Training Overview 
  1. 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.
  2. Learners are provided a Learner Manual prior to the training. Approved trainers will coordinate this process.
  3. This training is designed to prepare Recovery Specialists for work in the behavioral health field. 
Technology Requirements
  1. Be comfortable with computers, computer application and other technology
  2. Ability to complete online homework (12 hours)
  3. Laptop or desktop device. Mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones cannot be used. 
Class Expectations
  1. Attend all scheduled training days.
  2. Learners must coordinate make-up classes and homework with the trainer.
  3. All requirements must be completed in order to receive a certificate of completion for education hours.
  4. Be EARLY.
  5. Respect confidentiality.
  6. Avoid judgement and respect individual differences.
  7. Respect all pathways to recovery.
  8. Understand that this is a learning environment and not a support group or therapy.
  9. Listen carefully.
  10. Stay focused.

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. 

 

Approved Instructors

 

Class Instructor Date / Location Organization Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 168
Private
Flyer
Keith Elders
keithpapsc@gmail.com
-
My Father's Heart Ministries - 201 Church St. Penn, PA 15675
FAVOR - Western PA/ARC INSPIRE/Vital Strategies Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 146
Private
Angela Grannas
aj8081@yahoo.com
-
Penn State Extensions 181 Franklin Farm Lane Chambersburg, PA 17202
Penn State Mont Alto Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 164
Private
Flyer
Brad Schweitzer
bheducationservices@gmail.com
-
Reading Area Community College
Reading Area Community College Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 170
Private
Patricia Baranowski
patti.b@pro-a.org
-
Southwest Behavioral Health Management, 2520 New Butler Rd., New Castle, PA 16101
Facilitated by PRO-A; Hosted by Southwest Behavioral Health Management Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 149
Private
Frederick Shue
fshue@councilsepa.org
-
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 - 172
Private
Flyer
Keith Elders
keithpapsc@gmail.com
-
PMHCA - 2551 Walnut St. Harrisburg, PA 17103
Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 159
Private
Patricia Baranowski
patti.b@pro-a.org
-
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 - 166
Private
Patricia Baranowski
patti.b@pro-a.org
-
920 Water Street, Downtown Mall; Meadville, PA 16335
Facilitated by PRO-A; Hosted by Crawford County Drug and Alcohol Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 169
Private
Flyer
Keith Elders
keithpapsc@gmail.com
-
Mental Health Association of NW PA - 1101 Peach St. Erie, PA 16501
Hosted by Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol, Facilitated by Q&A Training and Consulting, Inc. Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 176
Private
Flyer
Keith Elders
keithpapsc@gmail.com
-
Honesdale, PA
The Wright Center for Community Health Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 141
Public
Karen Laboranti
laborantitac@gmail.com
-
Scranton, PA
Laboranti Training & Consulting Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 152
Private
Angela Grannas
aj8081@yahoo.com
-
Harrisburg Community College - HACC York Campus
Harrisburg Area Community College Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 163
Private
Brad Schweitzer
bheducationservices@gmail.com
-
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 - 174
Public
Flyer
John Fabiseski
johnfabiseski@gmail.com
-
Keystone College: 1 College Rd, La Plume, PA 18440. (Classroom instructions provided at registration)
Fab Training and Consulting LLC hosted by Keystone College Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 175
Private
Patricia Baranowski
patti.b@pro-a.org
-
CMUS Admin. Bldg., 5 Terrace Lane, Danville, PA
Facilitated by PRO-A; Hosted by Columbia, Montour, Snyder, Union Counties of Central Pennsylvania Service System Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 173
Public
Karen Laboranti
laborantitac@gmail.com
-
Scranton, PA
Laboranti Training and Consulting, LLC Enroll