1. Who is Howie the Harp?

Howie The Harp (nee Howard Geld) was a pioneer in the Psychiatric Survivors Movement and originated the concept of our Center and services. Unfortunately, he died before we opened our doors in 1995, so we were named in his honor. He got his nickname due to his love for the harmonica.

2. What are the eligibility requirements to participate in HTH programming?

Because we are funded via various gov’t agencies, we are required to provide services to people who meet these requirements:

Mental health diagnosis — Our funders require that we have a record for each program participant that demonstrates a clinically diagnosed mental health condition, with these three factors in mind:

• The mental health condition must be determined by a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrist psychologist, therapist or social worker)
• Documented via a psychiatric evaluation, psychosocial assessment or letter from licensed clinician confirming your diagnosis. (Applicants need to submit only one of these documents to confirm mental health diagnosis, not all three)
• Document needs to be dated within six months of application submission

At least a high school diploma (or equivalent) — Most (if not all) competitive employment requires at least a high school diploma (or equivalent) to apply. Because all of our programs are employment focused, we strive to work with people who are willing, able and qualified to work.

Reside in New York City area — Our funders require us to serve New York City residents, which consists of: Manhattan, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island only.

3. Do I have to pay anything to participate in your programming?

Our employment resources are funded by the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene (DOHMH — city), the Office of Mental Health (OMH — state), and ACCES-VR (state) to support people in mental health recovery to pursue and maintain employment. There is no financial cost for participants to attend. Our funders do, however, require demographic and other data from our participants for quality assurance purposes.

Associated costs of participation that are not covered by funders: transportation (to/from services) food/meals, personal learning equipment (laptops, Wi-Fi, notebooks pens/pencils/markers). Our training program does not require book purchases. We have developed a list of resources to support applicant and trainee participation.

4. I need to get my high school equivalency certificate – can HTH help me with that?

No, but another Community Access program called Blueprint Supported Education can!

5. What is a peer specialist? What do they do?

A peer specialist is a profession consisting of people who have experienced success in their own mental health recovery journey and use that knowledge, along with other person-centered values, to support others in their journey towards wellness. The job responsibilities of peers vary — they depend on the supportive service within which they work. (For instance, the work of peers in a crisis respite setting would be different from a supportive housing setting.)

From HTH’s perspective, the role of peers remains the same. We think peers always serve two major functions: (1) Empower people in recovery to take control of their recovery process (as much as they can handle. (2) Represent and advocate for the wishes and wants of participants when they are not around (or available) These two functions remain embedded within the original intention of peer support — people are the experts of their own lives. The people most affected by a problem, are the very people most likely to solve the problem.

6. What is the difference between peer specialist and peer counselor? What is a recovery coach?

There are a few things to consider: (1) there are many different types of peers; (2) there are many different titles for the peer work; (3) peer job responsibilities vary and depend on the setting they serve; and, (4) entities/employers involved in peer work may define "peers" and/or peer work differently.

Peer work is a profession. But unlike clinical jobs, (i.e., psychiatry, social work, psychologist) there is no one entity that oversees and governs what peer work is, how it’s defined and what peers actually do in their day-to-day work.

Stakeholders within the peer profession vary in opinions and practices about the work itself. Because of these variants, it’s extremely important for social service employers be clear about what and how they offer peer support services. And it’s equally important for participants and job seekers to be clear about what they need and expect from peer support.

HTH, in particular, trains people in mental health recovery to serve as peers in mental health settings. Our mission traces back to the work of Howie The Harp himself and the Psychiatric Survivors Movement. We do welcome people in mental health recovery with other kinds of lived experience: histories of incarceration, homelessness and/or substance use, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, military vets, youth advocates and HIV+ status, for examples. We believe that people with marginalized experiences have unique perspectives about recovery (and oppression) that can enrich supportive social services in ways clinical supports, practices and remedies cannot.

'Peer Specialist' is often seen as a 'catch-all' title that encompasses peer support work. But some entities/employers may choose to use more precise language, such as: peer counselor, forensic peer specialist, peer advocate, recovery coach, peer support worker and peer bridger — just to name a few.

When researching or considering any peer titled job, it’s important to read the job description to confirm which type of lived experience is needed in the job (mental health? substance use? homelessness?) and what is the peer expected to accomplish in that job.

7. If I attend HTH Peer Training, will I be a certified peer in the state of New York?

No. Our training is separate and different from state certification for peer specialists.

Our program offers live, trainer-led teachings that provides thoughtful conversations, provokes questions and nuanced dialogue and an opportunity to hear from other classmates about their experiences. We believe our training facilitates the peer support experience – people in relationship with other people.

We encourage everyone interested in pursuing peer support work, including our participants and graduates, to obtain their state certification in order to gain the most employment opportunities available.

To learn more about the New York State Peer Specialist Certification process, please go to their website (http://nypeerspecialist.org) and download the application – it explains in detail how to obtain the certification. In the application explanation, there is a requirement to demonstrate competency in key areas of peer work on another website (https://www.academyofpeerservices.org) which offers a series of online training courses and testing towards obtaining and maintaining the state certification.

