Digital Peer Support Enhanced Professional Learning Series

This enhanced professional learning (EPL) series is designed for mental health and substance use peer support specialists/recovery coaches to expand their skills in the use of digital technologies to provide peer support services.  Participants will receive training on: 1) the history and role of digital peer support; 2) digital peer support competencies; 3) how to select digital support technologies including decision support tools to aid in selection; 4) specific keys to digital peer support with a focus on engagement; 5) privacy and ethical issues; and 6) how to develop a digital peer support platform. This EPL will be taught by a digital health technology scientist and a peer certified digital peer support specialist. During the sessions, time will be built-in to practice text message-based support as well as discussions and other skill building activities as it relates to digital peer support.

When:

Every Wednesday, August 28 – September 25, 2024 from 11am-12:30pm Mountain/12-1:30pm Central

Objectives:

• Understand the definition of digital peer support
• Describe the history of digital peer support
• Develop understanding in digital peer support terminology, including analytical techniques and technologies
• Understand digital peer support competencies
• Recognize human factors in digital health engagement, including ethics, preference, and privacy features
• Develop expertise in accessing technologies for digital peer support specialists and service users
• Utilize decision-support tools to facilitate the selection of digital peer support technologies
• Develop plan for teaching peer support specialists and service users how to use technology
• Practice text message-based peer support
• Understand how to develop new helping relationships through digital health technologies
• Understand the software development lifecycle
• Discern appropriate user-centered design techniques based on population
• Comprehend technology challenges and successes in achieving health equity through digital peer support technology design

Target Audience:

Professionals in behavioral health, substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and peer recovery support located in the Mountain Plains ATTC Region (HHS Region 8).

Participant Commitment & Expectations:

• Attend a live 1-hour Orientation Session on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 11:00am Mountain/ 12:00pm Central
• Commit to 4-weeks of training for 1.5 hours weekly from September 4 – 25, 2024
• Complete weekly self-study learning activities
• Access to appropriate technology to utilize Zoom videoconferencing platform (i.e., an internet connection, webcam, computer/laptop/tablet, speakers, and microphone)
• Be prepared and actively engage while on camera during the scheduled series time

Facilitators:

• Karen L. Fortuna, PhD, LICSW
• Robert Walker, MS, COAPS

THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE: The first 40 registrants will receive a Mountain Plains ATTC waiver that covers the $400 cost to participate. Once the 40 spots have been filled, registration will be closed. Due to limited enrollment, if you cannot commit to the full requirements, please defer this opportunity to others. Registration is not transferable to another person.

Please Note: Registrants enrolled in this series are required to attend the August 28 and September 4 sessions. If you cannot attend these sessions, you will forfeit your attendance.

In addition, it is expected that participants will have access to the appropriate technology by September 4 in order to fully participate and be on camera at least 90% of the time. This is not a webinar series and active participation to gain/improve skills are required.

If you do not receive a welcome email August 27, please check your spam folder.

Continuing Education – The series has been approved for a total of 11 contact hours (10 hours content instruction and a one-hour orientation session) through the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) ACEP No. 6492. No credit will be awarded for non-attendance or partial attendance. 

The knowledge and skills learned should be applied within the framework of any applicable Operating and/or Credentialing regulations in your State of practice.

QUESTIONS: Please contact the MPATTC Workwise Staff at mpattc@casat.org or by phone at 775-784-6265 or 866-617-2816 (toll-free).