Recovery Specialist Curriculum | Pennsylvania Certification Board

This training is for professionals who are interested in applying for the Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), the Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) and/or the Certified Recovery Specialist Supervisor (CRSS) through the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB). While most concepts apply to both certifications, there will be times where it is noted/called out for differences/additions. The main purpose of certification is public protection: to ensure individuals are not harmed in any way while receiving recovery support services. Once certified, Recovery Specialists are held to a Code of Ethics. While the credential is active, the Code must always be adhered to – even if the Recovery Specialist is no longer providing recovery support services.

The Role of the Recovery Specialist

The Recovery Specialist is an individual with personal, lived experience of their own recovery. By offering insight into the recovery process, Recovery Specialists are able to share a unique perspective with those with similar life experiences. Recovery Specialists accept and agree that their experience as a person in recovery from a substance use disorder will be known by their colleagues, individuals served, and others with whom they may share that they have achieved this credential. The Recovery Specialist is a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator. Recovery Specialists advocate for the individual, the recovery system, recovery-oriented services and assist to identify and reduce stigma. Recovery Specialists advocate to eliminate barriers, increase natural supports and build community. Services provided by the Recovery Specialist substantially improve an individual’s and family’s ability to sustain recovery and wellness.

Training Overview

78 instructional hours; including 66 in class hours and 12 hours of homework. Introductions, ice-breakers, breaks, etc. do not count towards the 78 hours.
Learners are provided a Learner Manual prior to the training. Approved trainers will coordinate this process.
This training is designed to prepare Recovery Specialists for work in the behavioral health field.

Technology Requirements

Be comfortable with computers, computer application and other technology
Ability to complete online homework (12 hours)
Laptop or desktop device. Mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones cannot be used.

Class Expectations

Attend all scheduled training days.
Learners must coordinate make-up classes and homework with the trainer.
All requirements must be completed in order to receive a certificate of completion for education hours.
Be EARLY.
Respect confidentiality.
Avoid judgement and respect individual differences.
Respect all pathways to recovery.
Understand that this is a learning environment and not a support group or therapy.
Listen carefully.
Stay focused.

Class	Instructor	Date / Location	Organization	Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 148 Private	Frederick Shue fshue@councilsepa.org	01/09/2023 - 01/27/2023 Philadelphia Recovery Training Center, 520 N. Columbus Blvd Ste 203, Philadelphia, PA 19123	The Council of Southeast PA / PRO-ACT	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 158 Private	Melissa Groden mgroden@councilsepa.org	01/10/2023 - 05/09/2023 Philadelphia Recovery Training Center 520 N. Columbus Blvd. Ste. 203, Philadelphia, PA 19123	PRO-ACT	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 135 Private	Brad Schweitzer bheducationservices@gmail.com	01/14/2023 - 03/18/2023 West Lawn United Methodist Church - 15 Woodside Ave, West Lawn PA 19609	Behavioral Health Education Services, LLC	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 150 Private Flyer	Keith Elders keithpapsc@gmail.com	01/19/2023 - 02/17/2023 PA CareerLink - Pittsburgh - 914 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222	Sponsored by Partner4Work via ARC INSPIRE; Facilitated by Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 151 Private	Angela Grannas aj8081@yahoo.com	01/21/2023 - 02/26/2023 1 HACC Drive Harrisburg, PA	Harrisburg Area Community College	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 153 Private	Donald Altemus don@recoveryeducator.com	02/04/2023 - 04/22/2023 Villanova University 800 Lancaster Avenue Villanova PA 19085	Villanova University	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 155 Private	Katrin Fieser katrinschall@rocketmail.com	02/15/2023 - 04/26/2023 Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus	Penn State Fayette	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 145 Private	Patricia Baranowski patti.b@pro-a.org	03/04/2023 - 05/13/2023 Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center in Port Allegany, PA	Facilitated by PRO-A; Hosted by Workforce Solutions and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Service, Inc.	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 140 Public	Karen Laboranti laborantitac@gmail.com	03/04/2023 - 05/06/2023 Scranton, PA	Laboranti Training & Consulting	Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 146 Private	Angela Grannas aj8081@yahoo.com	03/04/2023 - 05/20/2023 Penn State Extensions 181 Franklin Farm Lane Chambersburg, PA 17202	Penn State Monte Alto	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 156 Private	Patricia Baranowski patti.b@pro-a.org	03/06/2023 - 04/04/2023 Palmer Recovery Center, 2906 William Penn Highway Suite 101 Easton, PA 18045	Facilitated by PRO-A; Hosted by Northampton County Drug and Alcohol	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 157 Private	Patricia Baranowski patti.b@pro-a.org	03/06/2023 - 05/15/2023 145 Clark Bldg Rd #5, Bedford, PA 15522	Facilitated by PRO-A; Hosted by Behavioral Health Services of Somerset and Bedford Counties, Inc. and Personal Solutions	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 147 Private	Brad Schweitzer bheducationservices@gmail.com	03/11/2023 - 05/20/2023 The Rise Center - 702 N. 8th St, Reading, PA	Facilitated by Behavioral Health Education Services/Hosted by The Council On Chemical Abuse	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 154 Private	Katrin Fieser katrinschall@rocketmail.com	03/18/2023 - 05/20/2023 Penn State University Beaver Campus 100 University Drive Monaca, PA 15061	Penn State	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 149 Private	Frederick Shue fshue@councilsepa.org	04/10/2023 - 04/21/2023 Philadelphia Recovery Training Center, 520 N. Columbus Blvd Ste 203, Philadelphia, PA 19123	The Council of Southeast PA / PRO-ACT	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 159 Private	Patricia Baranowski patti.b@pro-a.org	04/14/2023 - 06/16/2023 3001 Fairway Drive, Altoona, PA 16602	Facilitated by PRO-A; Hosted by Blair County Drug and Alcohol	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 141 Public	Karen Laboranti laborantitac@gmail.com	06/03/2023 - 08/12/2023 Scranton, PA	Laboranti Training & Consulting	Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 152 Private	Angela Grannas aj8081@yahoo.com	06/06/2023 - 08/24/2023 Harrisburg Community College - HACC York Campus	Harrisburg Area Community College	Enroll A password is required to enroll in this class.