Notes:

• HTH does not oversee either website, nor the state certification process. Please direct any questions or requests for information about the certification process to them.
• New York State Peer Specialist Certification is specifically for mental health recovery peer support. There are different state certifications for substance use peers (OASAS), substance use (ASAP), youth advocates, and HIV peers.
• You can obtain a state certification without attending HTH programming.
• Most states in the U.S. have their own peer certification — so the NYS Peer Certification is not necessarily transferable if you move.
• Many employers prefer/require mental health peers workers to be certified — so whether you attend HTH or not, everyone who wishes to work as mental health peer workers is encouraged to get their certification to ensure their best opportunity for employment. Obtaining NYS certification is free!

8. What is the difference between HTH Peer Training service and Assisted Competitive Employment (ACE)?

The HTH Peer Training programs (including Bootcamp) trains people to become peer specialists. At the end of training, we support you in obtaining employment as a peer specialist in a social service setting. Participation is based on an application and assessment process — not everyone who applies will be admitted. Admissions cycles happen twice per year (winter/summer) for a spring and fall term.

The ACE Program supports people in mental health recovery to choose, get and keep a job of their choice over a two-year (maximum) period. Enrollment is year-round (though space is limited). Applicants must be ready, willing and able to work at the time they enroll in the program — and must already have the qualifications needed to get the job they want. Employed applicants are welcome to enroll for support in keeping their current job and/or looking for another!

9. What is the difference between the HTH Peer Training Program and the Peer Training Bootcamp?

The HTH Peer Training Program is our flagship program! This in-person, classroom-led program offers a comprehensive 20-week, Monday to Friday, 400+ hours of training, plus a 12-week internship. The scope of training and supports develops people in mental health recovery to become peer specialists who are able to serve in various social service settings.

In March 2020, due to COVID-19, this program had to be postponed. Our location was not able to accommodate social distancing requirements for a classroom of people. Due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, and the renovation of our current location, we decided to provide trainings virtually — but still live. That’s the Peer Training Bootcamp — starting March 2021! These series of live trainings offer the foundational tools/values/skills of peer support work. The program offers supplemental resource, career coaching and support over the 12-week training period and participants will be supported in securing employment at the end of training.

We plan on resuming the HTH Peer Training Program once our location has been renovated and the state funders agree that in-person training may resume. As of Jan 2021, we think this program format restart by Jan 2022.

10. What will I need in order to participate in the HTH Peer Training Bootcamp?

If you are accepted into the program, we expect that you will be able to attend all live trainings and supplemental chat rooms and do homework. Each participant will need: laptop/computer, consistent Wi-Fi, a Gmail email, and be able to maneuver Zoom, Slack, and Google doc. Each participant will receive invites to attend the Zoom trainings and Slack discussions via HTH Programming.

11. How much will I be paid as a peer specialist?

Pay can vary — from $8/hr to $45k/yr — depending on how many hours you work, the employer’s funding source for the position, the type of program the peer position resides, and the actual job responsibilities. For more accurate, up-to-date salary data, go to job sites like Indeed and search for titles, such as "peer specialist", "peer counselor", "peer advocate" in your area and take note of the job descriptions, pay and hours per week.

12. Can I work and keep my SSI benefits?

Yes, there are part time jobs in peer work. Check out job sites such as Indeed to research part time work opportunities.

13. Can I work with a history of incarceration?

It depends on the conviction charge. Convictions that prohibit or greatly limit employment in social services:

• sexual assault charges
• arson
• crimes against vulnerable populations (such as children, elderly)
• violent crime conviction within the past 10 years

To confirm your status in seeking employment, please research the Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs Pre-Employment Check Process.

14. Can you guarantee me a job?

Your ability to obtain competitive employment depends on you and your efforts. HTH strives to offer the most comprehensive and up-to-date information and support available in obtaining competitive employment. Our services cannot override the needs of employers and their requirements for hiring.

15. Is there any studies or information about the efficacy of peer support work?

Yes! Please take a look at the following:

• PDFs / links coming soon

Can I bring an emotional support animal with me to the classroom?

(This question refers to attending the in-person, classroom led peer training that has been on hiatus since March 2020.) Unfortunately we cannot accommodate an emotional support animal in our Center or in our classroom training. However, we do use trauma-informed practices to help reduce anxiety for students. Graduates have said that their classroom experience was a safe haven in their recovery and work prep process.

17. What do HTH graduates say about their experience? What did they learn or how did they benefit from attending your program?

"Recovery is not linear. The fact that the stumbles are part of the journey is central to personal growth at HTH and something I reinforce daily as a peer provider."
— Drew W

"Throughout the training I was going through long episodes of depression and I used some of the tools I learned from HTH to walk me though my depression and I was able to find a measure of peace of mind through it."
— Robert S

"The greatest lesson I learned about myself is that I'm a natural leader, highly empathetic and have the strength and courage to utilize these virtues for the growth of the peer community and my personal development."
— Scott R

"When I got up to present to the class, I felt this incredible calm wash over me and it stayed with me throughout my entire presentation. What I noticed was that I was at home in myself and in front of this group of people I had grown to feel great affection for. I really have no words for how important the experience at Howie and all the people I got to experience it with is to me, but I know I will always be very grateful."
— Melanie F

"HTH has changed my life. I am not ashamed of who I am. I am a proud warrior and have fought the good fight to get well."
— Gail Z