Minnesota
Minnesota
Is there a state-endorsed certification process?
Yes
Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?
What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
have a high school diploma or its equivalent
What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
must be at least 21 years of age
must have had a primary diagnosis of mental illness
be a current or former consumer of mental health services
What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?
* Demonstrate leadership and advocacy skills and a strong dedication to recovery
* Submit 2 letters of recommendation via email to [email protected], mail to the above address, OR fax to 218-999-4041.
* Complete a phone interview with a member of the PS link Team
What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?
Each training event is two weeks (Monday through Friday only), 40 hours per week, and typically follows an 8:00-4:30 schedule.
What is the average cost for CPS training?
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all)
Other potential funding sources.
Is there a state-wide certification test?
Yes, the certification exam seems to be part of the training.
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?
Level I peer specialists must meet the criteria as above.
Certified Peer Specialists Level II must meet all requirements of a Level I CPS and one or more of the following criteria:
• Is qualified as a Minnesota ""mental health practitioner""
• A CPS on a crisis stabilization team must complete at least 30 hours of crisis intervention and stabilization training during their first two years on the team.
Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?
What is the cost of the certification test?
The certification exam is part of the training.
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?
Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?
Is there a statewide certification body?
Yes, the State of Minnesota through the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building
540 Cedar Street
St Paul, MN 55155
Mailing address:
Behavioral Health Division
PO Box 64977
St. Paul, MN 55164-0977
Phone: 651-431-2460
Fax: 651-431-7566
Hours of operation: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?
On average, how often are trainings held in your state?
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.
Peers: Link to HOPE Initiative
3130 SE 2nd Ave
Grand Rapids MN 55744
Phone: 218-999-4012
Fax: 218-999-4041
Email: [email protected]
What are the continuing education requirements?
Peer Specialists must complete and maintain documentation of 30 hours continuing education in areas of mental health recovery, mental health rehabilitative services, and peer support.
Who tracks CEUs?
The Peer Specialist.
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.
CPS Level II must be supervised as under the "Clinical Supervision of Outpatient Mental Health Services"
Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:
What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?
Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?
Yes
How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?
Medicaid rehabilitation services option
Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?
Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?
Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*
Peer Specialists Organization Website*
Other relevant/helpful contacts:*
Are there conferences held in the state specifically for Peer Supporters?
Are there recognition or award opportunities for peer support specialists or Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?
Helpful Websites/ References*
Additional Info*
If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?
Trainings may be rescheduled due to COVID-19. 'Peers Link to Hope' are still taking and processing applications and phone interviews for future trainings.
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