Peer Mentor Training Program
for People with I/DD

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) is recruiting approximately 15 individuals to participate in a Peer Mentor training for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). We are seeking individuals with lived experience with an I/DD with demonstrated knowledge of and direct personal experience navigating the North Carolina Medicaid delivery system.

Participants will learn key concepts to support peers with I/DD in a managed care system. All classes incorporate learning activities to be done as a group and individually, as well as knowledge checks. Participants will complete a pre-training and post-training evaluation to provide feedback which will be incorporated to improve the overall curriculum.

Topics include:
  • The role of the peer mentor
  • Supporting choices
  • Ethics and etiquette
  • Abuse, bullying & neglect
  • Self-determination and self-advocacy
  • Mental health and substance abuse
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Detecting scams and fraud

No future cohorts are currently scheduled.

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If you have any questions, please contact Project Director, Kelly Friedlander, at Kelly@cb-cg.com

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the selection requirements for the program?

Participants must:

  • Be a person with an intellectual/developmental disability
  • Have direct personal experience navigating the North Carolina Medicaid delivery system (i.e., be a recipient of services)
  • Be 18 years or older
  • Live in North Carolina
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalency from an approved, accredited institution
  • Be able to attend all training sessions

Participants must demonstrate the following, with or without support:

  • Familiarity with community intellectual and developmental disabilities community resources
  • Effective communication skills
  • Basic reading/writing skills or has support to review materials and keep notes
  • Time management skills
  • Familiarity and ability to use technology, including Zoom, Microsoft Word, and email
I have a Traumatic Brain Injury; can I apply?

If you acquired your Traumatic Brain Injury before you were 22 years old, you may apply.

When are the training sessions?

The training sessions will be held weekly on Tuesdays from 11-1 pm on the following dates:

  • April 5
  • April 12
  • April 19
  • April 26
  • May 3
  • May 10
  • May 17
  • May 24
  • May 31
  • June 7
  • June 14
  • June 21
I meet the requirements and can make all training sessions. Am I automatically in the program if I fill out an application?

No. Prospective participants will be contacted for an interview after submitting an application.

Is this a job? How will I get paid?

This is not a job; it is a time-limited, independent contractor opportunity. Those selected will receive a contract to review and sign that outlines group participation requirements and how the $300 stipend will be paid.

If selected, what are my responsibilities?

If selected to participate, you will need to:

  • Attend and participate in all training session
  • Complete and turn in weekly homework assignments
  • Complete pre and post-tests for each lesson
  • Complete pre and post-training evaluations
Does this training certify the participant to work as North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist?

No.The North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist program is a separate program to certify people living in recovery with mental illness and/or substance use disorder and provide support to others who can benefit from their lived experiences.

Were peers included in the creation of the curriculum?

Yes. The curriculum was adaptedfrom the InReach peer advocates leadership training curriculum authored by Patricia K. Keul in collaboration with peer mentors with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The input and ideas from self-advocates remain at its core.

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This opportunity is supported through funding from the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities and Optum and support and leadership from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and Community Bridges Consulting Group.