Background and Mission
Cascap's Consumer Provider Program (CPP), which began in November of 1993, is modeled after a highly successful program developed in Denver, CO, in 1986. CPP’s mission is to assist talented individuals with psychiatric disabilities to enter and pursue a career in the fields of mental health and human services. A basic premise underlying the program is that this population represents a large pool of untapped candidates for training and employment in the helping professions. These individuals bring a unique and valuable perspective to the service delivery system owing to their first-hand experience with recovery and the mental health system.
The CPP human service training program design incorporates a novel blend of educational, skills training and employment support services. The program is eight months (two semesters) in duration and begins with a participant application and assessment process consisting of personal interviews and written academic evaluations.
During the initial 15 week educational phase, students participate in full-time intensive classroom training. To ensure relevance and transferability of skills, the curriculum was developed and is updated based on job/task analyses performed on the actual positions which the students have expressed strong interest in pursuing. The result is a highly functional, skills-based curriculum which features such topics as: needs assessment, treatment planning, benefits acquisition, crisis intervention, basic communication and counseling skills, etc.
Throughout the classroom period, students receive on-going assessment and feedback based on demonstrated skill performance. Students who successfully complete this phase are then placed in a 15 week internship of their choice. CPP staff work closely with agency supervisors to ensure that the internship is an on-the-job learning experience where students have an opportunity to broaden their awareness of the field, to fine-tune their helping skills, and to gain self confidence. Many students obtain permanent employment with the internship agency following completion of their internship experience. Intensive job seeking and on-going employment supports--both individual and group--are available to each student upon completion of the internship and course requirements. Common internship and employment site placements for CPP students include psychiatric supportive residences, homeless outreach programs, day treatment, social clubs, club houses, out-patient departments, vocational rehabilitation programs and DMH area offices.
In addition to the training and employment services provided, each CPP graduate is awarded a Certificate of Mental Health and Human Services worth 27 college credits through a collaborative arrangement with Bunker Hill Community College. The awarding of college credits is designed to enhance long-term career development. As they gain entry level experience, graduates are able to build on these credits toward higher educational degrees and higher level professional positions in their field of choice.
CPP Public Service Announcement Video (10MBs, requires Quicktime Player 7.x)2008 Applications
All applications will be considered for class 22 in September, 2008. Each applicant will be contacted by telephone to arrange an interview and assessment tests. Please indicate on your application the best number to reach you, and if that changes, please contact us. All activities take place at our classroom at 227 Somerville Avenue, in Somerville.
For questions, information or applications questions, please contact either Laurie Rose or Lisha Weeks at (617) 234-2976.
To Apply
Training cycles are offered once a year starting in September. All classes are held at the Consumer Provider Program's training facility at 231 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, Massachusetts. Although much of the training expenses are covered by several state contracts, students are expected to manage some financial responsibility. For additional information about the Human Services Training Program or the application process, please contact: The Consumer Provider Program at (617) 234-2976.To apply online, please use our Electronic Application.