VOCAL'S MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY NEWS FOR 12.29.14
 
In Today's Digest....
VOCAL News
Conferences, Workshops and Webinars
News Around the Commonwealth
Veteran's Corner
Links to Peer-Run Programs
Other News
Look What Our Members Are Doing!
Career Opportunities


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A twice-weekly electronic news-digest delivered to your inbox dedicated to keeping you informed of mental health recovery news and opportunities across the Commonwealth and the nation.

 

New in the Digest This Week

VOCAL Board of Directors Meets January 7th - Posted 12.29


 

The next VOCAL Board of Directors meeting is Wednesday, January 7, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. There will be an organizational WRAP for an hour after the Board meeting. The meeting will be at the Charlottesville Quaker Friends House, 1104 Forest Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903


Please RSVP to Deidre Johnson at deidre@vocalvirginia.org or 804-343-1777 as to whether you will attend this meeting in person.


Call-in Info: Dial toll-free 1-866-423-8755 and enter Guest code: 843599

 

Please note: VOCAL does not reimburse for mileage nor provides lunch for guests.


DBHDS Seeks Statewide Peer Support Programs and Organizations Contact Info - Posted 12.29

As part of on-going improvements to its Web site, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is currently working on developing a page on its site that will provide contact information for peer support programs and organizations around the state.  If you would like your group to be included on this page, please send a brief email including the name of your group, contact information (phone, email, Web site address, etc.), the city or county where your group is located, and a brief description to:

The CDC Seeks Candidates for 2016 "Tips from Former Smokes (TIPS) Campaign - Posted 12.29

 

CDC needs our assistance to help find candidates for their 2016 Tips From Former Smokers (TIPS) campaign).  They are seeking former smokers with anxiety or depression who might be willing to tell their stories (please note that they also do need to have some smoking-related health condition).  The recruitment period has been extended to December 31st. 

 

Finder Compensation - CDC is offering a $5000 incentive to any non-profit organization (except governmental agencies) that refers a candidate if the candidate is selected to be in the 2016 Tips campaign.

 

Participant Compensation - All travel, lodging and expenses will be paid for participants to attend the filming and recording sessions.  In addition they will be paid a $2,500 fees for participation.  Afterward they will be paid talent rates consistent with the Screen Actors Guild when the commercials begin to air.  These rates can be significant but also vary widely based on how long and at what level the ads are placed in the media.

 

Contact Information: 

844-274-9816

CONTACT@JOINCDCTIPS.COM 

www.joinCDCtips.com  

 

Is There a WRAP© Group in Newport News or Hampton? - Posted 12.29

If you know of one, please contact Ann Benner:

 

New W.R.A.P. Group for Military and Veterans Only at McGuire VA Hospital - Posted 12.29

 

Beginning January 7th, every Wednesday for eight weeks

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

 

For more information: Shirl Selah: 1st.spirit@gmail.com or Jane Ellis: jane@vocalvirginia.org

 

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)at the University of Virginia - Posted 12.29

 

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a practice-based, interactive learning program. Research shows MBSR to be an effective complement to a wide variety of medical and psychological conditions. These include anxiety, asthma, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, hypertension, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and stress disorders.

Mindfulness is the practice of present-moment awareness. It promotes personal well-being and enables us to experience life more fully by developing the ability to return with kindness to the present moment rather than being lost in repetitive thoughts and worries about past or future. In this way, we are able to make conscious choices, rather than react unconsciously.


 Dates: January 19 - March 8

Day and Time: Mondays, 6:30 - 9:00 pm, daylong retreat on February 28
Instructor: Susan Stone
Location: A Place to Breathe
4405 Ivy Commons, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: $460


 Dates: January 15 - March 5

Day and Time: Thursdays, 9:00 - 11:30 am, daylong retreat on February 21
Instructor: Teresa Miller
Location: A Place to Breathe
4405 Ivy Commons, Charlottesville, VA
Cost: $460


To register
VOCAL News

 

VOCAL Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #11 - Posted 12.4   

 

The Definition of Spiritual Wellness

http://www.seekingwholeness.com/terms-definitions/the-definition-of-spiritual-wellness 

 

VOCAL Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #10 - Posted 11.6 

"Can you define 'social wellness/social health'?"

 

SAMHSA, lists social wellness in their Eight Dimensions of Wellness, as "developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system". 

 

And from wiseGEEK (www.wisegeek.org):

 

"Social health often deals with how people relate to each other, and how an individual is able to socialize with other people and form relationships. This can deal with friendships, in terms of how well the person can form and keep friendships, and other types of relationships as well. There are a number of ways in which the different aspects of health are interrelated and have an impact on each other.

