housing program we request that you have at least 6 months of housing stability prior to applying. Training costs and meals during the training will be covered by Cascade AIDS Project.

No advanced schooling is required to be eligible for this training. CAP seeks to recruit a broad diversity of trainees representing the many communities infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. All applicants for the training must commit to being available to participate in a five day training the week of September 17‐21 and will be notified of their selection no later than August 30th.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete this application (scroll to page 2) and return it to Erin Nortrup, Manager of Support Services by close of business Wednesday, August 15, 2012. Applications can be faxed to 503‐223‐6437, dropped off or mailed to the CAP office at 208 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 800, Portland, Oregon 97204 (Attn: Erin Nortrup) or emailed to enortrup@cascadeaids.org. For questions about the training or application process call Erin at 503‐278‐3830.

Funding for this effort has been provided by Multnomah County via Ryan White Federal Funds. For more information about Peer Specialists and Peer Delivered Services in Oregon – go to: http://www.oregon.gov/OHA/amh/peer.shtml