Train-the-trainer program

WI DOJ seeks applications from currently employed officers, recently retired officers or civilian dispatchers to attend several national conferences in order to increase their awareness, knowledge, skills and certification as instructors in peer support. The objective of this goal is to enhance the abilities of instructors to develop training materials and provide regional training to peer supporters. Applicants will be selected based on their knowledge, interest and region of the state. Two instructors will be selected for each region for a total of ten regional instructors.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Applicant must be a currently employed or recently retired officer.

2. Employed applicant must have the approval of their current agency to apply and accept the position of the Peer Support Trainer with WI DOJ. Please include a letter of recommendation with your application.

3. Well qualified candidates will have experience with mentoring and/or a peer support team.

4. Well qualified candidates will have experience with providing adult instruction.

5. Applicants must include a current resume.

6. Applicants must include the Peer Support Questionnaire document with application.

7. Application deadline is June 24, 2022.

INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS:

1. Training

Selected instructor cadre will attend national conferences to gain knowledge and insight into Peer Support training and trends. Examples of conferences deemed appropriate for peer support instructors include: 

• International Association of Chief of Police (IACP), 
• International Critical Incident and Stress Foundation (ICISF), 
• International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA), 
• Public Safety Peer Support Association (PSPSA) 
• C.O.P.S. National Conference on Law Enforcement Wellness and Trauma. 

Attendance would focus primarily on presentation topics related to officer wellness and peer support training. Those attending the ICISF Conference would complete the CISM Instructor track for certification. 

2. Curriculum Development

Instructor cadre will be responsible for developing a structured Basic Peer Support training program based on IACP model guidelines for Peer Support Teams. These training programs will be delivered regionally around the state to develop peer support team members in each region. 

IACP Peer Support Guidelines

*Note - the curriculum has been built. Current team members will continue to edit and provide updates as needed.

3. Regional Training Program

• Instructor cadre will deliver 5 Basic Peer Support training programs, one in each region.
• CISM trained instructors will deliver two, three-day trainings on CISM certification for up to 75 peer support team members. 
• Instructor cadre will deliver 5 Re-Trainer events, one in each region.
• Instructors will attend and present at one Annual Peer Support Conference

Q&A
Q: How will the training the instructors receive work for both time and cost required?

A: WI DOJ through the COPS Grant will cover the cost of training we send our selected group of instructors to attend. Covered costs include: travel, registration fees, lodging and per diem. Salary will be covered by your agency or on your own time as agreed by your individual agency. 

Q: How much time commitment will the regional training program require?

A: Approximately 56 hours of training in a 2 year period. Each region will have a team of 2 instructors selected as the trainers. In your assigned region - you will be asked to provide one Basic Peer Support training course  (2-3 days - based on final curriculum) and one Re-Training course (8 hour day). Plus a 3 day Peer Support Statewide conference.

This program is funded by the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Grant Act by COPS. All training and instruction must occur in the approved granting period.