• California Association of Peer Supporters Academy Application

  • Applicant Requirements: 

    Applicants must have personal lived experience with a mental illness, addiction or justice-involvement and have experience as a consumer of services in the mental health system. 

    Applicants must also identify themselves as a person who has used, or uses, mental health services in their own recovery process. OR applicants must be an immediate family member of a person with a mental illness who has had experience as a consumer of services.

    Applicants must plan to attend all sessions, which is classroom instruction via Zoom. Notification of any need to miss a class or leave early must be done in writing at least 24-hours in advance.

    Currently all trainings are online via Zoom.  Applicants are required to have access to a computer/laptop with stable internet.

    Applicants must be able to communicate effectively using written and verbal skills.

    Applicants must complete the application using a computer/laptop, independently and in their own words.

    Applicants must have basic computer skills and the technical capability to participate.

    Instructions:

     Please plan accordingly to complete your application. It will take about 30 minutes - 1 hour to complete it. 

    All requested information must be provided and every question on this application must be completed. Incomplete applications are defined as containing any blank information box or partially-answered essay question. 

    If you would like to request an accommodation in completing the application, please contact Georgie Sullivan via email gsullivan@prpsn.org or phone 323-772-9732.

    Applications must be completed using a computer/laptop. You may type directly into the application and submit online once completed.

    Submission of an application does not guarantee an interview. If contacted for an interview, each candidate must attend an interview before acceptance into the program. Dates/times for the interviews will be scheduled by CAPS Academy. 

    Selection Process:

    Part I: Application

    Candidates must complete the entire application to be considered for the program.

    Applications are reviewed for completeness, desire to take the State Exam, and the applicant's digital literacy.

    Part II: Interview:

    After your application is reviewed, you may or not be called in for an interview.

    Post-Selection Process:

    If you are selected to become a CAPS Academy Student, you will be required to attend orientation.

    At Orientation you will:

    • Receive an overview of the program, what to expect, logistics, etc.
    • Complete CAPS Academy paperwork
    • Receive the first week's reading / materials for CAPS Academy training.

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  • Alternative Contact Information

    This is someone who could be reached in case of emergency or as a way to contact you if the information you provided above changes: 
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  • Applicant Written Essay

    Please answer all of the questions below in your own words.
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  • *A disability is defined as an individual who: 1) has a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that limits one or more life activities, such as walking, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, learning, caring for oneself or working; 2) has a record or history of such impairment or medical condition; or 3) is regarded as having such an impairment or medical condition.
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  • Applicant Preparation and Commitment

    Participating in the CAPS Academy is an opportunity as well as a commitment. We want to be clear about our expectations. When you accept admittance to the CAPS Academy, you are agreeing to prioritized participation.
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  • Individualized Career Plan

    Complete the individualized career plan (ICP) below to state your goal.
  • Example of Career Plan:


    Name: Jane Ackerman


    Example Career Goal:

    To successfully complete a peer certification training.


    Example Requirements (What do I need to reach my goal):
    I must have lived experience in recovery, apply to an approved peer certification training, participate in a selection process, I will need to have some computer skills to participate in the training and do homework, I must participate and ensure that I understand the material by asking questions and taking notes, I must pass the final exam to successfully complete the training and obtain my completion certificate.


    Example Current Skills & interests:
    I have lived experience in recovery. I am a mental health advocate. I have some computer skills and knowledge about using the internet, I am interested in learning more about how to be a peer supporting others.


    Example Plan to Reach Goal (Who? What? How? Reasonable? Expected Result? Timed/When?):
    I will successfully complete a peer certification training by applying to a peer certification training program, participating in a selection process by showing up to any interviews and being prepared to showcase my best self. If I take notes during class and study for the final exam, I am likely to pass the final exam and earn my completion certificate by October, 2022.

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  • Digital Participation

    To support both applicants and CAPS Academy staff making an informed choice about participation in peer training, we have developed descriptors of technology and digital literacy skills that are meant to enhance the classroom experience and support successfully completing peer training.
  • Participant Agreement Form

    Read each of the following statements thoroughly!  Initial next to the statement you agree with.
  • All the answers are my own. *

  • I intend to participate to my maximum ability during the 84 hour training. Missing more than 3 days will result in a non-completion. *

    I understand that CAPS Academy is not a job placement program, and that CAPS Academy is under no obligation to find me a job or ensure my employment. *

    I understand that the content of this training is to provide me with core competencies to prepare for the Medi-Cal Peer Specialist California State Exam..*      

    I agree to complete all required homework and classroom assignments.* 

    I understand that in order to receive a certificate of completion, I must graduate from the class with everything completed. *     

  • I will positively contribute to the class as a learning community
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  • I can create a distraction free learning environment remotely that enables me to be fully present and engaged. *

  • I can commit to the entire duration of the program. *

  • Clear
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    Pick a Date


  • *A disability is defined as an individual who: 1) has a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that limits one or more life activities, such as walking, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, learning, caring for oneself or working; 2) has a record or history of such impairment or medical condition; or 3) is regarded as having such an impairment or medical condition.
  • Thank you!

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