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Regional Working Well Forum Brings Peer Providers Together
On December 7th, 35 peer providers attended the 2nd Regional Working Well Forum (WWF) in Lakewood, NJ. The day brought new participants and representatives from the four local WWF groups, for a day of discussion about individual support and the challenges of being a peer provider. WWF are based on utilizing a WRAP, Wellness and Recovery Action Plan, as a support for peer providers. This model, developed by MHANJ's Consumer Connections program is proving to be a successful community based support vehicle for NJ peer providers. Read more. |
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FAQ for Employers: Hiring and Retaining Persons in Recovery
The Connecticut Workforce Collaborative has identified concerns related to the retention of people in recovery in the behavioral health workforce, targeting such issues as; dismissal for illness related reasons, lack of knowledge about effective use of reasonable accommodation, and the failure to develop proactive efforts to retain employees. These issues and others formed the basis for two frequently asked questions (FAQ) for employers and employees surrounding employment of persons with psychiatric disabilities. Download the FAQs.
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Survey Finds Hiring Persons with Disabilities Lags in Corporate Diversity
A new survey by the Kessler Foundation and the National Organization on Disability (NOD) finds that although corporations recognize that hiring with disabilities is important, most are hiring very few of these job seekers and few are making any proactive efforts to improve the employment environment. The survey reported that of the 56 percent of managers and executives surveyed, the percentage of new hires in the past three years with a disability was 2 percent. The current economic cutbacks have significantly impacted on corporate human resources diversity efforts. Read more.
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 Mental Health Systems of Care
Through Peer Support Services
The Pillars of Peer Support Services Summit at The Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, November 17-18, 2009
The role of Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) is to work with consumers to assist in regaining balance and control of their lives, and to support recovery (Chinman, Young, Hassel & Davidson, 2006; Sabin & Daniels, 2003; Orwin, Briscoe, Ashton & Burdett, 2003). These positions are important parts of the mental health treatment teams, and settings for care include mental health centers, inpatient and outpatient settings, emergency rooms, and crisis centers (Fricks, 2005).
Read Summary of Summit.
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Peer Providers Changing Lives for Boarding Home Residents and the Homeless
Peer providers across New Jersey are making a difference in many roles. The impact of peer to peer services- in providing critical community outreach, linkage and support services can be best illustrated by the person stories and journeys of peer providers. Read Barbara Michelson's story of, bringing her years of experience as a legal secretary, work with the criminal justice system, and recovery experience to work with consumers living in supported housing operated by the Alliance Against Homelessness (AAH) in Bergen county. Read Nancy Pagano's story of her work as a Peer Outreach Support Team worker for the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, and how she works with residents of Atlantic County boarding homes, facilitates social activities, and runs WRAP groups for consumers.
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Survey Reveals a Strong Peer Workforce in New Jersey
 The preliminary results of a survey conducted of NJ's peer/consumer providers and the agencies that employ them revealed a strong peer workforce in NJ. The survey, conducted by the Mental Health Association in NJ and Collaborate Support Programs of NJ's Wellness Institute, surveyed 124 peers working in the NJ system, and 44 of their employers. Demographics of the peer workers that responded, showed an experienced, educated and well trained workforce, but one still confronted by stigma on the job, with clear barriers for advancement. Employers identified peers being very important in the wellness and recovery transformation, generally well trained and a having a positive impact in the workplace; with preparedness for the workplace along with supervision of peers need to be better addressed. A final report of the survey results and recommendations will be issued in the spring. |
CMHA certification title, to be replaced by CRSP- Certified Recovery Support Practitioner
The CMHA (Certified Mental Health Assistant) certification has been replaced by the CRSP - Certified Recovery Support Practitioner - issued by the Certification Board of New Jersey. The CRSP is available to individuals who are either currently or who had been receiving services from behavioral health providers, and seek to provide peer to peer services. The CRSP reflects the major element of the previous CMHA, but with a greater emphasis on wellness and recovery, peer to peer recovery techniques and expanded focus on the integration of physical and mental health issues. Individuals, who currently hold the CMHA, will be able to obtain their CRSP during their re-certification process. Training for the CRSP can be obtained through the Consumer Connections Core Training program. Click here to review the complete CRSP certification description and application. For questions and further information contact Ray Cortese, Director of Consumer Connections at rcortese@mhanj.org.
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Successful Job Placement is the Goal!
Successful placement in any new job or career can be difficult. The challenges for person in recovery, seeking to bring their peer skills into the mental health system can be even greater. MHANJ's Consumer Connection's program has always made successful job placements as one of its major goals. That has played out with high placement rate of graduates. When consumers enroll in the "Core Training" many are also looking for guidance, knowledge and support as they embark for many on a new career path and a job in the mental health system. In an interview, Frank Garris, of Consumer Connections tells of his experiences working with peers and details the application process, training and range of job placement services provided by the program. Read More.
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Peer Connections is produced by the MHANJ and CSPNJ.
It is edited by Robert Kley, MHANJ and Peggy Swarbrick, CSPNJ.
For further information:
peerconnections@mhanj.org
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