Match & Partner Peer Counselor Certification Training
Step 1: Submit Application
Submit application via Web site or e-mail.
Step 2: Preliminary Phone Screening
Complete preliminary screening with National or a local Affiliate representative. Affiliates across the country conduct preliminary screenings through affiliates because they are able to introduce you to local volunteer projects in addition to peer counseling opportunities.
Step 3: Phone Interview with National
Schedule a phone interview with Network of Strength National office. The purpose of a phone interview is for Network of Strength to explain the position in more detail, assess your volunteer goals and learn more about you. Being emotionally ready and in tune with your own breast cancer experience is important, and topic is assessed in a phone interview. Network of Strength also requires that you be out of treatment for at least one year.
Step 4: 2-Day Training Session
Upon being selected, you will be scheduled to attend a mandatory two-day Peer Support Training. YourShoes Peer Counselors are required to attend a mandatory two-day training. This is an important step in becoming a peer counselor because it is the first opportunity to learn about how to handle YourShoes calls. Training consists of lectures, discussion and role-plays covering medical information, effective communication, dealing with emotions and sensitivity.
Step 5: Exam
Complete online exam within 30 days of training. All YourShoes Peer Counselors must pass the online certification exam independently following the training. If a volunteer fails the exam, it can be retaken within 30 days. The volunteer does not need to retake the training. Attending and participating in the two-day training, passing the exam, and further training (i.e. shadowing an experienced peer counselor) are all requirements for certification for the volunteer peer counselor position.
Step 6: Shadowing Sessions
Schedule shadowing sessions upon notification of passing the online exam. Shadowing allows the new peer counselor to ease into the peer counselor position while gaining experience from a trained and certified peer counselor. You will join an experienced peer counselor on YourShoes calls. The new peer counselor will observe how the peer counselor reacts and handles the conversation and is observed by the experienced peer counselor. The new peer counselor will receive feedback from the experienced peer counselor.
Step 7: Medical Profile
Complete a computer form and medical profile, upon completing shadowing and being notified of certification. We ask for your medical profile so you can be a match peer counselor as well. This means that if a caller would like to speak with someone who has had a similar diagnosis, conditions or life experiences, the Network of Strength YourShoes staff can match the caller appropriately to one of our peer counselors.
Certification is valid for three years, given that peer counselors maintain four continuing education credits per year.