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 - 296
Public
Donald Altemus
don@recoveryeducator.com
-
Reading Area Community College: 10 South 2nd Street Reading PA 19602 - Classes are Saturdays 9 am to 3 pm
Reading Area Community College Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 319
Private
Frederick Shue
fshue@councilsepa.org
-
Philadelphia Recovery Training Center (PRTC) - 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 - 308
Private
Patricia Baranowski
patti.b@pro-a.org
-
2 Marilyn Horne Way, Bradford, PA 16701
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 311
Private
Katrin Fieser
katrinschall@rocketmail.com
-
Penn State Greater Allegheny, 4000 University Drive, McKeesport, PA 15132
Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 290
Private
Angela Grannas
aj8081@yahoo.com
-
HACC - Harrisburg Campus 1 HACC Drive Harrisburg, PA
HACC - Harrisburg Area Community College Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 310
Private
Katrin Fieser
katrinschall@rocketmail.com
-
Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus
Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 316
Public
Flyer
Keith Elders
keith@QandAtrainingandconsulting.com
-
PA CareerLink - Pittsburgh - 914 Penn Ave. 6th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Partner4Work/ARC INSPIRE Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 312
Private
Flyer
Erich Curnow
erichcurnow@yahoo.com
-
311 Rouser Rd. Moon Township, PA 15108
Beaver County Behavioral Health Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 309
Public
Flyer
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 - 303
Public
Karen Laboranti
laborantitac@gmail.com
-
Scranton, PA
Laboranti Training and Consulting, LLC Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 315
Private
Martha Thompson
drmartha@empowerthemind.org
-
DSAA office 78 E Main St, Mount Joy, PA 17552
DSAA Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 291
Private
Angela Grannas
aj8081@yahoo.com
-
LifePath Christian Ministries - 367 W Market St. York PA 17401
LifePath Christian Ministries Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 317
Private
Patricia Baranowski
patti.b@pro-a.org
-
3001 Fairway Drive, Altoona, PA 16602
Hosted by Blair County Drug and Alcohol; Facilitated by PRO-A Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 313
Private
Michael Krafick
mikekrafick@gmail.com
-
Crawford County Drug and Alcohol Executive Commission - 920 Water Street Meadville, PA 16335
AICDAC Recovery HUB Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 304
Public
Karen Laboranti
laborantitac@gmail.com
-
Scranton, PA
Laboranti Training and Consulting, LLC Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 318
Private
Patricia Baranowski
patti.b@pro-a.org
-
3001 Fairway Drive, Altoona, PA 16602
Hosted by Blair County Drug and Alcohol; Facilitated by PRO-A Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.