Applicants must submit a completed application to the OCFA in the format prescribed by the Department. The OCFA, in consultation with the PSCC shall announce when it is accepting applications. The application shall include:
The OCFA shall review each application for completeness. Incomplete applications shall be returned to the applicant.
Applications deemed complete by the OCFA shall be forwarded to the PSCC for review.
After review of the complete applications, the PSCC shall schedule personal interviews with each applicant that submitted a complete application.
The PSCC shall select candidates for the Peer Specialist Certification program from the applicants based upon the completed application, written essay, personal references, and the personal interview. Each applicant shall receive written notice of selection or non-selection.
An applicant may request a waiver of the requirement to complete any or all of the classroom work and the field practicum based upon prior coursework or certification as a peer specialist or equivalent granted by the Department or another jurisdiction, or based upon prior or current work experience. An applicant requesting a waiver shall include a waiver request with the application and written essay.
A waiver request shall:
Waiver requests shall be submitted to the PSCC for consideration as part of the application package. The PSCC shall determine if a full or partial waiver shall be granted. The decision regarding a waiver request will be addressed in the written notice of selection or non-selection provided to each candidate.
Applicants for the Certified Peer Specialist - Family and Certified Peer Specialist - Youth Certification Programs shall successfully pass all background checks required for working with children prior to the start of the Peer Specialist Certification training.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 22, r. 22-A7305