Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to common questions about Peer Workforce — including what a Peer Support Specialist is, what training involves, eligibility requirements, and how we support career development. Peer Support Specialists are valued professionals who use their lived experience to connect with and support others on their recovery journey, helping to create meaningful, empathetic, and recovery-oriented care environments. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, reach out — we’re here to help you explore opportunities, training, and next steps in your peer career.

General

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A Peer Support Specialist is someone with a lived experience or lived expertise(s) and is willing to share their lives experiences/expertise(s) that allows others to connect to each other on a unique level. Experiences may include mental health issues, addictions, emotional distress/trauma.SAMHSA defines Peer Support Specialist as those in successful recovery process.

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Training

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If you’re interested in becoming a peer support specialist through Parents Anonymous®, please click here to register.

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This training is for individuals who are passionate about supporting parents and strengthening families and who are interested in becoming certified Peer Support Specialists through Parents Anonymous®.

The Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training is designed for individuals with lived experience, including mental health challenges, substance use and recovery, parenting and child welfare involvement, reentry, homelessness, or other life experiences, who are interested in using their lived experience to support others within California’s Medi-Cal behavioral health system. For more information visit the CalMHSA website.
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We offer a full-service training experience designed to support you every step of the way. When you join, you’ll receive:

  • The official 80-hour training program certified by the State of California.
  • Vouchers to cover the cost of state certification exams.
  • Support from our Peer Workforce Development Team to help you explore employment opportunities.
  • An in-house internship to practice your skills and gain hands-on experience for your résumé.

Orientation

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The orientation provides an overview of Parents Anonymous®, the Peer Support Training program, expectations for participants, and next steps for enrollment.

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Orientation is offered every other week Wednesday at 5pm, and Saturday on 9am.

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Everyone who is taking the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training.
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Yes. Attendance at the orientation is required before registering for the full Peer Support Training.

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The orientation will be held virtually via Zoom.

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The orientation lasts approximately 60–90 minutes.

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Camera use is encouraged to support connection, but not required.

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No. The orientation is free.

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You will receive a confirmation email with orientation details and access information closer to the event date.

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If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration, let us know as soon as possible, and reschedule on our registration page.

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Please visit the Orientation Event page to schedule your orientation.

Peer Support Network

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The Peer Support Network (PSN) is a continuing education workshop that focuses on strengthening knowledge and skills related to the CalMHSA 17 competencies. This 6-month course supports skills promoting professional development in recovery, resilience, and community well-being. Peers will have the opportunity to earn 6 advanced certificates, receive stipends for completed modules, and network with other peers to develop a community. PSN emphasizes the value of lived experience, mutual support, and empowerment as core principles of effective peer services.

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Peers currently in Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist training or who have recently completed the training with Parents Anonymous Inc. 

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PSN sessions are completely virtual. Held weekly AM or PM on Zoom.

Career Counseling

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Career placement services may include job readiness support, referrals to employment opportunities, connections to partner organizations, assistance with applications, interview preparation, and guidance on navigating hiring processes. Services are designed to support participants in securing employment aligned with their skills, goals, and program eligibility, but do not guarantee job placement.

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No. Completing training or participating in career coaching does not guarantee employment with Parents Anonymous. However, participants may receive guidance, referrals, and support related to available opportunities when positions align with their qualifications and organizational needs.

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No. Job placement is not guaranteed. Career placement services are designed to support participants in preparing for employment, identifying opportunities, and connecting with employers, but employers ultimately make hiring decisions

You can book an appointment with one of our team members for assistance with the CalMHSA registration process.

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Career coaching is offered virtually only. All sessions are conducted online to ensure accessibility, flexibility, and consistency across participants and locations.

Book a session

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Yes. Individuals who are currently employed may receive career coaching if they are enrolled in the training program or have completed it. Coaching services support career advancement, skill development, and long-term career planning.

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Yes. Career coaches work with participants to develop a personalized job search plan based on individual goals, strengths, experience, and employment barriers. Plans may include timelines, target roles, and recommended next steps.

Yes. Career coaches work with participants to develop a personalized job search plan based on individual goals, strengths, experience, and employment barriers. Plans may include timelines, target roles, and recommended next steps.

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Yes. Participants may receive assistance with navigating online job applications, creating accounts on job portals, uploading documents, and understanding application requirements.

CalMSHA

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Once you complete the training, please book a CalMHSA registration appointment with one of our team members, and we will walk you through the process step by step. The link is provided below.

For more information on the fees and fee schedule, visit the CalMHSA website.

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There are no reimbursements if you opt to cover the cost of the exam and/or application yourself. To avoid costs, ensure you have filled out our scholarship form.

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No. Job placement is not guaranteed. Career placement services are designed to support participants in preparing for employment, identifying opportunities, and connecting with employers, but employers ultimately make hiring decisions

You can book an appointment with one of our team members for assistance with the CalMHSA registration process.