How to Become a Certified Recovery Coach in Nevada
Peer support recovery specialists use their own recovery experiences to help others in their recovery journey. They provide support by promoting empowerment, addressing mental health challenges, and equipping individuals with the resources needed to maintain long-term recovery.
Peer support recovery specialists need to complete training and receive certification before offering their services in the state of Nevada.
This article discusses the steps you can take to receive a recovery coach certification in Nevada.
Requirements and Training for a PRSS Credential in Nevada
Peer recovery support specialists (PRSS) are required to undergo training where they will learn the skills needed for recovery coaching. The training requirements are listed below.
Training requirements
- Lived experience: Peer recovery support specialists must demonstrate continuous recovery for two years prior to certification.
- Work experience: A minimum of 475 hours of volunteering or paid work experience is required. Experience must be in at least one of the IC&RC peer recovery domains. Work experience under an NCB-certified supervisor is also accepted.
- Education and training: Peer recovery support specialists must hold a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also complete one of the NCB-approved, State-sanctioned PRSS 101 foundational training courses.
- Non-clinical supervision: A total of 25 hours of supervised experience is required. This includes five hours (minimum) of supervision in each IC&RC PR domain.
- Residency requirement: Peer recovery support specialists must live or work in Nevada at least 50% of the time.
Where to do training
Two organizations meet the Nevada Certification Board (NCB) educational requirements. They offer courses in the following peer recovery and support domains: 10 hours of mentoring and education; 10 hours of advocacy; 10 hours of recovery and wellness support; and 16 hours of ethical responsibility. The organizations are below:
- Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT): The program offers an Undergraduate Certificate for Peer Support Specialists in Behavioral Health. It involves the completion of four university courses and 120 hours of practical experience.
- Foundation for Recovery: The program offers a 46-hour peer recovery support specialist training course. The training is offered online and in person several times throughout the year.
Application for state certification
Peer recovery support specialists need to apply for certification once they have completed their training and passed the IC&RC peer recovery examination. They will also need to make sure that they adhere to the peer recovery code of ethics before application.
Applications can be completed via the NCB website. The cost of application is $35.
Continuing education
Certified peer recovery support specialists need to continue learning to maintain their credentials. They need to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices in the field. Every two years they must complete 20 hours of continuing education, which must include six hours in ethical considerations.
See the continued education courses for peer recovery support specialists on the NCB website.
Peer Recovery Support Specialists in Nevada Without Certification
The SB69 bill was signed into law in June 2021. It stated that all recovery support specialists and their supervisors must become certified to provide their services.
Any peer recovery support specialists without certification who have been offering peer recovery support services on or before 1 January 2022 may continue to do so until 31 July 2023. From 31 July 2023 forward, all recovery support specialists in Nevada will need to be certified by the NCB.
Job Outlook for Peer Recovery Support Specialists in Nevada
People across the country are becoming more and more aware of the importance of addressing mental health and substance abuse issues. This is driving the demand for peer recovery and support specialist services.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029. This includes the employment of peer recovery support specialists.
Peer support specialists in Nevada can apply for positions at wellness centers, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, community health clinics and substance abuse treatment centers.
FAQs
What is the role of a certified peer recovery support specialist?
A certified peer recovery support specialist provides peer support to individuals going through the recovery process. They provide guidance and encouragement to those who are struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues by drawing on their own lived experiences with recovery.
How do I become a peer recovery support specialist in Nevada?
You will need to have your own lived experience with recovery to become a peer recovery support specialist in Nevada. You will also need to complete a peer recovery support training program that meets NCB educational requirements. Lastly, you must pass the IC&RC peer recovery exam before applying for certification.
Where can I work as a peer recovery support specialist in Nevada?
You can find employment in a variety of settings. This includes mental health centers, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, community health clinics and substance abuse treatment centers. Additionally, you can apply for a position at the State of Nevada Association for Addiction Professionals (SNAAP).
Conclusion
Becoming a certified recovery coach is a great way to help individuals in their journey to recovery. In Nevada, all peer recovery support specialists need to be certified by the Nevada Certification Board to offer recovery support services.
With growing employment in the field of substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health, the outlook for recovery coaches in Nevada is promising.
Sources
https://forrecovery.org/education-and-training/
https://casat.org/academic/peer-support-specialist-certificate/