Operationalizing Peer Support (OPS)
HCA’s Operationalizing Peer Support (OPS) program supports agencies and organizations who want to begin offering or already offer peer services and need assistance with the implementation and operationalization of peer services.
OPS provides three services to Peer supervisors and administrators: Weekly Office Hours, OPS Training, and an OPS Supervisor and Administrator Webinar Series (book club).
OPS office hours
Office hours are drop-in meetings for providers who supervise Peer Specialists or administrators of Peer support services.
Every Monday from 1 to 2 p.m.
OPS Trainings
This training consists of evidence-based knowledge that is essential for peer supervision and administration. It also provides opportunities for an open dialogue, in a supportive and judgment-free environment.
This virtual training consists of evidence-based knowledge and leading practices that are essential for peer support supervision and administration. It also provides opportunities for an open dialogue, in a safe environment.
Attendance will be tracked for those required to complete the OPS training and those who would like to receive a certificate of completion. Please plan to attend all days.
Four-day training block in February
- Thursday, February 5, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, February 12, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, February 19, 9 a.m. to noon
- Thursday, February 26, 1 to 4 p.m.
Four-day training block in March
- Tuesday, March 10, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 11, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 17, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 18, 1 to 4 p.m.
Four-day training block in April
- Wednesday, April 8, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 14, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 22, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 28, 1 to 4 p.m.
Pre-registration is required. To sign up, email OPS with your preferred session block.
OPS Webinar series
Webinars explore topics relevant to organizations that provide Peer support services in both Medicaid-reimbursed and non-Medicaid settings.
OPS offers an engaging and interactive monthly webinar series that combines the best of a book club with professional development. Each month, current Administrators and Supervisors of Peer Support Specialists will read one module from the new 80-hour Certified Peer Specialist training before our live session.
During each webinar, we will come together for discussions, breakout room activities, and group shares to explore the content. This is your opportunity to connect, share insights, and enhance your understanding of the principles and leading practices that are central to the work of Certified Peer Support Specialists.
Whether you’re just starting your journey as a supervisor or looking to refine your skills, this series offers a supportive and collaborative space to learn and grow together.
Pre-registration for the webinars is required. These webinars are for current administrators and supervisors of Peer Support Specialists. This series began September 24, 2025, with an introduction to the curriculum.
-
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 11 a.m. to noon: Module 5: Creating Cross-cultural Partnerships
-
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 11 a.m. to noon: Module 6.1: Generational Recovery – Youth Voice and Choice
-
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 11 a.m. to noon: Module 6.2: Generational Recovery – Family Peer Support
-
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 11 a.m. to noon: Module 6.3: Generational Recovery – Peer Support and Older Adults
Please note: We will be adding two more CACPS trainings and three more Supervisor trainings between March and June. We will have updated information in upcoming newsletters.
Crisis Awareness and Communication in Peer Support (CACPS)
Since July 1, 2025, any entity that uses certified peer specialists as peer crisis responders, may only use certified peer specialists who have completed CACPS training.
CACPS training details:
- Attendees must be certified peer counselors. (If your name has changed since your initial peer certification, please let the training organization know to avoid being removed from registration.)
- Peers working in crisis settings are given priority.
- Peers must complete the online prerequisite "Power of peer support in crisis services" training to attend this training and download a copy of the certificate to be offered as proof of completion to the hosting training organization.
- Peers must complete the post-traumatic growth survey (sent by the training organization) before the first day of training.
- Peers must attend the training in person, there is no virtual option.
- The training is 36 hours.
- Peers must cover their own travel and hotel accommodations.
- Breakfast, refreshments, and lunch will be provided during the training day.
Times, dates, and locations for CACPS trainings may shift and change in response to regional needs. Please reach out to Amanda Polley for more information.
Supervisors of Peers and Peer Trainers
If you are currently a supervisor of Peers or on a track to supervise Peers, take our new training developed for people who are supervisors of Peers or who are on track to become supervisors of Peers.
Train the Trainer sessions are one- or two-day events; this training is required annually for approved DBHR Peer Trainers and mentees as well as individuals with at least one year of direct service in peer support who are interested in the first steps on the pathway to becoming a DBHR approved Peer Trainer.
Monthly Peer Blend
Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 9 a.m.
February’s Peer Blend will feature Washington Thriving Strategic Plan for Prenatal through age 25 Behavioral Health Community Toolkit.
Please note, after February, Peer Blend will be switching to Teams. Look for the new link in the March Peer-2-Peer Newsletter.
The scope and landscape of Peer Support Services in Washington State continues to grow. Two new resources are now available to help streamline your certification journey.
Click below to see flow charts outlining CPSS certification paths and Medicaid/DOH Peer Support Supervision requirements.
|