There is also evidence to indicate that isolation is not only a potential result of mental or physical illness, but may also cause or aggravate such an illness. This is why

social health has become of increasing importance within the greater overall concept of human health and well-being. Many mental and physical health professionals have begun to recognize the importance of social interaction in a person's ability to overcome illness.

The term can also refer to the health of a society, and is often used to indicate how the people within a given society or culture interact and behave toward each other. In this sense, a country that is rife with conflict and violence may be considered to be suffering from social health issues. Just as a person whose body is suffering from cancerous cells destroying healthy cells has a physical health issue, and the jargon of physical or mental health care may be used in reference to society as well".

 

Check Out VOCAL Workshop Offerings: Twenty-Five Topics on Recovery, Peer Support, Advocacy and Peer Run Programs - Posted 10.20 

VOCAL has been a leader in Virginia's mental health recovery movement since 2002.   Our workshops and professional trainings uniquely blend the experience of individuals who live with conditions commonly referred to as mental health disorders with an up-to-the-minute understanding of state and national mental health systems, and evidence-based recovery tools.

Developed by people who have personally experienced mental health crisis, VOCAL programs value the worth and dignity of each individual, the right to self-determination, and the important contributions of peer support and self-help.

These workshops are designed for peers, peer support specialists, providers, family and supporters of those in recovery.
We can deliver a one-day conference, half-day workshop, or one presentation, all especially designed for the interests of your group.  
Workshops are free to peer-run organizations.
For complete workshop descriptions go to:

 

Link to VOCAL Board Calendar - Posted 10. 13

 

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=8n1cslha5ohv0sp6ghf2n25mbc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York

How Can the VOCAL Web Site Serve You Best?  - Posted 10.6  

 

Please spend a few minutes taking our survey. 

 

Join VOCAL's State-Wide W.R.A.P. Facilitator Network - Posted 9.22 

 
If you've trained in facilitating Mental Health Recovery including Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) workshops, the program developed by Dr. Mary Ellen Copeland, Join VOCAL's network today!
 
Email Ann Benner, R.E.A.C.H. Program Director: ann@vocalvirginia.org
Conferences, Trainings, Workshops, and Webinars

 

BRSS TACS First Fridays - Posted 12.22

"Using Recovery Dialogues to Assist in Systems Transformation: From Maintenance to Community Integration"


Friday, January 9th at 12:00 p.m.

 

 

BRSS TACS Funding Opportunity: 2015 Peer Health Reform Education Efforts - Posted 12.15

  

Informational webinar to be held on Monday, December 22nd from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. The webinar will provide an introduction to BRSS TACS, an overview of these two subcontract opportunities, and the capabilities statement submission process and SAMHSA's expectations regarding how sub-contract activities will address the goals of Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center (BRSS TACS) Peer Health Reform Education subcontracts. 

 

For more information

 

MHAV to Hold Advocacy Conference - Posted 11.20

 

January 26-28 


Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV) will host a three day program of workshops on advocacy on the state policy level and hands-on advocacy experience at the legislature to promote consumer civic engagement.


The Conference focuses on skills and tools that build confidence, encourages participation, and speaking in public. The Conference format is two days in class and a morning at the General Assembly in Richmond, meting legislators and advocating together for mental health awareness.


Requirements:

1. completion of MHAV's Consumer Empowerment and Leadership Training (CELT)


 

2. At least 6 months post crisis
3. Proof of Virginia residency (for scholarship applicants only)
4. Two references that can attest to the applicant's individual recovery (if applicable) and qualities in a group dynamic.

For further information, go to:


 

Star Center Webinar: "Self-Care is Primary Care" - Posted 12.4

Tuesday, January 27th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

When we think of primary care, we think of the office, nurses and physicians we visit for our annual physical and routine health needs. In this webinar Patricia E. Deegan, PhD will flip the notion of primary care and argue that self-care is primary care. Using examples from her own recovery and that of others, she will explain how flipping healthcare in this way defines new roles for individuals, families and staff. New skills and new measureable outcomes will also be described.

 

Mental Health First Aid Training in Fredericksburg - Posted 11.20


The Adult Mental Health First Aid Training will be held on the following dates in 2015: January 12 - 13; March 16 - 17; May 11 - 12; July 13 - 14; September 14 - 15; and November 16 - 17.  

  

The trainings are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the first day and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the second day. All of the Adult Mental Health First Aid trainings will be held at the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy.   

 

To register , please contact Michelle Miner, Therapist/CIT Program Manager, at 540-899-4357 or mminer@racsb.state.va.us.

 

Registration Open for 2015 VACSB Conference - Posted 11.17   

 

January 21st - January 22nd
Richmond Marriott Hotel
500 East Broad Street

Register here

  

News Around the Commonwealth

Mindfulness Meditation Class at 84 Main, Warsaw - Posted 12.15

 

For more info, call 804-333-3581

 

2015 Mental Health Advocacy Day - Posted 11.10 


Monday, January 19th, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

General Assembly Building

Sponsored by: VOCAL, NAMI Virginia, MHAV, Voices for Virginia's Children, Campaign for Children's Mental Health


Come join us and attend a legislative breakfast, meet with your legislators, tell your stories, connect with other advocates and put a face on mental illness!  


