Participant Agreement for Peer Specialist Training

Congratulations on starting on the path of utilizing your personal lived experience to support others on their recovery journey! Please read this document thoroughly.

Instructions
Please review the following in preparation for your training:

1. Attendance Policy: To receive credit for the training, you cannot miss more than 30 minutes of unexcused absence per 40 hours and no more than 4 hours of excused absence over the course of the training. Must be present the entire first day; no exceptions.
2. No Weapons Allowed: To create a safe and comfortable training space, we ask that you do not bring objects that could be considered a weapon. Should you choose to bring a weapon or a threatening object, you will be asked to leave the training immediately and the information will be shared with the Peer Support Program Administrator and DBHR leadership.
3. Scheduled Breaks and Meals: For in-person trainings, a complimentary lunch is served in the classroom and there will be snacks provided during breaks; coffee and tea are available during the morning break. The training organization will ask you about a vegetarian preference during their registration process.
4. ADA Accommodations: If you require The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations for the training and/or exam, please relay that information to the training organization during their registration process.
5. Class Times: Specific class times will be sent by the training organization. Until then, plan for a week-long, all-day training followed by two weeks of half-days online for hybrid trainings. There will be a lunch period, as well as breaks in the morning and afternoon. An agenda will be provided by the training organization on the first day of training. Virtual trainings are half-days over four weeks.
6. Comfort in the Classroom:
   • Dress in layers. This will help you deal with the room temperature. We do not always have control of the temperature, and in a room full of people, everyone’s needs are different.
   • Out of consideration for individuals with allergies, please refrain from wearing fragrances during the classroom sessions.
7. Virtual Training Etiquette:
   • A one-hour orientation is required, which typically occurs the week or two prior to training. The training organization will send you this information.
   • The training is highly interactive, so cameras must be on the whole time and active participation is required. No children may be on camera at any time.
   • Participants must take this training on a computer or laptop with keyboard and camera (no tablets or phones).
8. Disruptive Behavior: The training organization has the right to ask a participant to leave the training if that participant displays behavior that the trainers deem disruptive to a peer-centered and trauma-informed learning environment (i.e., aggressive, violent, or disrespectful language or action, nonparticipation). Depending on the behavior and reason for dismissal, that participant may not be invited to future trainings. If they wish to attend a future training, they may request reconsideration by emailing the Peer Support Program Administrator.
9. Confidentiality: To ensure confidentiality, participants are strictly prohibited from recording any part of the training.
10. Peer Specialist Exam: Upon completion of 80 hours of training and successful demonstration of skills, you will be eligible for the Written Exam and Oral Exit Interview (both virtual). You must test with your cohort.
    • The Testing Organization (different from the trainers) will send the links for the exams to your email address that is on file with the Health Care Authority (HCA).
    • Log on to the exams a few minutes early.
    • The exam must be taken on a computer (no phones or tablets). On your computer, set Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox as your default browser.
    • To prepare for the exam, review your notes from the online prerequisite and 80-hour training, along with the Peer Specialist Study Guide (provided by your trainers and proctor).
    • Both the written and oral exams are closed book. The use of notes during either exam is prohibited.
    • You will take the Written Exam through an online platform (link will be sent by the testing proctor). It consists of 65 multiple-choice and true or false questions. You have up to two hours to complete the test.
    • The Oral Exit Interview, which consists of six questions, gives you an opportunity to verbally share what you have learned about peer support principles with a panel of qualified peer supporters. You have up to 30 minutes.
    • The Health Care Authority will email you the exam results within 4-5 weeks after the exams are completed.
    • Be advised, you will have one year to re-test, if necessary. You may take the exam up to four times within that one-year period.
11. Cancellation Process: If you cannot attend this training, you must cancel immediately by emailing the host training organization. Your name will be added to the list for future trainings after those already on the list have first been given an opportunity to attend. If you complete the registration process and are a no call/no show on the first day, you will not be invited to another training for six months. It will be your responsibility to contact the HCA in six months to get your application reactivated. If you drop out of the training voluntarily or are asked to leave, you may not be invited to another training for six months. In cases of medical emergencies, you may request an exemption by contacting the HCA Peer Outreach Team at peeroutreach@hca.wa.gov; the request must be made within a week after leaving the training.