Date(s), Time

Topic

CEU Hours

Eligibility

Registration

1st and 3rd Wed. of the month

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Peer Support for Peer Support (PS4PS) Group

Supporting others is a powerful and rewarding experience, and as a peer professional, you deserve support, too! PS4PS offers a space for peer professionals to connect, share ideas, find support, and recharge. 

0

• Peer support specialists, family peer support specialists, recovery coaches

Jan. 22

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

LGTBQ 101

LGBTQ 101 training is a foundational course that focuses on building an understanding of the LGBTQ community and developing skills and habits necessary to being an inclusive LGBTQ ally. This training covers information about LGBTQ identities and terminology, including information about gender, sexual orientation, and gender expression. The best practices described in this training include pronouns, gender-neutral language, and the art of the apology. 

1

• Peer support specialists, family peer support specialists, recovery coaches
• Peer supervisors

Jan. 24 

12-1 p.m.

Peer Supervisor Discussion: Promoting Recovery and Wellness While Addressing Performance Concerns

Supervisors sometimes feel uncertain about whether and how to help their supervisees who are struggling with their mental health, substance use, or family responsibilities while balancing the need to provide them with feedback on how their behavior—such as showing up late or not meeting deadlines—is affecting services. In this presentation and case discussion, we’ll talk about how to apply several communication skills to create an environment where supervisees feel more comfortable discussing their well-being and struggles and supervisors feel more confident reframing performance discussions as opportunities for compassionate feedback and learning.

1

• Peer services supervisors, managers, and administrators
• Non-peer and peer staff preparing to become peer supervisors

Jan. 27 & 28

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Central)

Coachervision

This workshop is designed to help participants understand how supervisors can effectively support recovery coaches on a day-to-day basis and foster their long-term success. Over the course of this two-day online workshop, participants will define the expectations of Recovery Coach oversight while exploring the complexity and intricacies of the Recovery Coach role.  The workshop emphasizes the importance of accountability for both supervisors and recovery coach and provides valuable insights on how to offer meaningful support to recovery coaches in professional settings.

12

• Currently supervise at least one Recovery Coach who has completed the Recovery Coach Academy training offered by the IPWC through CCAR (Connecticut Center for Addiction Recovery)

Feb. 5

1-2 p.m.

Peer Advocacy 101

Peer support services and staff are essential to providing mental health care to individuals across Iowa. While we often know how to make an impact at the individual level, it’s not always clear how we can make a difference at the policy or State level. This training is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact through legislative advocacy. You will learn about the legislative process in Iowa—from creating a bill to its passage, how to navigate legislative maps to identify your districts and representatives at both the state and federal levels, and how to craft a compelling elevator speech when meeting with your legislators.

1

• Peer support specialists, family peer support specialists, recovery coaches
• Peer supervisors

Feb. 5-7

1-5 p.m. (Central)

Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches 

Ethics trainings are not all created equal. Recovery Coaches need an understanding of ethics that differs from those of clinicians due to their unique role in guiding someone through their own recovery process. In this training, you’ll learn what ethics are and why ethics are so important when performing Recovery Coach Services, how to stay in your lane as a recovery coach, the decision-making process, how to develop guidelines for making ethical decisions, and apply this new learning to your everyday work as an RC.

16

• Recovery coaches only. You must have completed the Recovery Coach Academy.

Feb. 7

12-1 p.m. 

Peer Services Webinar: Peer Support: Moving from a “Nice to Have” to an “Essential to Have” Service

When it comes to the peer support role, there has always been confusion about expectations, integration, and service delivery. It has been considered a “nice to have service” when research shows that it is an essential service with proven effectiveness. In this webinar, Mirna Herrera from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will share research on peer services outcomes and other information you can use to inform conversations with funders, boards, and others.

1

• Everyone

Feb. 18 &19

(This date has been updated and is correct)

9- 1 p.m. (Central)

Recovery Coaching in Justice Settings

Individuals who have experienced jail time, incarceration, or involvement in the justice system face numerous barriers to overcome, making it essential to offer recovery coaches who can assist in navigating those obstacles while providing vital support on their recovery journeys. Participants who complete this training will understand the various justice settings where recovery coaches can serve, learn about the barriers and resources individuals within these settings may face. They will also examine how culture and stigma can affect individuals involved in the justice system and those impacted by incarceration, understand how to serve within their scope of expertise, and demonstrate how to utilize recovery coach skills to support individuals in justice settings.

12

• Recovery coaches only. You must have completed the Recovery Coach Academy.

Feb. 20 & 21

9-1 p.m. (Central)

Recovery Coaching in Emergency Departments 

Emergency Departments (EDs) are increasingly recognizing the significant impact Recovery Coaches can have in this fast-paced environment by connecting patients to long-term, sustainable recovery pathways. This course is designed to prepare participants for the rewarding and challenging responsibilities of being a Recovery Coach in an Emergency Department.

