Certified Peer Specialist - Inpatient Psych - Hennepin County Medical Center

Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County. The comprehensive healthcare system includes a 473-bed academic medical center, a large outpatient Clinic & Specialty Center, and a network of clinics in the North Loop, Whittier, and East Lake Street neighborhoods of Minneapolis, and in the suburban communities of Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and St. Anthony Village. Hennepin Healthcare has a large psychiatric program, home care, and operates a research institute, philanthropic foundation, and Hennepin EMS. The system is operated by Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of Hennepin County.  

Equal Employment Opportunities: We believe equity is essential for optimal health outcomes and are committed to achieve optimal health for all by actively eliminating barriers due to racism, poverty, gender identity, and other determinants of health. We are committed to equitable care and working in an environment that celebrates, promotes, and protects diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to bringing in individuals with new cultural perspectives to assist in creating a more equitable healthcare organization.

SUMMARY:

We are currently seeking 2 Certified Peer Specialists to join our Inpatient Psych team. This part time role will work 40 hours within a two week pay period on a rotating schedule between days and evenings, including rotating weekends and holidays.

Preferred qualifications include additional certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) through the Minnesota Certification Board: Peer Recovery | Minnesota Certification Board (mcboard.org). In addition to certification, these specialists have successfully navigated their own recovery journey and leverage their firsthand knowledge of the healing process to help others move forward in their recovery.

Purpose of this position: Certified Peer Specialist Services (CPSS) are specific services emphasizing the acquisition, development, and enhancement of skills needed by an individual with a mental illness to move forward in their recovery. These services are self-directed and person-centered with a focus on recovery. CPSS are identified in a treatment plan or an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and are characterized by a partnering approach between the certified peer specialist (CPS) and the person who receives the services. The role of the CPSS/CPRS reflects a collaborative and strengths-based approach with the goal of assisting individuals in achieving access to resources and supporting recovery from the effects of substance use and/or mental health issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Uses a non-clinical approach that helps recipients discover their strengths and develop their own unique recovery; models wellness, personal responsibility, self-advocacy, and hopefulness through appropriate sharing of their story
• Provides education and skill-building, including but not limited to wellness planning, crisis planning, Advanced Psychiatric Directives, and self-advocacy skills including connecting to professional services when appropriate
• Provides services that help recipients identify their strengths and to use their strengths to reach their treatment goals and identify and overcome barriers to participation in community resources
• Provides connection with resources to assist them in becoming familiar with potential opportunities and teaching and modeling the skills needed to successfully utilize community resources
• Provides relationship building and encourages community-based activities, such as work, relationships, physical activity, and self-directed hobbies
• Leads peer support groups and illness management and recovery groups
• Offers insight into the recovery process based on their own lived experience to provide a unique perspective to those with similar life experiences
• Uses a collaborative and strengths-based approach to help recipients become ready and willing to seek treatment (if needed) and helping the person explore their options for recovery or treatment
• Develops recovery plans, coping methods, and strategies surrounding the effects of substance use and/or mental health issues

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

Certified Peer Specialist Level I
Level I peer specialists must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent 
• Have a primary diagnosis of mental illness
• Is a current or former consumer of mental health services
• Demonstrates leadership and advocacy skills
• Successfully completes the DHS approved Certified Peer Specialist training and certification exam

Certified Peer Specialist Level II
Level II peer specialists must meet all requirement of a Level I CPS and one or more of the following criteria:

• Is qualified as a mental health practitioner
• Has at least 6,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of peer services to people with mental illness
• Has at least 4,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of services to people with mental illness and an additional 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of peer services to people with mental illness

https://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&dDocName=dhs16_166833&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased 

Preferred Qualificaitons:

• Certified as Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to share personal recovery experience
• Ability to recognize strengths of individuals
• Ability to communicate effectively 
• Ability to build relationships

License/Certifications:

• Certified peer specialist must complete the 76-hour training that has been approved by the Commissioner. Certification is valid for two years from the date of certification. In addition to the training and certification, certified peers must complete 30 hours of continuing education related to peer support every two years. 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

You've made the right choice in considering Hennepin Healthcare for your employment. We offer a wealth of opportunities for individuals who want to make an impact in our patients' lives. We are dedicated to providing Equal Employment Opportunities to both current and prospective employees. We are driven to connect talented individuals with life-changing career opportunities, enabling you to provide exceptional care without exception. Thank you for considering Hennepin Healthcare as a future employer.  

Please Note:  Offers of employment from Hennepin Healthcare are conditional and contingent upon successful clearance of all background checks and pre-employment requirements.