This 3-part training series is designed to help people build and strengthen the core skills needed for meaningful work in the peer profession. Across all three sessions, the focus is on the ability to relate with others, listen with purpose, and learn through shared experience. These skills are at the heart of peer support and are important for creating trust, safety, and authentic connection with people receiving services. Each session builds on the last, allowing participants to grow steadily and apply what they learn in real-life settings.
This training is open to anyone and is offered at no cost. It welcomes people who are new to peer support, those who are considering the profession, and those already working in the field who would like a refresher or extra practice.
Throughout the series, strong emphasis is placed on person-centered communication. The sessions explore how to truly hear what another person is sharing, how to respond in ways that promote dignity, and how to learn alongside others rather than positioning oneself as the expert. These trainings also highlight the importance of boundaries, empathy, and mutual understanding. Together, these skills help support people in crisis, people working through recovery, and people navigating everyday challenges.
Participants who complete all three sessions will receive three separate certificates of attendance, one for each part of the training. These certificates serve as proof of participation and can be included as part of the education requirements for Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification ore renewal. This can be especially helpful for people preparing to apply for certification or those who need to document ongoing learning and professional development.
Above all, this training is about growth: personal, professional, and collective. Strong peer support begins with strong relationships, and relationships take shape through how people relate, how they listen, and how they learn from one another. This series offers a structured and supportive way to deepen those abilities while connecting with others who share a commitment to recovery-oriented, person-first work.
To learn more and register for this free on demand training visit:
https://www.center4healthandsdc.org/fundamentals-of-recovery-support-services.html
