Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 24 - Mental Health
Part 5 - DMH Peer Support Specialist Professional Standards and Requirement
Chapter One - Certified Peer Support Specialist Professional (CPSSP) Application Procedures
The information below includes:
* CPSSP General Requirements Overview;
* CPSSP General Application Directions
* CPSSP Application Packet Checklist; and,
* CPSSP Application and Forms.
Before submitting an application, be sure to review the complete description of CPSSP requirements and the complete application process for CPSSP located in Chapters 1 through 10,
CPSSP - General Requirements Overview
| Requirements to apply for CPSSP | Description |
| Legal Representative | * If applicable, the legal representative must sign the application in addition to the applicant. |
| Residency | * Applicants must be a resident of Mississippi. |
| Self-Disclosure | * Applicants must self identify as current or former recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse or intellectual or developmental disability services. |
| Employment | * Must be currently employed in Mississippi's "mental health system," as defined in Chapter One. For some applicants, employment may not occur until after successful completion of Peer Support Specialist Professional Training. |
| Education | * The applicant must provide documentation of a minimum of a high school diploma, GED certificate or be at least sixteen (16) years of age and enrolled in a GED program or enrolled in school. " Demonstrate proficiency in reading and writing |
| Ethics | * All applicants must read and abide by the DMH Peer Support Specialist Professional Principles of Ethical and Professional Conduct. It is the applicant's responsibility to read these principles before signing and submitting the application. |
| Experience |
* The applicant must be a current or former recipient of mental health, substance abuse or intellectual or developmental disability services. * Have a serious mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder or intellectual or developmental disability |
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* Self identify as a current or former consumer of mental health, substance abuse or developmental disability services * Applicant must, within the last three years (not necessarily consecutively), have a minimum of 250 hours of paid or volunteer work or activities in a support or advisory role with adults or transition-aged youth diagnosed with a serious mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder or intellectual or developmental disability. * One year of college or educational experience (within the last three years) can be substituted for the work experience. All experience must be gained prior to applying for certification. |
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| Reference |
* Applicant must submit two Reference Forms. The references must attest to the individual's ability to perform the role of a Certified Peer Support Specialist Professional. |
| Exam/Training |
* Successful completion of Certified Peer Support Specialist Professional Training, as prescribed by DMH. * Proficiency for successful completion of Peer Support Specialist Professional examination will be 75%. Applicant must provideproof of completion. |
CPSSP - General Application Directions
General Application Directions
* Applicants should read all directions and application materials before beginning the application process.
* Certain application forms must be an original signature, as indicated on the form. Copies or faxes are not accepted.
* Please print or type the information requested on the application forms; typing is preferred. Be sure to provide all information requested. Every blank should have a response, even if it is "Not Applicable."
* All submission deadlines reflect the date received by the Division of PLACE, not postmarked dates.
* The Division of PLACE only considers complete applications; all application deficiencies must be resolved.
* Only forms prescribed by the Division of PLACE may be utilized to apply for certification. Application forms may be changed without prior notice. The most current version should be utilized.
* Once submitted, all application materials become the property of DMH. Application materials will not be returned; the applicant should keep a copy of the application materials, except those under seal.
* All fees pertaining to DMH professional credentialing are nonrefundable and nontransferable. If an application or other credentialing fee is submitted in error, it will not be refunded.
* No application is considered complete without the required fees.
* Processing of an application will cease upon return of a check due to insufficient funds.
Application Time Limits
* Incomplete applications (including unresolved applications held pending by the Review Board for additional information), will be held for two years from the date of receipt; after two years, these applications will be void and destroyed.
Official Transcript
* Official documentation of high school diploma or GED equivalent (or enrollment in high school or GED program for individuals 16-18 years of age).
* In rare and extenuating circumstances, other official documentation of GED or high school completion may be accepted at the discretion of the Department of Mental Health (DMH). DMH does not facilitate obtaining documentation.
Verification of Exam/Training Requirement
* A copy of the record documenting successful completion of DMH's Certified Peer Support Specialist Professional Training Program must be submitted to the Division of PLACE after successful completion of the Certified Peer Support Specialist Professional Training.
