This program is for justice impacted and formerly incarcerated individuals who have overcome personal challenges with mental health, substance abuse, or both. The program is ideal for those with a passion for helping others overcome the challenges and collateral consequences of incarceration, prepare for release, facilitate reentry, and successful community reintegration.
Students will draw on their own experiences and recovery as they acquire the knowledge, resources, and tools necessary to help others overcome their challenges. Upon completion of the program, students earn a Peer Specialist Certificate and are prepared to fill peer support roles in community-settings, government agencies, community health clinics, recovery centers, and housing and homeless service providers. Students may also be eligible for tuition scholarship and additional supports including career counseling, job placement assistance and post-program support.
Take the first step toward making a positive impact in the lives of justice impacted and formerly incarcerated individuals. For more information, please contact us at Elizabeth.Tobias@lmu.edu
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LMU Extension is an approved CalMHSA training provider, and the course meets the educational requirements necessary for applicants seeking to take the state certification exam to become a California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist. This 80-hour, instructor-led course covers a wide range of topics, including recovery principles, psychiatric rehabilitation, professional boundaries, and defined practices. It also focuses on critical skills such as group facilitation, conflict resolution, and preparing for employment in the behavioral health field. Participants will gain the tools necessary for effective service delivery and helping others navigating additional support services, all while emphasizing career readiness and industry standards.
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Jenny Serrano, MPA
Jenny Serrano is a Children’s Services Administrator III (Program Director) for the County of Los Angeles’ Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Youth Development Services Division. She began her career at DCFS in 2010 after serving as the Special Assistant to Deputy Chief Executive Officer Miguel Santana in the County’s Chief Executive Office. In this role, Jenny assisted with program development, policy analysis, and made recommendations to County leadership while overseeing a $2-billion-dollar portfolio created through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Jenny is currently responsible for managing programs that support transition-age foster youth in areas such as employment, transportation, and credit protection, impacting thousands annually. She manages a dedicated team of 26 staff members, including program managers, working toward providing youth with the resources they need for a successful future.
Jenny holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Northridge. She is also an Associate Professor of Political Science at Pierce College, where she has taught for 16 years. Jenny has also served on the Board of Directors for Peace4Kids, a nonprofit organization supporting foster youth in South Los Angeles, and remains involved as a volunteer and consultant.
Jenny entered foster care at 13 years old and aged out at 18, attending 6 high schools and living in 6 different foster homes. At 19, she became a caregiver for her younger brother. Today, Jenny has a family of her own with her children, Nyah (22) and Asher (15), and enjoys reading, road trips, and concerts.
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UPCOMING CLASS SCHEDULE
More classes coming soon!
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Scholarships are available for California residents through a fully funded program by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) with no out-of-pocket costs for tuition or materials. Scholarship includes the cost of tuition, career counseling, job placement assistance and post-program support for six (6) months. Interested individuals can complete a scholarship application. Click here to apply:
Peer Specialist Scholarship Application
To request a hard copy of the application, email elizabeth.tobias@lmu.edu or call 310-338-5813.