Peer Specialist Role

Phase 0.5: Preparing for Site Placement

and Orientation (July-September)

 Training Resource Home > Peer Specialist > Phase 0.5: Preparing for Site Placement and Orientation (July-September)

Phase Overview

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

Phase Goals/Objections

  1. Attend School Based Mental Health and Wellness (SBMHW) Career Pipeline Orientation

  2. Develop an in-depth understanding of the SBMHW Program

  3. Understand roles and the responsibilities assigned

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

Resources

School-Based Mental Health & Wellness Career Pipeline Intern Orientation

Attend the Career Pipeline Intern Orientation to gain an in-depth overview of responsibilities and expectations. Understand the importance of developing a thorough grasp of the Peer Specialist role to perform duties proficiently. This foundational knowledge is crucial for meeting the position's requirements and significantly enhancing the team's success.

  • • Attend Career Pipeline Intern Orientation

Orientation Topics

Learn the mission and vision of the School Based Mental Health and Wellness (SBMHW) and the Career Pipeline. Understand SCOE's pivotal programs and their comprehensive mental health strategies. Discover the Peer Specialist's role in SBMHW, the significance of protective adult relationships, and essential SBMHW components. Familiarize yourself with the DEIB framework, support systems, and referral processes.

  • • Mission and vision of School Based Mental Health and Wellness (SBMHW)

    • Mission and vision of the Career Pipeline

    • Key programs that Sacramento Office of Education (SCOE) operates

    • How SCOE defines mental health and wellness

    • The role of graduate clinical intern in SBMHW and transforming Schools as Centers of Wellness

    • The importance of protective adult relationships

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

    • Themes and Core Components of SBMHW

    • 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 of making and submitting referrals to outside agencies

    • Intern culminating project

    • How to navigate Teams

    • Obtaining office supplies

Meet Team Members

Introduce yourself to the Career Pipeline Team, including the Intern Coordinators, Career Pipeline Coordinator, Program Analyst, and Director of Strategic Initiatives. Meet key members of the SBMHW Team, such as the Regional Coordinator, Clinician (Task Supervisor), Regional Clinician II, and Regional Family Navigator. 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 SBMHW Team:

    ○ Regional Coordinator

    ○ Clinician (Task Supervisor)

    ○ Regional Clinician II

    ○ Regional Family Navigator

Supplies

Receive an introduction to the systems used in your role and pick up your badge. Take note of key elements and features to prepare for discussing them during Orientation, ensuring you are well-acquainted with the tools and resources available for your internship.

  • • Receive systems introduction

    • Pick-up badge

Assignment

Ensure that you obtain your site placement details and pick up stipend and timesheet information. Review these materials to understand your role and responsibilities, and be prepared to discuss them during Orientation for a smooth start.

  • • Receive Site Placement

    • Pick-up stipend and timesheet information

Post Orientation Tasks

Understand how to explore the Centers of Wellness and Career Pipeline websites for key resources. Learn to plan your first day with your Task Supervisor, manage campus access, and handle your schedule. Familiarize yourself with Outlook Email and Calendar, and review essential manuals and onboarding materials. Complete all required trainings to prepare effectively for your role.

  • • Explore https://www.centersofwellness.scoe.net/ and careerpipeline.scoe.net

    • Contact Task Supervisor to:

    ○ Arrange meeting to plan first day at school site

    ○ Understand room/space and 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 applicable staff

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

    ○ Schedule collaborative meeting with school-site administration and SBMHW Coordinator

    • Develop familiarity with Outlook Email and Calendar, and accept meeting invites

    • Share calendar with Career Pipeline, supervisors, clinician II, and coordinators (as applicable)

    • Obtain individual and group supervision schedule from intern coordinator

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

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

    • Review SBMHW Program Manual

    • Review the Peer Specialist Onboarding Workbook

    • Complete required SCOE, Career Pipeline, and SBMHW trainings