 

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ea2vzkxnb21c0448&oseq=&c=&ch=

  

Veteran's Corner

Veterans Crisis Line 

 

Call: 1-800-273-8255  

Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Link 

 

http://www.wearevirginiaveterans.org/ 

 

Veterans Peer Support Group at On Our Own of Roanoke 

 

Every Monday at 1 p.m.

540-362-0061

 

New Tool Connects Vets and Employers 

 

The Veterans Employment Center, an inter-agency collaboration from the White House's Joining Forces initiative, has announced a new online tool to provide veterans with employment resources. ebenefits.va.govwill connect veterans and service members with public and private sector employers who are looking to hire people with military experience, including individuals with disabilities.

 

For more information and employer resources, visit www.AskEARN.org. 

 

Links to MH Peer-Run Programs in Virginia
Arlington Peers Helping Peers in Recovery 
www.aphpr-rpsva.org

Reston Drop-In Center
 
Consumer Wellness Center (Annandale)
 
Recovery In Motion ( Fredericksburg)  
www.recovery-in-motion.org

Blacksburg Computer Empowerment Services
http://computerempowerment.net/about.htm
  
Friends4Recovery Whole Health Center (Richmond)
Center for Recovery and Wellness (Lynchburg)
http://centerforrecoveryandwellness.org/calendar/

Trillium Drop-In Center (Woodbridge)
http://pwdropincenter.org/calendar.php

On Our Own of Roanoke Valley
http://rvonourown.com/Events.aspx

WeCare, Inc (Martinsville)
http://wecaremhc.org/?page_id=42

On Our Own of Charlottesville
www.onourowncville.org

84 Main (Warsaw)
804.333.3581

Recovery Resources and Support
http://www.rrs4hope.com/

The Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center (Alexandria)
www.lmec.org

Our Family  (Winchester)
540.667.8888 or dking@nwcsb.com

Other Program Information:

 

Virginia Peer Support Coalition (Virginia)
  
Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV)
http://mhav.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Falls Church
ANC436@aol.com 

NAMI Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
http://namivirginia.org/

NAMI Central Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
http://www.namicentralvirginia.org

SAARA of Virginia (Richmond)
http://www.saara.org/events-calendar.php

Spiritworks Foundation Center for Recovery of the Soul (Williamsburg)
http://www.spiritworksfoundation.org/events-calendar/

Roads to Recovery (Lynchburg)
http://roads2recovery.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.afsp.org/

 

Other News

 

SAMHSA: "Nearly One in Five Adult Americans Experienced Mental Illiness in 2013 - Posted 12.11

 

Article in New Yorker: "Should Suicidal Students Be Forced to Leave Campus?" - Posted 12.11 

 

Ethnic Minorities Still Receiving Inferior Mental Health Treatment: Yuma News Now - Posted 12.11 

 

Primary care that includes mental health screenings and treatments that take into account a patient's language and cultural background can help address mental health care disparities among ethnic minorities, according to psychologists, physicians and other health care experts writing in a special issue of Psychological Services, published by the American Psychological Association.  

 

Read more here

 
Ten Easy Art Therapy Techniques to Help You De-Stress - Posted 12.11

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/07/art-therapy-techniques_n_6103092.html    

 

Look What Our Members Are Doing!
"Walking in Hope, Living in Grace: The Tapestry"

Book written by Maryalyce Poole, available at Amazon

"A Rooted Mind: Saying Yes to Beauty, Wellness and Deeply-Rooted Mental Health"

Book written by Beth Gager, available at Balboa Press

Career Opportunities

 

Career Opportunity: Project Development and Training Specialist (Program Administration Specialist II) - Posted 12.22

 
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services' Office of Child and Family Services is seeking a highly motivated, skilled and experienced individual to support the implementation of a trauma informed system of care (SOC) for youth affected by crime and trauma. Represent the agency on a multidisciplinary team to accomplish project goals related to improving Virginia's response to trauma exposed youth and their families by providing consistent, coordinated responses that address the full range of their needs.  Review agency and state policies, procedures, regulatory and legislative proposals. Conduct a statewide needs assessment/gap analysis including but not limited to technical, programmatic and policy components.  Participate in cross-systems mapping events.  Provide input in the evaluation and development of new screening tools.  Serve as liaison with state agencies an
d stakeholders.  Participate in the development of procedures, position papers and/or draft policies and regulations. Work with and among state agencies to develop uniform processes for the identification and treatment of children exposed to violence. Develop training curricula on policy and best practices.  Deliver training to stakeholders.  Some travel overnight required.   This is a 15 month part time (up to 29 hours per week) P-14 wage position. 

