SPIRIT Program

Service Provider Individualized Recovery Intensive Training (SPIRIT) is a college accredited recovery oriented, peer led classroom and experiential-based program for individuals with lived behavioral health experience as a client/consumer or a family member.

This classroom and internship experience leads to a certification for individuals who successfully complete the program and is accepted as the minimum qualifications necessary for employment within CCBHS in the classification of Community Support Worker. Participants learn peer provider skills, group facilitation, recovery planning development, wellness self-management strategies and other skills needed to gain employment in peer provider and family partner positions in both County operated and contracted community-based organizations.

The Office for Peer and Family Empowerment (OFPE) in partnership with Contra Costa College offers this course annually and supplements the class with a monthly peer support group for those individuals who are employed by the County in various peer and family partner roles. The SPIRIT Program also provides support and assistance with placement and advancement for SPIRIT graduates consistent with their career aspirations.

Applications usually open each year around August-October.