Our History
About WISE
WISE (Workforce Integration Support and Education) began in 2015 to address the unmet training and technical assistance needs of both employers and peer employees in the Public Mental Health System (PMHS).
Since its beginning, WISE has delivered hundreds of peer employment trainings, conferences, webinars, and workshops for employers and peers. WISE has offered training and technical assistance to assist employer with integrating peers in the behavioral health workforce and provided peer professionals with a better understanding of the core competencies of peer support.
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In 2016, Cal Voices created WISE U, a full service training program to address a lack of training in the peer workforce. Through this program, hundreds of peers have received education on the core competencies of peer support, job coaching, and career mentorship. For more information check out the WISE U page.
All trainings, workshops and activities offered by WISE and WISE U are based California's 17 core competencies for peer support and are rooted in recovery-oriented practices.
Our Mission
To help employers in California's Public Behavioral Health System recruit and retain peer support specialists through genuine workforce integration. We strive to put the vision and values of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) into practice by promoting and advancing peer employment.
Our Services
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Peer certification training for peer support workers*
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Career mentorship for program graduates
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Training and workshops for peer providers and employers
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Statewide educational events and conferences
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Technical assistance for mental health agencies/organizations who employ peer support workers
*Meets the training requirements for the following certifications:
Our Team
Blia Cha
Program Manager, WISE U Trainer
Katrina Copple
Program Coordinator, WISE U Trainer
Nicole Scanlan
Education Specialist
Leo Antolin
Program Assistant
Contact Us
720 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 376-7736
Monday thorough Friday | 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
WISE University is funded by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) through the voter approved Mental Health Service Act (MHSA)
