Certified Peer Support Specialist

Illustration representing a certified peer support specialist career pathway A Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) is a person who is trained to use their personal lived experience and recovery with mental health and/or substance use disorders to mentor others who want to achieve recovery.

CPSS professionals provide encouragement, share coping strategies, connect individuals with resources, and inspire hope through the power of shared experience.

Education Requirements

To become a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) in Nebraska, you must be at least 19 years old and have personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, or be a parent or primary caregiver of someone who has experienced mental health or substance use challenges.

You will complete a Nebraska-approved 60-hour Peer Support Core Curriculum training course, apply to take the Peer Recovery exam, and successfully pass the exam to earn certification.

For more information about training and certification requirements, visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Peer Support Training and Certification webpage at dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Peer-Support-Training-Certification.aspx

Work Environment

Certified Peer Support Specialists may work in primary care clinics, emergency departments, hospitals, outpatient treatment programs, residential facilities, mental health centers, recovery organizations, and state or local government agencies. They often work as part of interdisciplinary behavioral health teams alongside counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals, providing support in person or virtually.

Projected Growth & Salary Range

Projected Growth: 21 percent (much higher than average).

Salary Range: $47,950 - $62,040

Specializations, Programs & Required License/Certificate

Specializations: N/A

Programs:

CenterPointe's Integrated Peer Support Training | Lincoln | centerpointe.org | (402) 475-8717 x334
Central Community College Peer Support Specialist Training | Grand Island | cccneb.edu | (308) 398-7470
Community Alliance Peer Support Specialist Training | Omaha | community-alliance.org | (402) 341-5128
Southeast Community College Peer Support Specialist Training | Lincoln | southeast.edu | (402) 437-2746

Check the DHHS website for a current list of CPSS-approved peer support trainers

Required License/Certificate:

Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)

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