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 - 254
Private
Flyer
Alison Dunn
alison.renee.dunn@gmail.com
-
Government Service Center (GSC) 601 Westtown Road, West Chester PA 19382
The Council of Southeast PA/PRO-ACT & PSEI Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 239
Private
Flyer
Frederick Shue
fshue@councilsepa.org
-
Montgomery County Recovery Community Center (MCRCC) - 601 DeKalb St., Suite 1, Norristown, PA 19401
The Council of Southeast PA / PRO-ACT Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 252
Private
John Fabiseski
johnfabiseski@gmail.com
-
Three Rivers Youth 6117 Broad Street Pittsburgh PA 15206 (Training Room)
Unity Recovery / Three Rivers Youth Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 247
Public
Flyer
Adam Sledd
adam@unityrecovery.org
-
Unity Recovery, 801 Bingham St. Pittsburgh PA 15203
Unity Recovery Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 244
Private
Flyer
Keith Elders
keith@QandAtrainingandconsulting.com
-
Honesdale, PA
PaPSC/ARC POWER Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 227
Private
Patricia Baranowski
patti.b@pro-a.org
-
The First Center, 909 Moore Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Facilitated by PRO-A; Hosted by Broad Top Family Wellness Center Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 225
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 - 230
Private
Flyer
Keith Elders
keith@QandAtrainingandconsulting.com
-
Erie, PA
Hosted by Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 235
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 - 219
Public
Flyer
Brad Schweitzer
bheducationservices@gmail.com
-
Office Of Vocational Rehabilitation 208 West Third Street Williamsport, PA, 17701
Williamsport Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 226
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 Commission Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 248
Public
Flyer
Patricia Gadsden
pgadsden@comcast.net
-
900 S Arlington Ave Board Room Harrisburg, PA 17109
Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Services/Facilitated by Life Esteem Inc. Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 251
Public
Flyer
Toccarra Williams
toccarra@theworx.us
-
300 Catherine Street McKees Rocks, Pa 15136 1st Floor
The Worx! Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 246
Public
Flyer
Martha Thompson
drmartha@empowerthemind.org
-
Bucks Co SCA
Bucks Co SCA Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 256
Private
Flyer
Keith Elders
keith@QandAtrainingandconsulting.com
-
PA CareerLink - East
Partner4Work/ARC INSPIRE Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 241
Public
Flyer
Brad Schweitzer
bheducationservices@gmail.com
-
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 - 207
Public
Karen Laboranti
laborantitac@gmail.com
-
Scranton, PA
Laboranti Training & Consulting, LLC. Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 233
Public
Flyer
Donald Altemus
don@recoveryeducator.com
-
Reading Area Community College Kratz Hall 111 Penske Plz Reading PA 19602
Reading Area Community College Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 232
Private
Angela Grannas
aj8081@yahoo.com
-
Harrisburg Area Community College - Gettysburg Campus
Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 258
Private
Patricia Baranowski
patti.b@pro-a.org
-
AG Building, 181 Franklin Farms Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202
Facilitated by PRO-A; Hosted by Franklin/Fulton County Drug and Alcohol Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 249
Public
Flyer
Patricia Gadsden
pgadsden@comcast.net
-
900 S Arlington Ave Board Room Harrisburg, PA 17109
Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Services/Facilitated by Life Esteem Inc. Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 255
Public
Flyer
Donald Altemus
don@recoveryeducator.com
-
City Team 634 Sproul Street Chester PA 19013
Facilitated by Recovery Education & Consulting, LLC - Hosted by City Team Enroll
Recovery Specialist - 253
Private
Flyer
Patricia Baranowski
patti.b@pro-a.org
-
Corry Higher Education Council, 221 North Center Street, Corry, PA 16407
Facilitated by PRO-A, Hosted by Hamot Health Foundation and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 240
Public
Brad Schweitzer
bheducationservices@gmail.com
-
The Rise Center - 702 N. 8th St, Reading, PA
Hosted by the Council on Chemical Abuse/Facilitated by Behavioral Health Education Services, LLC. Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 223
Private
Katrin Fieser
katrinschall@rocketmail.com
-
Penn State University Beaver Campus 100 University Drive Monaca, PA 15061
Penn State Beaver Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 257
Public
Donald Altemus
don@recoveryeducator.com
-
Villanova University 800 Lancaster Avenue Villanova PA 19085
Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.
Recovery Specialist - 243
Private
Angela Grannas
aj8081@yahoo.com
-
Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) -York Campus
HACC Enroll
A password is required to enroll in this class.