 

Qualifications:

Considerable knowledge & experience in community based systems of care for youth with behavioral health issues.  Experience working with traumatized youth and knowledge of best practices and screening in a trauma informed system. Knowledge of children's mental illness, DSM V and mental health issues of children, adolescents and their families. Demonstrated professional experience in direct service delivery with children, in program/policy development, in working at the local level, and in creating collaborative relationships across several agencies/organization and levels of government.  Excellent communication skills (orally and in writing).  Ability to establish & maintain effective relationships withdiverse stakeholder groups and people at all levels of government and organizations. Highly developed interpersonal skills that motivate others and promote teamwork and collaboration.  Knowledge of research, analysis, planning, evaluation, and training techniques.  Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Excel.
 Ability to work independently and productively.   Bachelor's degree in social or behavioral sciences, health policy, public administration or related fields.  Master's degree preferred in one of these areas. An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.   

 

Position: #31003 (temporary wage position)                                               Salary Range: up to $30/hour

Please apply online with the Recruitment Management System at http://jobs.virginia.gov/


 

Only accepting online applications.  This position is open until

filled.  DBHDS is a tobacco-free, smoke-free work environment.  

www.dbhds.virginia.gov

An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity 

 

PT Peer Counselor: Crisis Team in Hanover - Posted 12.18

 http://agency.governmentjobs.com/hanovercountyva/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=1006242
 

 

Consumer Support Specialist Job Opening in NOVA - Posted 12.18

 http://prsinc.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-645727.html
 

 

20 Hour/Week Peer Specialist Job - Posted 12.18

Merrifield Peer Resource Center (Arlington)

The Peer Resource Center Peer Specialist will provide support to guests and will work as a member of the team who is responsible for the day to day operation of the Merrifield Peer Resource Center. The Peer Specialist will provide services in the areas of direct peer support, group facilitation, data collection, and training. All Resource Center staff will provide trauma-sensitive peer support to guests and will support each other as a team to keep this approach a priority. The successful candidate will have a strong ability to communicate the values and ethics of the Peer Resource Center to other service programs and staff of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (FFCCSB).

 

 

Required qualifications:
  • Familiarity with WRAP, recovery values and principles
  • Certified Peer Specialist Training and Certification
  • Lived experience with psychiatric and substance use disorder diagnoses, strong emotional distress and/or trauma
  • Experience in providing peer support
  • Ability to access transportation on a regular basis

Preferred qualifications: 

  • Experience in self-advocacy and group facilitation
  • Ability to provide trainings (CPS, WRAP, etc.)
  • Ability to participate in physical tasks involved in household upkeep
  • Bilingual/bicultural in English and American Sign Language, Hmong, or Spanish a plus

Please submit cover letter and resume electronically by December 31st to: Heather Peck c/o Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center at hpeck@lmec.org

 

Full Time Salaried Position at District 19 - Posted 12.8

 

District 19 Community Services Board is seeking a highly motivated self-starter to become a full-time Peer Specialists. The successful incumbent must have proven organizational, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Minimum required qualifications for this position include: High School Diploma or GED, relevant lived experience as a consumer of mental health services, must have at least 12 consecutive months of sobriety or drug free (if substance abuse exists) at least 12 consecutive months of success within personal recovery. No less than 500 paid and or volunteer hours within the preceding year providing recovery related activities to consumers with mental illness. Candidate must have proficient computer skills, experience in record keeping/report completion and proficient scheduling/time management skills.

Preference is given to those who have within the past three years completed a DBHDS recognized Peer Specialist curriculum/program. This curriculum/ program should have included no less than ninety (90) hours of training that covered the areas of content for peer support recommended by DBHDS. Content areas should speak to Peer Services within both the mental health and substance abuse disorder context. Twenty five of those 90 hours should have involved experiential learning.

 
Starting salary will be commensurate with experience/training. Excellent benefits include paid Sick, Annual, and Holiday leave (including birthday), Virginia Retirement System, and group health insurance options. Position requires valid Driver's License in state of residence with a point balance of -6 or higher, and pre-employment extensive background check and drug screening.

Position is open until filled.   

 

District 19 is committed to developing a multicultural workplace. Minorities and persons with disabilities seeking career advancement are encouraged to apply. EOE.  

 

Applications are accepted electronically through their website: www.d19csb.com

 
Dear Reader,  
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DISCLAIMER:

This page is offered strictly for informational and support purposes.  We assume no liability whatsoever for any consequences arising out your use of information or connections provided through any of the above organizations. VOCAL does not necessarily agree with information provided by these organizations, their websites, members or other affiliations.