CAPS Training Program
What is the Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) Training?
The Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) Training is designed to provide learners with the essential skills, knowledge, and tools to work as a CAPS delivering peer support services in Pennsylvania in accordance with state guidelines.
The CAPS training focuses on wellness, self-advocacy, empowerment, and community inclusion as core values. The training is 75-hours long and includes a mixture of in-person classroom instruction, self-paced learning activities (homework), and field observations (potentially virtual) through job shadowing.
CAPS training explores topics including active listening, person-centered support, cultural competency, trauma-informed practice, exploring our own Autistic identities and wellness journeys, and sharing our experiences in a way that can connect with, empower, and inspire confidence in our peers.
Completion of this training allows graduates to qualify for future positions as a Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS), as well as providing valuable educational experiences applicable to a variety of roles in the field of Autism advocacy, services, and support.
Eligibility: Who is this training for?
The training is designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum who have a passion for using their own experiences to support other Autistic people in their community to feel empowered, achieve their goals, and meaningfully participate in all areas of life. An ideal candidate will identify as having had experience working on their own wellness through utilizing a variety of supports like mentoring, personal self-care practices, behavioral health services, or other methods.
To qualify for this training, applicants must be:
• 18 years of age or older,
• Hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and
• Identify as an individual on the Autism Spectrum (and be able to provide documentation of their Autism Spectrum diagnosis).
What you need to complete the application:
- Lived experience information: A signed letter or other documentation from a doctor, clinician, or service provider that verifies your autism diagnosis. (Please note: You do not need to submit any detailed clinical information beyond confirmation of the diagnosis.)
- A copy of your high school or college diploma, or proof of GED from an accredited institution
- Employment Information: Your resume and/or unofficial transcripts
- Contact information for 2 professional references
IMPORTANT DATES:
Training Dates: The training typically occurs over the course of 2-3 weeks (with one week devoted to job shadowing). The training will not take place every day. Participants should be prepared to be available 9 am – 5 pm.
Application Due Date: Online applications are closed. Please reach out to phillyap@drexel.edu if you have any questions. If you are interested in future training opportunities, please indicate your interest below.
Location: In Philadelphia and virtually. More details will be provided to participants.
Note on Covid-19 Protocols: Participants may be required to wear masks, maintain social distance when possible, and symptom screening and/or testing expectations.