This regulation defines the core competencies required for DC's peer specialist certification program, covering interpersonal skills, mental health and substance use disorder knowledge, documentation, ethics, recovery planning, advocacy, and cultural competency. Competencies are developed through life experience, classroom instruction, and a field practicum. This rule governs the certification of individual peer specialists, not the licensing or operation of any specific facility or level of care.
View official source7303 CORE COMPETENCIES 7303.1 The Department’s peer specialist certification program is structured to provide participants with an opportunity to develop the following core competencies: Interpersonal skills; Practical assessment skills and fundamental knowledge of mental health and substance abuse disorders; (c) Supporting skills to assist the consumer to develop skills identified in the approved treatment plan; (d) Ability to document services provided including preparation of encounter notes required by Subsection 3413.19 of Chapter 34 of this subtitle; (e) Computer skills; (f) Understanding the unique role of the peer, using self as a therapeutic presence; (g) Ethics and Professionalism; (h) Recovery and Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) or similar planning; (i) Advocacy skills; and (j) Cultural competency and sensitivity. 7303.2 Core competencies are developed through a combination of life experience, successful completion of required classroom work or the equivalent, and successful completion of the field practicum or the equivalent. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 58 DCR 11096 (December 23, 2011); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 61 DCR 7002 (July 11, 2014); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 10674 (September 4, 2020). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Mental Health 22-A DCMR § 7303