Peer Specialist Role

Phase 0.5: Preparing for Site Placement and Orientation (July-September)

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Phase Overview

In this training phase, Peer Specialists will attend Career Pipeline Intern Orientation. They will develop an in-depth understanding of the SCOW program, and understand roles and the responsibilities assigned. This essential knowledge includes recognizing and being informed about limitations to support in their role as a Peer Specialist Intern.

Phase Objectives

  1. Attend Schools as Centers of Wellness (SCOW) Career Pipeline Orientation

  2. Develop an in-depth understanding of the Schools as Centers of Wellness (SCOW) program

  3. Understand role and assigned responsibilities

  4. Recognize and be informed about limitations to practice due to role as Peer Specialist intern fulfilling practicum/internship hour requirements

Resources

STEP 1

Career Pipeline Intern Orientation

Attend Career Pipeline Intern Orientation to gain a clear overview of responsibilities and expectations.

  • • Attend Career Pipeline Intern Orientation

STEP 2

Orientation Focus Areas

Learn the mission and vision of the Schools as Centers of Wellness (SCOW) program and how the Career Pipeline works towards that mission and values.

    • Mission and vision of Schools as Centers of Wellness (SCOW)

    • Mission and vision of Career Pipeline

    • How SCOW defines mental health and wellness

    • The role of Peer Specialist Intern in Schools as Centers of Wellness

    • The importance of protective adult relationship

    • The importance of mental health and wellness, access to care, and the Schools as Centers of Wellness model

    • SCOW themes and core components

    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) framework

    • Utilizing a Coordination of Services Team (COST) to explore internal and external resources that support overall student well-being

    • Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

    • Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS)

    • Crisis Response Protocol

    • Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Core Competencies

    • Requirements of HIPAA and FERPA

    • How to build rapport with students during 1:1 counseling sessions

    • How to access the Electronic Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) for guidance on diagnosing and treatment

    • How to apply clinical creativity as a Peer Specialist Intern

    • Documentation for services and workshops

    • How to apply early learning and prevention services

    • De-escalation and conflict mediation

    • Differences between mandated reporting and risk assessments

    • Seeking opportunities to shadow during risk and suicide assessments, conflict mediation, individual therapy sessions, and group workshops

    • Process for making and submitting referrals to outside agencies

    • Culminating Intern project

    • How to navigate Teams

    • Obtaining office supplies

STEP 3

Meet Team Members

Meet and become familiar with program team members. This initial introduction is essential for understanding the team dynamics and resources available to support your role.

    • Meet members of Career Pipeline Team:

      • Intern Coordinators/Field Instructors

      • Career Pipeline Coordinator

      • Program Analyst

      • Director of Strategic Initiatives

    • Meet members of SCOW Team:

      • Regional Coordinator

      • Clinician (Task Supervisor)

      • Regional Clinician II

      • Regional Family Navigator

STEP 4

Assignment & Supplies

Receive your site placement details and supplies needed to ensure a successful internship start.

    • Receive Site Placement

    • Pick-up stipend and timesheet information

    • Pick-up badge

    • Pick up assigned technology

STEP 5

Post Orientation Tasks

Establish the foundation for a successful internship by preparing for your school site placement and familiarizing yourself with key systems and expectations.

    • Explore www.schoolsascentersofwellness.org

    • Contact task supervisor to:

      • Arrange meeting to plan first day at school site

      • Understand room/space, campus access, and check-in process

      • Receive parking information for assigned school site

      • Discuss and save school schedule and calendar

      • Confirm schedule and share with supervisor and other relevant staff

      • Notify task supervisor and field instructor of times/days on campus

      • Schedule collaborative meeting with school site administration
        and supervisor

    • Develop familiarity with email and calendar systems

    • Share calendar with Career Pipeline Team, Supervisors, Clinician II, and Coordinators (as applicable)

    • Obtain individual and group supervision schedule from Coordinator

    • Update calendar with scheduled time off or out-of-office dates

    • Identify and safeguard time for completing documentation in your
      daily schedule

    • Review SCOW Program Manual

    • Review the Peer Specialist Intern Onboarding Workbook

    • Complete required trainings