Certified Recovery Support Specialist

What is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist?

A Certified Recovery Support Specialist helps individuals recover from substance abuse, mental health issues, and behavioral health challenges. They provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support. Their role focuses on building resilience and promoting long-term recovery. They may work in hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, rehabilitation facilities, and community-based organizations. They offer one-on-one support, lead groups, and connect clients with essential resources. Their goal is to help individuals maintain recovery and improve well-being. Certified Recovery Support Specialists educate about recovery and help clients develop coping skills and strategies to manage challenges effectively.

Who can become a Certified Recovery Support Specialist?

The CRSS program is unique because it is only available to those with lived experience in substance use, mental health, or dual disorders. To qualify, individuals must have a high school diploma or GED. They must also demonstrate personal knowledge or advocacy in recovery to earn the credential. This program is designed for newcomers to the field and professionals in SUD or mental health looking to transition into a CRSS role. It helps those shifting from clinical or administrative positions to direct recovery support work.

Why become a Certified Recovery Support Specialist?

The demand for CRSS is rapidly increasing, and the State of Illinois strongly encourages treatment providers to add CRSS to their staff. The Medicaid Rules in Illinois mandate that each Community Support Team must include at least one certified recovery support specialist (CRSS). Each assertive community action team comprises at least one CRSS. Some communities have established mental health and homeless intervention teams, typically composed of a CRSS, a master's-trained clinician, and a paramedic.

How long does it take to become a Certified Recovery Support Specialist?

This is a three-semester basic vocational certification program for Certified Recovery Support Specialist students. ECC equips you with a fulfilling career as a recovery coach by combining classroom learning with practical experiences in local organizations. Courses are offered both in-person and online to accommodate your schedule. Plus, field experiences can be completed close to home. Afterward, you'll be ready for a job as a certified recovery support specialist with local organizations.

What sets ECC’s Certified Recovery Support program apart?

ECC is among the first community colleges in Illinois to offer this cutting-edge program. Individuals completing this program will be eligible to take the state certification exam through the Illinois Certification Board (ICB). They will be eligible for employment as Certified Recovery Support Specialists (CRSS) in mental health disorder or dual diagnosis treatment programs. Additionally, they can work as Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists (CPRS) in substance use disorder or dual diagnosis treatment programs.

What do Certified Recovery Support Specialists do?

• Form a helping relationship with a person in recovery from a mental illness, a substance use disorder, or a combination of both (dual diagnosis).
• Develop Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) for individuals in recovery.
• Function as an advocate for persons in recovery by identifying how they have advocated for themselves.
• Practice active listening, encourage self-care, and promote positive mindsets.

How is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist different from a therapist?

The CRSS does not provide therapy; they act as living role models and advocates within and outside the treatment program. They also serve as mentors and offer case management services to support individuals in recovery.

Getting a Job as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist

Jobs that may be available to students who complete a recovery support specialist certificate include the following:

• Certified Recovery Support Specialist
• Certified Peer Support Specialist
• Health Education Specialist
• Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
• Rehabilitation Counselors
• Social and Human Service Assistants