Peer Support
Peer support helps people prevent illness, manage chronic illnesses, cope with stress or emotional and psychological challenges, engage those who are poorly reached by health care systems and interventions, and reduce unnecessary care such as multiple hospital admissions for the same problem.
MAS-SSF peer specialists provide culturally, spiritually, religiously, and linguistically relevant professional peer support in five languages: English, Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Pashto, and Urdu.
Peer support was declared an evidence-based practice by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2007.
How does this training benefit me?
- Free training valued at $3,000.00
- Training completion is the first step towards California State Peer Support Certification
- Develop transferable skills
- Can lead to a new career with step by step support from MAS-SSF
Why should I take the training?
- Many community families and individuals need help from trained peer specialists
- Help people with everyday problems
- Provide caring support to your community members
- Help Youth lead our community to wellness in difficult times
May – June 2023 Training Dates
May 8th, 2023 – June 22nd, 2023
Monday through Thursday | 6 pm – 9 pm
Virtual Training | 7 Weeks | Total 84 hrs
Applications are due by Monday, April 8th
[Application Closed]
July – September 2023 Training Dates
July 1st, 2023 – September 2nd, 2023
Saturdays | 9 am – 5:30 pm
Virtual Training | 10 Days | Total 85 hrs
Applications are due by Monday, June 5th
[Application Closed]
The Following Sections are Mandatory to Qualify
Criteria to Qualify to be a Trained Peer Specialist
- Confident in English Reading and Writing
- Young ages 18-30 are encouraged to apply! African American/Black and Afghan applicants are encouraged to apply. Males are encouraged to apply.
- Bilingual applicants are preferred but not required
- Must Attend Screening Interview and expect a short free written portion during the scheduled time
- Must attend all 84 hours of training via Zoom/video calling
- Must serve as a MAS-SSF volunteer peer specialist for a minimum of two years for 2-3 hours per week.
- A stipend will be provided for each support session to help cover transportation and childcare costs.
- Given the influx of refugees in Sacramento since 2014, there is a high demand for community members who speak Arabic and Dari/Farsi, and Pashto – We strongly encourage Dari/Farsi and Pashto speakers to apply.
Before Training
- Mandatory Screening Meeting (MAS-SSF Staff will reach out to you to schedule).
During Training
- You must keep the camera on at all times
- Must deposit $100 with MAS-SSF on 1st day of training (flexible and will discuss case by case). The deposit will be returned to trainees on the last day of training if completed.
After Training
- Attend 2-day Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training
- Participants are required to complete 20 hours of supervised fieldwork and peer support services with MAS-SSF after the course to receive a certificate.
- Attend 32-hour Shifa for Today training hosted by MAS-SSF to develop cultural competency and understand the background of the community they serve
- Must attend monthly meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each month, 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Become A Trained Peer Specialist
Applications have been closed.
Thank you for applying.