12

• Recovery coaches only. You must have completed the Recovery Coach Academy.

Feb. 28

12-1 p.m.

Peer Supervisor Discussion: Responding to Disclosure and Developing a Wellness Plan 

Supervisors don’t always know their supervisees are struggling with their mental health, substance use, or family responsibilities because their job performance is fine. Therefore, supervisors may be caught off guard when their supervisees disclose they are struggling. Supervisors may wonder what kinds of questions they can ask them about their recovery or whether it’s legal or appropriate to offer to help them develop a wellness plan. In this presentation and case discussion, we’ll discuss how to apply several communication skills to affirm supervisees before discussing what would be helpful, including how to ask clarifying questions and permission to develop a wellness plan.

1

• Peer services supervisors, managers, and administrators
• Non-peer and peer staff preparing to become peer supervisors

Mar. 5 

1-2 p.m. 

Peer Advocacy 101 

Peer support services and staff are essential to providing mental health care to individuals across Iowa. While we often know how to make an impact at the individual level, it’s not always clear how we can make a difference at the policy or State level. This training is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact through legislative advocacy. You will learn about the legislative process in Iowa—from creating a bill to its passage, how to navigate legislative maps to identify your districts and representatives at both the state and federal levels, and how to craft a compelling elevator speech when meeting with your legislators.

1

• Peer support specialists, family peer support specialists, recovery coaches
• Peer supervisors

Mar. 5 -7 

4 - 8 p.m. (Central) 

Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches

Ethics trainings are not all created equal. Recovery Coaches need an understanding of ethics that differs from those of clinicians due to their unique role in guiding someone through their own recovery process. In this training, you’ll learn what ethics are and why ethics are so important when performing Recovery Coach Services, how to stay in your lane as a recovery coach, the decision-making process, how to develop guidelines for making ethical decisions, and apply this new learning to your everyday work as an RC.

16

• Recovery coaches only. You must have completed the Recovery Coach Academy.

Mar. 7

12-1 p.m.

Peer Services Webinar: Paying for Peer Services in Iowa and Hiring Peer Specialists 

Paying for peer services can be challenging, and employers don’t always know how to advertise these positions or what they can ask about applicants’ lived experiences during interviews. In this webinar, Peer Supervisor Jennifer Riley of Pathways will describe ways to pay for peer services in Iowa (with an emphasis on Medicaid reimbursement in Iowa), how to ask about lived experience, and how to draft an ADA-compliant job ad. Participants will receive other hiring resources, including interview questions to assess applicants’ understanding of the peer role.

1

• Everyone

Mar. 21

8:30-4 p.m.

Peer Ethics

Throughout our careers, we inevitably face ethical dilemmas with employers, coworkers, and those we serve. These situations often leave us feeling uncertain about the best course of action, especially when the choices aren’t clear-cut. That’s where a peer code of ethics is indispensable—to help us navigate these complexities. In this training, you will learn how to identify the standards of conduct within the Code, think through the gray areas, and respond to different types of conflict.

6

• Peer support specialists, family peer support specialists

Mar. 28

12-1 p.m.

Peer Supervisor Discussion: Understanding Reasonable Accommodations and Termination under the ADA 

When employees feel supported and understood, they are more likely to disclose their personal and work challenges as they go through critical life transitions. Previously, we discussed how to support supervisees so they can meet job expectations. Despite these efforts, their behavior may negatively affect clients’ well-being or services, raising difficult questions, such as how to motivate them, increase accountability, or make the decision to terminate employment. In this presentation and case discussion, we’ll take a closer look at how to apply reasonable accommodations based on the Americans with Disabilities Act. In our case discussion, we’ll apply several communication skills to facilitate a conversation with supervisees about accommodations and the consequences of not meeting performance expectations, including termination.

1

• Peer services supervisors, managers, and administrators
• Non-peer and peer staff preparing to become peer supervisors

Apr. 2-4

9-1 p.m.

Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches

Ethics trainings are not all created equal. Recovery Coaches need an understanding of ethics that differs from those of clinicians due to their unique role in guiding someone through their own recovery process. In this training, you’ll learn what ethics are and why ethics are so important when performing Recovery Coach Services, how to stay in your lane as a recovery coach, the decision-making process, how to develop guidelines for making ethical decisions, and apply this new learning to your everyday work as an RC.

16

• Recovery coaches only. You must have completed the Recovery Coach Academy.

Apr. 4

12-1 p.m.

Peer Services Webinar: Training and Certifying Peer Staff in Iowa

The Iowa Peer Workforce Collaborative (IPWC) is now in its 10th year of training peer support specialists at no cost to participants. Our curricula were developed through a grant from the Iowa HHS, cross-walked with 58 practice competencies and four Iowa Board of Certification (IBC) domains, and aligned with SAMHSA pillars of peer practice. In this webinar, directors Kellee McCrory (IPWC) and Kate Hentges (IBC) will describe IPWC training and IBC certification in depth so you understand what trainees learn in training and what IBC requires for Peer Recovery Specialist and Family Peer Support Specialist certifications in Iowa. 

