OPDI PEER SUPPORT CORE ESSENTIALS TRAINING PROGRAM
Overview:
OPDI Peer Support Core Essentials™ Program is a basic skills training for people who have recovered their own
mental health to the point of being ready to support others on their recovery journey. It was developed through a
thorough consultative process with our members and others. OPDI Peer Support Core Essentials™ Program
involves five full days face-to-face in the classroom with two trainers. There are many individual exercises, group
exercises and role plays in class time, and daily written reflections assigned as homework. Prior to classroom
training, a required introductory module is delivered via webinar(s) by OPDI staff. Then, some content from other
modules is introduced in subsequent webinars with trainers. Homework (information gathering) is assigned to be
brought for use in class. Participants are evaluated by the trainers, and can earn Level 1 or 1R recognition
document. Level 1 means the person successfully completed the classroom training. Level 1R means the trainer
recommends them to continue on and do an internship in order to earn their Level 2, or “OPDI Certified Peer
Supporter”.
Participant Expectations:
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Attend all webinars prior to classroom training.
Attend each of the five days of classroom training.
Actively participate in the classroom training.
Complete all homework assignments on time.
Attend all post classroom training webinars.
Attend Internship webinar (to be offered frequently) prior to starting an internship
Negotiate an internship (if certificate is desired).
Complete internship (if certificate is desired).
Cost of training: $1,000
Includes:
a) materials (binder, 9 participant workbook modules totalling 175 pages, electronic storage device of
other resource materials)
b) two trainers, alternating presentation/ feedback/ support duties
c) Introduction/orientation module via webinar(s) delivered by OPDI staff (attendance mandatory)
d) 5 days of face to face training
e) Lunch and two breaks daily during face to face training.
f) A signed document stating your achievement, mailed to your home address –
o Level 1 (has completed classroom) or 1R (Recommended as ready for internship)
g) A post training test or exam as needed to accommodate special needs
h) Standing invitation to webinar on internship requirements/process (for interested 1Rs)
i) OPDI staff support of your internship consisting of
o approval of internship plan or suggestions to strengthen it
o monitoring of your reports and evaluations filed at five intervals, and feedback
o troubleshooting help
o Signed document “OPDI certified peer supporter” mailed upon successful completion of
internship
j) “Graduates” are listed on OPDI’s database for this and any other OPDI trainings completed
o potential employers can check your credentials with your permission
o invitations & news about other opportunities around peer support
Does Not Include participant travel or accommodation, breakfasts, dinners.
Submitting your Application:
Please e-mail or fax your registration form (below) to:
416-484-9669 or opdi@opdi.org
by no later than March 5th, 2014
Your initial ‘homework’ assignment, webinar log-in info, and an electronic copy of the Beginnings module (you will
not need to print it) will be emailed back to you prior to the webinar.
For further information and descriptions of modules & contents, please first read thoroughly the TWO training
pages at www.opdi.org
If you have any questions, contact Allyson Theodorou:
E-Mail: opdi@opdi.org
Phone: 416.484.8785 ext. 2 or 1.866.681.6661
Note: This training does not attempt to be all things to all people. Some peer support roles require specialized
skills that are not required in most other settings. Other topics that might be important in many settings require
more intensive training beyond basics. For these reasons, this training focuses on the core skills, while
introducing such topics and pointing toward other learning resources. Diagnostic and pharmaceutical information
is readily available, constantly changing, and of limited relevance within peer support relationships, therefore are
not included in this training.
This training involves written individual and group exercises, role-playing scenarios in dyads and triads, and a
written ‘reflection’ piece for each module. Basic literacy skills are required, but the writing is by no means
expected to be on an ‘academic’ level. OPDI and our trainers will make every effort to accommodate for literacy
and other challenges provided we are alerted to need well in advance.
OPDI will seek funding and partnership opportunities to develop additional modules and continuing education
pieces for specific skills or settings. One such extra module, created in partnership with CMHA Ontario and
others, is around diabetes competencies for peer supporters to understand and support peers around diabetes
prevention and self management. We welcome suggestions and feedback around what topics you feel would be
priorities. If you are accepted and complete training, please be sure to complete our confidential feedback
survey which will help identify strengths and areas of improvement for the program and of our trainers.
Submitting the Application:
Email or Fax the Application to:
opdi@opdi.org or 416.484.9669
Please note:
All training materials are copyright of OPDI and trademarks are pending.
Taking the Core Skills training does not qualify or permit participants to train others.
Trainers of OPDI’s program are specially authorized to use it.
Unauthorized use, copying, distribution or dissemination of OPDI materials is prohibited.
Registration forms below – please return both pages.
OPDI PEER SUPPORT CORE ESSENTIALS TRAINING PROGRAM
North Bay, March 17 - 21, 2014
(Webinar March 5, or 20)
NOTE: Final date for submission of Application March 5, 2014
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT VERY CLEARLY
1. Contact Information
Applicant Name: ________________________________________________________________
(please give your full proper name exactly as it should appear on your certificate)
Applicant Home Mailing Address: ________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
(your certificate will be mailed here)
Applicant’s Personal E-Mail Address: ______________________________________________
Alternate E-Mail Address: _________________________________________________________
Applicant Telephone Number: ___________________________________________________
2. Organizational Affiliation (current and past)
Organization
Board
Member
(√)
General
Member
(√)
Staff
Volunteer
Other
(√)
(√)
(√)
3. Please list any other peer support training you have successfully completed:
□ WRAP
□ Intentional Peer Support
□ PREFER Program
□ Georgia Certified Peer Specialists Training
□ Like Minds
□ Other __________________________
4. Briefly describe why you wish to take this training, how you hope to use it:
5. _____________________________________
__________________________________
Signature of Applicant
Endorsement of Sponsoring Organization
Please attach your payment in full for the training fee of $1,000.
Return this page with your application, if you have any special need:
Name
________________________________________________________________________
Training applied for (City) ____________________________________(Date) ________________
Lunch and Breaks:
I have a food allergy, sensitivity or restriction, and require
□ Kosher
□ Vegetarian
□ Halal
□ Vegan
□ I have no special dietary needs
□
□
Gluten free
Other_______________
Accommodation for physical limitations or other disability:
Please describe any physical or other issue that would impact your ability to participate in a
classroom setting and succeed in training. If you have devices or strategies you typically use,
please describe them. If you need something more to be worked out with trainers, it should
be flagged and discussed in advance.
□
□
□
□
□
□
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I have no special needs to accommodate.
Vision
I use _________________________________________________________
Hearing
I use _________________________________________________________
Mobility
I use _________________________________________________________
Literacy
I use _________________________________________________________
Other
I use _________________________________________________________
I have a service animal (describe) __________________________________________________
□
I am allergic, and cannot be in the room with service animals.
*Note, official, trained service animals with documentation are welcome. Pets are not.
Some ways trainers or others could help accommodate me are:
Type or write: