You do not need to be certified to start working in a peer role. You can start applying and get hired into a peer position right away. However, there is some information you should be aware of if you are to start working before obtaining a certification.
Most organizations will require that you meet the minimum qualifications for Peer Specialist Certification in order to get hired into a peer role:
- be at least 18 years of age
- have lived experience with a mental health condition, substance use issue, or both
- have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma
- be willing to appropriately share your recovery story
- be able to demonstrate current self-directed recovery, and
- pass criminal history and registry checks (link when live)
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) RULE §354.3051 Minimum Qualifications.
If you are hired without a certification, it is likely that your organization will require you get certified within a certain timeframe from your hire date. Usually employers require peers to be certified within 90 days, 6 months, or 1 year.
You can find peer jobs through PeerForce’s employment job board or other job search sites.