How do I apply to be a peer support specialist?

Visit ar.gov/recovery to apply.

Once my application has been approved, how do I get into training?

Once applicants have submitted the application and supporting documentation, upon approval, applicants will be contacted by the DHS office with training information.

How do I fill out my W-9 form? (image included)

• Fill out the highlighted areas as indicated by the image. Please be sure to sign and date the form!

What is the W-9 for?

• The W-9 form is required for your support payment (only reserved for those residing outside of Pulaski County). It is not for lodging requests.

I must travel a long distance to get to where the training is. Where will I stay? Do I have to pay for it?

• For applicants residing outside of Pulaski County, MidSOUTH will cover lodging for the duration of training. The location of lodging will be released before training begins. This is provided at no cost to trainees.

Will transportation be provided to and from the training?

• Transportation is not provided under any circumstances. Trainees will be responsible for securing your own transportation to and from the training site.

Will lunch be provided?

• Lunch is not provided. Trainees will be responsible for bringing or purchasing their own lunch each day.

What happens if I have an emergency and need to leave training? Can I leave and come back?

• Trainees who leave training early will not be allowed back into training and would be required to enroll in a future course. No exceptions will be made under any circumstances.

Is there a virtual option for training?

• All peer training courses are conducted in-person only.

How do I know if I’m eligible for a support payment?

• Trainees residing outside of Pulaski County and are not being paid to attend training through federal funding are eligible for a support payment. The amount of the payment is determined based on the proximity of residential address to Pulaski County.

When will I receive my support payment?

• Payments are sent 2-3 weeks upon completion of training.

Does this training guarantee me employment?

• Peer training does not include any guarantees of employment by any agency. This will be further explained by trainers.

Does my college credit count toward hours needed before I can take the test? Does anything count toward this?

• The peer organization recognizes only approved hours accumulated while serving as a peer-in-training. No college credit, CIT (counselor-in-training) hours, or hours accumulated elsewhere are recognized or approved.

How long does core training take? Advanced? Supervisor?

• Core training is a five-day course; advanced training is a three-day course; supervisor training is a four-day course.

What do I need to bring with me for the training?

• There are no required materials trainees must bring to training. However, typical class items (such as pen, paper, highlighter, etc.) are recommended.

What if I have a service animal?

• Trainees who have a service animal must notify the peer unit at DHS or MidSOUTH during the application process.

What if I have special accommodation requests?

• Special accommodation requests must be conveyed to MidSOUTH prior to training.

Does training cost anything?

• Peer training is free to approved applicants.

What happens when I finish training?

• Trainees will select a peer supervisor upon completion of training who will provide further direction.

Where can I volunteer for hours?

• This is a topic to be discussed with a peer supervisor.

Who is hiring peers?

• This is a topic to be discussed with a peer supervisor.

Who are the peer supervisors?

• Trainees will be given a list of supervisors from which to select upon completion of training.

Is there a dress code?

• There is no dress code for training – however, anything distracting may be asked to be addressed.

What happens if I need to cancel my scheduled training?

• Any cancellations must be notified to MidSOUTH as soon as possible.

Can I bring anyone with me to training?

• No one outside of approved trainees will be allowed in the classroom.