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Digital Peer Support Enhanced Professional Learning Series

This enhanced professional learning series (EPLs) 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 regarding: 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 as a digital peer support specialist. Finally, time will be built in to the learning sessions to practice text message-based support as well as discussions and other skill building activities as it related to digital peer support.

WHEN:

Every Tuesday, April 20 – May 18, 2021 from 10:00 – 11:30 am Mountain/11:00 am – 12:30 pm Central

OBJECTIVES:

Learning Session 1: The Digital Peer Support Specialist

  • 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

Learning Session 2: How Can I Select Digital Peer Support Technologies with Service Users to Support Recovery?

  • 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

Learning Session 3 The Key to Digital Peer Support Engagement

  • 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

Learning Session 4 How to Develop a Digital Peer Support Platform

  • 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:

Mental health and substance use peer support specialists and recovery coaches located in the Mountain Pains MHTTC Region (HHS Region 8).

PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS:

  • Attend a live 1-hour Orientation Session on Wednesday, April 20th at 10:00 am Mountain/11:00 am Central
  • Commit to 4-weeks of training for 1.5 hours weekly on scheduled series days/times and complete 1-hour of weekly learning activities
  • Access to appropriate technology to utilize online videoconferencing platform (i.e., an internet connection, built-in or USB webcam, computer/tablet, built-in/USB/Bluetooth speakers and microphone)
  • Be prepared and actively engage while on camera during the scheduled series time

FACILITATOR:

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

THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE

Registration for this series is limited to 35 providers who work in Region 8 states on a first come first served basis (Region 8 includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming). Once the 35 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.

Note: Registrants enrolled in this series are required to attend the orientation and Week 1 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 April 27th to be able fully participate and be on camera during the session. This is not a webinar series and active participation is required to gain/improve skills.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

The series has been approved for a total of 7 contact hours (6-hours content instruction and 1-hour orientation session). 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 Trisha Dudkowski at tdudkowski@casat.org or by phone at 775-784-6265.