I Need a Peer 2 Peer!
What is "Peer Support"?
- A peer/individual who has experiences and strategies to SHARE with you.
- LEARN from others
- ASSISTS you on your “life journey”
- HIRE a peer support with your DDS funding.
- Short term SUPPORT based on life goals.
I NEED A PEER SUPPORT TO LEARN:
- How to manage and be independent at home.
- How to self-direct your own supports.
- How to find, get and maintain a job.
- How to advance in a chosen career.
- How to access and build community supports.
Who is a Peer Support?
- A person/peer who is paid to provide you with their expertise
- A person/peer who has life experiences to share
- A person/peer who presently receives supports through a waivered service
- A person/peer who has developed a resume explaining their experiences and how they can support others on their life journey
- A person/peer who is qualified to provide Peer Support
Why and When should I ask for a Peer to Support ME?
- You want advice from someone who has already experienced what you want to do or what you want to try to d
- You want to learn from a peer and get their ideas and learn from their personal experiences
- You are looking to hire a peer to learn from their life experiences
- You want advice about life choices such as:
- Moving to a new home
- Changing from a group home to a more independent living situation
- Getting Real Work for Real Pay jobs
- Learning how to live a self determined life
- Learning how to find friends and get connected in your community
- Figuring out what makes you happy
- Supporting you to develop a Circle of Support or a group of people that support you and love you
Can Anyone Get A Peer 2 Peer Support?
- A Peer 2 Peer support is available to any individuals receiving supports and services from the CT DDS.
- You must have available funding in your supports to pay for your Peer 2 Peer
- This is a service provided through the HCBS Waiver
- This is short term support to assist you to become more independent in your life
LOCATING A PEER SUPPORT
- Look on DDS Advocate’s Corner for contacts: Peer Support
- Contact the Peer Support through email.
- Request the Peer Support’s resume.
- Interview the Peer Support and see if they have experience and skills you like.
- Do you feel comfortable with the Peer Support?
- Contact your Case Manager to assist.
I Want to Be A Peer 2 Peer Support
How Do I Qualify to be a Peer 2 Peer Support?
- Be at least 21 years old
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Minimum 2 years of personal experience
- Personal experience related to:
- How to manage your home
- How to manage Direct Support Professionals – private hire staff
- How to find a job and maintain the job
- How to advance in a chosen career
- How to access your community
- How to build community supports
Any Other Qualifications?
- Peer Support follows instructions given by the person hiring them
- Peer Support is responsible for providing progress of the person’s skills or understanding
- Peer Support MUST maintain confidentiality
- Peer Support meets the person’s needs as indicated in their IP
- Peer Support is part of the person’s PST if asked
- Peer Support has participated in Healthy Relationship Training
- Peer Support knows how to respond to fire and emergency situations
- The Peer Support follows directions and accepts supervision from the participant or the participant’s conservator and or DDS depending on the Peer Support provided
- Peer Support maintains accurate, complete and timely records that meet Medicaid requirements
- Peer Support provides services in a respectful culturally competent manner
- Peer Support uses effective Peer Support Practices.
HOW DO I BECOME A PEER SUPPORT?
- Develop a resume.
- Establish your own email address
- Minimum 2 years of personal experience in 1 or more areas. (resume)
Your resume must demonstrate Personal experience in at least one of the related areas:
- How to manage the participants home,
- How to manage self-direction of supports,
- How to find a job or maintain a job,
- How to advance in chosen career,
- How to access the community and build community supports
- Electronically Complete the Qualified Vendor Form on DDS Website.
- Submit the following documents:
- Individual Practitioner Application
- Individual Practitioner's Certification
- Email the following documents to DDS.QPAPenrollment@ct.gov
- Resume
- Proof of Age
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Application will be reviewed, and you will be notified via email if accepted.
Is This A Real Job?
- You are a professional
- You are to dress for success
- You need to document your support and interaction with the person – maintain a time sheet
- You have a responsibility and need to be reliable
- Maintain confidentiality
- This is a professional relationship – you work for the person that hires you
- You are paid by the employer that hires you to be the Peer Support
Tips to being a professional Peer Support
- Have your own email address – people need to contact you
- Create a resume – people need to know your experiences
- Have reliable transportation to do your job BUT You are not responsible for your employer’s transportation
- Know how to track your work time on a timesheet
- REMEMBER this is a short term job so you want to make the best of the time with the person
Additional Information about Peer 2 Peer
Waiver Information:
Service Definition - Peer Support
Individual Information
Peer 2 Peer Brochure
Peer 2 Peer, Peer Support - Getting Support from People I Trust!
Application to be a Peer 2 Peer
DDS Application links:
Individual Practitioners - Application and Steps to Become a New Qualified Provider
https://ddsapp.stag.ct.gov/DDSWebApplication/Production/IndividualCertification.aspx
Provider Information
Peer 2 Peer, Empowering Peer Support
Qualified Peer 2 Peer Practitioners
Peer 2 Peer Support Information Packet
Peer 2 Peer, Peer support Documentation Form