Peer Support workers are people who have been successful in the recovery process who help others who are experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, Peer Support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Certification courses are offered throughout the year through SC SHARE. You should frequently check the trainings offered by SC SHARE and once you are prepared to attend, simply submit your application (see Certification Path | SC SHARE) and pay the non-refundable registration fee ($32). An SC SHARE representative will reach out to you to verify your registration prior to the training date to schedule an applicant interview via Zoom on your laptop or computer. At that time, you will be informed how to submit the course fee ($300).

Yes. SC SHARE offers an intensive training and recertification program. Recertification is offered annually in conjunction with the South Carolina Office of Mental Health. The SC SHARE recertification has been sanctioned by the Department of Health and Human Services and consists of 20 hours of continuing education credits or CEUs (see Recertification Path | SC SHARE)

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​Certificates have the expiration date noted on them. If the recertification application packet is not submitted as directed, the certificate is suspended. The Peer Supporter has three (3) months to reinstate their certification before full expiration of their certificate.​ There is a $15 per month overdue added to the $30 recertification fee.

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**In the event of a certification expiring, the Peer Supporter must retake the entire certification training for official South Carolina CPSS credentialing.**

Recertification requires you to accumulate a minimum of 20 CEUs per year. SC SHARE provides free monthly CEU training opportunities every 2nd Friday of the year (see Training & Events | SC SHARE). We encourage you seek opportunities in your community as well.

Please note that recertification requires at least one (1) CEU in Ethics. All others can be diverse but MUST be applicable toward peer support specialization regarding mental illness, emotional challenges, substance use, or co-occurring issues.

Partnered with SAFE Project, SC SHARE offers a three-day, 100% online, 9am-5pm daily, certification training for currently Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSSs) in Integrated Forensic Peer Support (IFPRS) Certification. This training is designed to provide presently peer support specialists with additional tools when working with Peers who are experiencing, or have had previous experience with, criminal justice involvement.

Unfortunately, SC SHARE does not track employment opportunities in the peer support community. Finding work as a Peer Support Specialist will depend largely on what is available in your community and what other types of qualifications you possess. Websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, SC Works, and SC.gov would be great resources. Also, many mental health agencies, hospitals, treatment & transition centers, and the like often hire Peer Supporters. However, this is research you will have to conduct personally in your immediate community. 

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