0

• Everyone

Apr. 25

12-1 p.m.

Peer Supervisor Discussion: Teaching Peer Staff Self-Advocacy Skills 

1

• Peer services supervisors, managers, and administrators
• Non-peer and peer staff preparing to become peer supervisors

May 16

8:30-4 p.m.

Peer Ethics

Throughout our careers, we inevitably face ethical dilemmas with employers, coworkers, and those we serve. These situations often leave us feeling uncertain about the best course of action, especially when the choices aren’t clear-cut. That’s where a peer code of ethics is indispensable—to help us navigate these complexities. In this training, you will learn how to identify the standards of conduct within the Code, think through the gray areas, and respond to different types of conflict.

6

• Peer support specialists, family peer support specialists

May 19

9-3 p.m.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Many young people experience mental health issues, but they often go unnoticed or untreated, leading to long-term struggles. Therefore, early intervention is critical. This training aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to recognize the signs of mental health challenges and provide youth with support. You will learn how to assess for risk of suicide or harm, give reassurance and information, encourage appropriate professional help, and provide other support strategies. 

0

• Family peer support specialists first
• Then peer support specialists, recovery coaches, peer supervisors

May 23

12-1 p.m.

Peer Supervisor Discussion: Empowering Diverse Lived Experiences 

1

• Peer services supervisors, managers, and administrators
• Non-peer and peer staff preparing to become peer supervisors

Jun. 13

12-1 p.m.

1

• Peer services supervisors, managers, and administrators
• Non-peer and peer staff preparing to become peer supervisors

Jul. TBA

9-1 p.m.

Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches

Ethics trainings are not all created equal. Recovery Coaches need an understanding of ethics that differs from those of clinicians due to their unique role in guiding someone through their own recovery process. In this training, you’ll learn what ethics are and why ethics are so important when performing Recovery Coach Services, how to stay in your lane as a recovery coach, the decision-making process, how to develop guidelines for making ethical decisions, and apply this new learning to your everyday work as an RC.

16

• Recovery coaches only. You must have completed the Recovery Coach Academy.

Jul. 11

12-1:30 p.m.

Peer Services Webinar: Trauma-Informed Peer Supervision

Peer staff are an essential part of the behavioral health system; however, working in these settings can be stressful. For peer specialists and non-peer specialists alike, it can reactivate past traumas or cause secondary trauma. Peer specialists may also experience imposter syndrome that may cause peer drift or empathy fatigue from sharing and listening to peers. Trauma-informed supervision is an effective approach in increasing job satisfaction, increasing self-care practices for peers, and preventing crises or reactivation of symptoms, which decreases turnover rates and increases job satisfaction. In this webinar, Mirna Herrera from SAMHSA will describe trauma-informed care principles and how to implement them in supervision.

1.5

• Everyone

Sep. 10

10-11:30 a.m.

Orientation to WRAP

Although the concept of wellness is broad and often challenging to maintain, it is crucial that we prioritize our own well-being so we can better support others. Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) is an evidence-based practice designed to promote wellness in our lives and in the lives of those we serve. This training will introduce you to WRAP, explore how to apply it in both your personal and professional life and demonstrate how to help peers focus on their well-being.

1.5

• Peer support specialists, family peer support specialists, recovery coaches
• Peer supervisors

Sep. 11

9-3 p.m.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Many young people experience mental health issues, but they often go unnoticed or untreated, leading to long-term struggles. Therefore, early intervention is critical. This training aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to recognize the signs of mental health challenges and provide youth with support. You will learn how to assess for risk of suicide or harm, give reassurance and information, encourage appropriate professional help, and provide other support strategies. 

0

• Family peer support specialists first
• Then peer support specialists, recovery coaches, peer supervisors

Oct. 3

9:30-11 a.m.

Ethics Training for Family Peer Support Specialists: Ethical Use of Technology

In today’s world, social media and technology offer countless ways to connect with others, and while connection is a gift, it also presents significant risks. Unethical use of technology is a growing concern, especially in the workplace. As a family peer support specialist, this training will equip you with the knowledge and tools to avoid, respond to, and resolve ethical dilemmas involving technology. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the ethical standards for using technology responsibly, the grounds for discipline when violating legal or moral standards, and much more.

1.5

• Family peer support specialists only

Oct. 24

8:30-4 p.m.

Peer Ethics

Throughout our careers, we inevitably face ethical dilemmas with employers, coworkers, and those we serve. These situations often leave us feeling uncertain about the best course of action, especially when the choices aren’t clear-cut. That’s where a peer code of ethics is indispensable—to help us navigate these complexities. In this training, you will learn how to identify the standards of conduct within the Code, think through the gray areas, and respond to different types of conflict.

6

• Peer support specialists, family peer support specialists