CAPS Training Program
What is the Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) Training?
- Provides learners with the essential skills, knowledge, and tools to work as a CAPS delivering peer support services in Pennsylvania following state guidelines.
- Focuses on wellness, self-advocacy, empowerment, and community inclusion as core values.
- 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.
- 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.
Who is this training for?
The training is designed for autistic individuals 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 wellness through utilizing a variety of supports like mentoring, personal self-care practices, behavioral health services, or other methods.
Training Requirements
■ Lived Experience: Individuals who are 18 years of age or older with a diagnosis of autism. (Please note: We have also accepted evaluation reports if an official diagnosis is not available).
■ Education/Employment History:
- A high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution
- Within the past three years:
- Maintained at least 12 months of successful full or part-time paid or voluntary work experience
or - Obtained at least 24 credit hours of post-secondary education
- Maintained at least 12 months of successful full or part-time paid or voluntary work experience
■ Two professional references are required. References can be past employers, educators, or other individuals who can speak to your skills and fit for this training program.
What you need to complete the application:
- Lived Experience: 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. We understand the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis as an adult, so we also accept evaluation reports.
- Education/Employment History: 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
- References: Contact information for 2 professional references
IMPORTANT DATES:
Training Dates: April 15, 2024 – May 3, 2024. The training occurs over 2-3 weeks (with one week devoted to job shadowing). Participants should be prepared to be available from 9 am – 5 pm. Kindly be advised that the timeline is subject to change. We appreciate your understanding and will keep you updated on any adjustments. Below are more details about the schedule.
- Week of April 15th: Training will occur every day.
- Week of April 22nd:
- April 22nd: Virtual Training Day
- Remainder of the week: Job Shadowing placement
- Week of April 29th: Training will occur every day.
Application Due Date: Rolling admission until spots are filled.
Location: Community Behavioral Health (CBH), 801 Market Street, Philadelphia; and virtually. More details will be provided to participants.