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Spring/Summer 2008
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Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS)
by Cheryl Floyd, PRO-A
The Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance (PRO-A) has been actively working with the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) for the past 17 months to develop a certification that recognizes the work done by recovering individuals in the community. The concept behind this certification is that support and coaching provided by a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) will be enhanced by their skills and experiences with recovery. This certification, open to those who meet specific requirements, will provide credibility to the work done by individuals in the community, members of recovery community organizations and those who work in the addictions field that do not meet the present educational and supervisory criteria for clinical-based certifications.
The credential defines minimum acceptable standards of knowledge and skills to ensure a person’s competency. Although no degree will be needed for this credential, specific training will be required to obtain and renew of the certification. It is our hope that this certification will open doors for individuals interested in working in the addictions field that possess tremendous knowledge and experience in recovery and would like to use it to help others change their lives.
Training and education pertaining to recovery is essential to this certification. A “Recovery Education Program” (REP) is being developed by PRO-A which offers a core set of trainings that will support Specialists in expanding their knowledge, improving their skills and obtaining the credits necessary to maintain this certification. Eight training sessions will be offered through the REP in three regions in the state (west, central and southeast) to provide a large number of people access to these trainings. Although other trainings pertaining to recovery will be offered, PRO-A would be the primary provider for trainings that support this certification. It is our hope that this new certification will be made available to the field through the PA Certification Board (PCB) in the spring 2008.
For more information on this certification, please contact Cheryl Floyd from PRO-A at 717-545-8929 or Mary Jo Mather from PCB at 717-540-4455.
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