Recovery Support Specialist Certificate

The Recovery Support Specialist Certificate program is designed for individuals with lived expertise in recovery from mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance use recovery who wish to work as recovery support specialists—people who use their own lived recovery experiences to support the recovery of others as peers.Recovery, defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. The Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential aims to fully support individuals living in recovery to utilize their lived expertise to promote recovery and wellness in others.Areas of focus include:AdvocacyProfessional responsibilityEthical responsibilityMentoring and educationRecoverywellness supportMulticultural competenceThis program allows individuals with lived expertise in recovery from mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance use recovery to prepare for work and become certified as recovery support specialists and peer recovery specialists.