Overview
Veteran Peer Support Specialist Training Course 1: Military Culture and Essential Topics
Through a series of interactive instructional videos narrated by Behavioral Health experts, this three module, online, self-paced, training course explores the idea that military Veterans share a unique identity and lived experience. VPSSTC1 provides participants with training that addresses military culture and common experiences of military service. This course also addresses essential topics related to military service, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Veteran homelessness and Veteran suicide. Completion of the course prepares Peer Support Specialists to work with and better understand Veteran Peers and promotes productive personal and professional connections with this unique Peer population.
Module 1: Introduction, Military Culture, and Advocacy
Module 2: Understanding Trauma, PTSD, and TBI
Module 3: Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, and TBI
Target Audience
Peer Support Specialists as well as other Human Services professionals who would like to increase their knowledge of military and Veteran culture and the behavioral health issues relevant to this unique population.
Modality
This course consists of 3 online self-paced modules, each approximately 1 hour in length. Participants must complete all 3 modules, their respective end of module quizzes, a pre-test, a post-test, and a course evaulation to receive a certificate of completion. This course takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
Policies and ADA Accessibility
If you require any of the auxiliary aids or services identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to participate in this program, please call us at (919) 843-6083, or e-mail us at bhs-support@unc.edu. Websites and courses have been developed in compliance of US Section 508 standards where applicable or meeting W3C priority 1 guidelines for web accessibility.
Please send all questions, concerns, and support inquiries to bhs-support@unc.edu.
Training Details
Module 1: Military Culture and Advocacy
This module consists of six interactive video lessons and provides Peer Support Specialists with detailed information on the role of the PSS with military designation; a comprehensive familiarization with the interconnected cultural elements foundational to the Veteran identity; and an explanation of the military cultural attitudes that can lead to mental health and substance use related stigma and barriers to care. It also provides an introduction to issues that marginalized populations within the military community may continue to experience following their time in service.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Describe the role of the PSS in promoting quality of life, well being, and recovery for Veterans diagnosed with a mental health or substance use disorder and their families.
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Give examples of the seven interconnected cultural elements foundational to the Veteran Identity.
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Explain how stigma results in a barrier to care for many Veterans.
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Describe the role of the PSS as an advocate for Veteran Peers diagnosed with a mental health or substance use disorder.
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Describe Adverse Childhood Experiences and explain how ACE Score is correlated with health outcomes.
Module 2: Trauma, PTSD, and TBI
This module consists of five video lessons and provides Peer Support Specialists with: A detailed definition of trauma and the types of trauma exposure; an introduction to Acute Stress Disorder and its common symptoms; a comprehensive definition of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the symptom criterion required for diagnosis; an explanation of evidenced-based treatment options following PTSD diagnosis; a description of multi-generational trauma; and an introduction to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Define trauma and list the four types of trauma exposure.
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Identify common symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD).
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Define Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and explain the criterion requirements for PTSD diagnosis.
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Explain multi-generational trauma and the associated behaviors of children living with a parent experiencing PTSD symptoms.
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Recognize common physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Module 3: Military Sexual Trauma, Homelessness, and Suicide
This module consists of three video lessons and provides Peer Support Specialists with: A detailed definition of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and the types of trauma that can occur; an overview of VA resources available to ALL individuals who have experienced MST regardless of discharge status or time in service; a definition of homelessness and the four main causes of Veteran homelessness; an overview of resources addressing Veteran homelessness; a description of the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with suicide, a list of questions to ask when talking to someone about suicide; and a discussion of resources to address Veterans experiencing crisis.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Define Military Sexual Trauma and describe the types of MST that most commonly occur.
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Describe VA resources available to all individuals who have experienced MST.
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Describe the Housing First approach.
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Identify the four main causes of Veteran homelessness.
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Recognize the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors associated with suicide.
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List the questions to ask when talking to someone about suicide.
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Identify resources addressing Veterans in crisis.
Register
- Please be sure to be logged on to the BHS site.
- Click the button below "Take Me to the Course" to enter the course. The course will open in a new tab.
- You can always re-visit the course by visiting your "My Courses" tab on your account page.
Continuing Education
Successful completion of this course provides 3 contact hours toward the additional 20 hour requirement for Certified Peer Support Specialist-Military Designation.
