DBSA 4-Week Peer Specialist Course Application for the Dauten Scholarship Fund

DBSA 4-Week Peer Specialist Course Application for the Dauten Scholarship Fund

The Dauten Scholarship Fund is named in honor of Kent and Liz Dauten, longtime supporters of DBSA. Nick Savasta, Kent's mentee, has generously covered the tuition costs for 25 peer specialist trainees.

Please apply below to be considered for this scholarship. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Are you over 18 years of age?*

Yes

Do you have at least 2 years of lived experience in recovery from a mood disorder, trauma, and/or substance use disorder?*

Yes

Are you willing to identify as a Peer?*

Yes

Are you willing to take a post-course survey upon completion of the course?*

Yes

Are you willing to take a second survey two years after completing the course?*

Yes

Are you located in the state of California?*

Upon successful completion of the course, DBSA will issue a CalMHSA-approved Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training Course Certificate of Achievement to California students.

Yes

Applicant Info

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Street 1*

Street 2

City*

State/Province*

Zip/Postal Code*

Phone Number*

2025 Course Dates

Course Dates:*

If multiple course dates are selected, preference will be given to the course with fewer applicants.

October 6 to October 31, 2025

Demographic Information

Please provide the following optional information to foster diversity of the training group. Aside from using aggregate numbers, DBSA will not maintain or use this information in any way.

Are you a veteran?*

Yes

I prefer not to disclose

Other Language:

If you are currently involved with a DBSA chapter, which one?

Please check all that apply to you:*

I have experience with major depression

I have experience with bipolar disorder

I have experience with trauma

I have experience with a substance use condition

Interest and Financial Need

Please write 1-2 paragraphs for each question.

Why do you want to work as a volunteer and/or paid peer specialist?*

Why do you believe you will be an effective and supportive peer specialist?*

Please share any circumstances or challenges that impact your ability to cover the costs associated with the Peer Support Specialist training.*

This may include factors such as financial constraints, personal situations, or any barriers that could affect your access to this valuable program. Our goal is to ensure that everyone with a passion for this training has an equal opportunity to participate, regardless of their current circumstances. Your response will help us better understand how we can support you in achieving your goals.

How would receiving the Dauten Scholarship help you achieve your professional and/or personal goals?*

Please note that your de-identified response may be shared with potential donors or included in promotional materials.

How do you plan to complete this course in the event that you encounter a personal or professional challenge?*

If you are a member of a marginalized community, is there anything you would like to share about how your identity and/or experiences have influenced your decision to become a peer specialist?

This question is optional. Please only share if you feel comfortable doing so.

Environment and Access

Do you currently hold a position where you will use the skills gained through Peer Specialist Training and Certification?*

Yes

If you answered yes, do you receive pay for this position?

Yes

Are you currently employed in a peer specialist role?*

Yes

If yes, county of employment:

Are you currently employed with a Behavioral Health County Agency?*

Yes

Are you currently employed with a Community Based Organization (CBO)?*

Yes

Are you currently employed with a Peer Run Organization?*

Yes

Important

Training applicants must initial below to indicate their agreement with all these training requirements:*

I certify that I have personal experience as a person living in wellness and recovery from a mental health condition, substance use condition, and/or trauma.
I understand that I am responsible for funding any travel, hotel accommodation, and meals, should the course be in-person.
If online, I understand that I will need access to an electronic device and Wi-Fi in order to actively participate in Zoom sessions for approximately 32 hours during the second week of training.
I understand that participating in a DBSA Peer Specialist Training does not guarantee me employment or a volunteer position. In addition, by successfully completing this course, I understand that I will receive a DBSA Certificate of Achievement and not a state-credentialed certification. I understand that I will need to check with my state licensing certifying agency to learn the requirements to practice as a Peer Specialist in my state.
I understand that my registration is not final until confirmed by DBSA.
I agree to attend and actively participate in all four weeks of training, with the understanding that I need to complete approximately 44 hours of online independent studies and assignments during Week 1, attend Week 2's four-day "Building the Skills" online workshop (Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm CST), and spend approximately 4 hours completing the final exam during week 3.

Do you have any special accommodation requests?

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