Pacific Clinics’ ELEVATE Peer Support Training and Placement Program

About the Program

Pacific Clinics’ ELEVATE Peer Support Training & Placement Program provides no-cost training, certification support, and job placement assistance for San Diego County residents with lived experience in recovery. Participants receive individualized guidance from a Learning Partner from day one through certification, employment, and six months of on-the-job support.

This program helps peers successfully enter the behavioral health workforce with the skills, confidence, and support needed to thrive.

How to Enroll

Step 1: Complete the Interest Form and view Orientation
Step 2: Schedule enrollment meeting
Step 3: Complete the program application
Step 4: Commit to the 80-hour training

ELEVATE Peer Support Training and Placement Program Enrollment Interest Link 

Submit Interest Form

Program Benefits

Participants receive:

• Career counseling & job readiness coaching
• 80-hour Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (MCPSS) training
• State certification guidance
• Vouchers covering application & exam fees
• Job placement assistance and six months of retention support
• Ongoing peer mentorship and professional development
• Up to $1,000 in incentive stipends for certification milestones and job retention (exceptions may apply)

Program Eligibility

To qualify, participants must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Reside in San Diego County
• Have a High School Diploma or GED or higher education
• Identify themselves as a peer with lived experience as a consumer, family member, or
  caregiver of behavioral health or SUD services
• Be interested in entering the behavioral health workforce

Participant Commitment

• Complete the 80-hour state-approved training
• Apply for state certification
• Receive ongoing support with a 6-month check-in after job placement

Training Format

The 80-hour training includes:

• Part 1: 31 self-paced online learning modules (39 hours)
• Part 2: 14 live instructor-led Zoom sessions (41 hours), 3 hours each
  Participants must complete Part 1 to access Part 2

Upcoming Cohorts

Cohort 17
Self-Paced Modules: Dec 9 – Dec 29, 2025 (with 1 week off)
Live Zoom Sessions: Jan 5 – Jan 23, 2026 (Mon–Fri)
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Questions?

PeerCert@pacificclinics.org