Wisconsin Department of Human Services

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is one of the largest state agencies in Wisconsin, with an annual budget of roughly $15 billion and more than 6,700 employees. DHS is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin, making sure everyone can live their best life.

There are two types of certified peer specialists in Wisconsin.

• Certified Peer Specialist: An individual with experience in the mental health and substance use services system trained to provide support to others struggling to find a path to recovery.

• Certified Parent Peer Specialist: An individual with experience raising a child with behavioral health challenges trained to use their experience navigating services in support of other parents.

Initial Certification is awarded after successful completion of a training course and passage of an exam. Visit the Wisconsin Peer Specialist website for information on upcoming certified peer specialist and certified parent peer specialist trainings: https://www.wicps.org/

Recertification: CPS and CPPS must recertify every two years and document completion of no fewer than 20 hours of continuing education in specific topic areas. https://www.wicps.org/continuing-education/

For further information on the recertification process, contact:
Gaochi Vang Peer Specialist Program Manager
608-716-7335
[email protected]