How To Become A Certified Recovery Coach In New Jersey
If you choose to become a certified recovery coach, you’ll be making a difference in the lives of many people.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to become a certified recovery coach in New Jersey. We’ll take you through the requirements, training programs, and everything else you need to get started.
The Benefits Of Becoming A Recovery Coach
There are a number of benefits involved in becoming a certified recovery coach. As someone in long-term recovery, you can use your own life experiences to help others in similar situations. While the recovery process is unique for everyone, recovery coaches are able to apply their newly acquired skills to meet the specific needs of each individual.
A career in peer-based recovery coaching allows you to engage with people who need your support and guidance. You’ll be able to coach people on how to sustain long-term recovery and cope with their mental health issues. Peer recovery support is a rewarding occupation in a thriving industry.
Requirements To Become A Certified Peer Recovery Specialist In New Jersey
You don’t need to hold a college degree to become a recovery coach in New Jersey. However, there are certain requirements you must meet for your application to be accepted:
- GED, high school, or higher education diploma
- 500 hours minimum of work or volunteer experience in the past 2 years
- Submission of a signature page proving attendance at 4 self-help meetings relating to co-occurring disorders or substance abuse
- 25 hours of pre-approved practicum hours in an approved or licensed agency
- An Ethical Standards Recognition Statement for CPRS signed by a supervisor
- Evidence of 46 hours of in-person training on the Four Domains of Peer Recovery
New Jersey has some of the most thorough requirements for recovery coaches in the U.S.
Recovery Coach Certification, New Jersey
To become a recovery coach in this state, you must be certified by The Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey. This board trains and certifies coaches within the state. It also works internationally alongside IC&RC.
There are two different types of certifications a recovery coach can receive in New Jersey:
- CPRS: Only valid in New Jersey.
- ICPRS: For coaches who hold a CPRS and have also passed the IC&RC PRS exam. This is valid in New Jersey and other states.
To gain a recovery coach certification, you need to complete the Core Training Course. This is run by Consumer Connections. It’s a 108-hour training program designed to show you the core values, guiding principles, and skills needed to be certified.
Peer-Based Recovery Coaching Training Programs
Before you’re certified to work in recovery centers or treatment centers, you need to complete the Core Training Course. This course is led by peers and involves 84 hours of classroom lessons, as well as training outside of the classroom.
The training takes place three times a year and is run as a hybrid studying model. People interested in the training should contact Consumer Connections to find out when the next course begins.
You can also choose to study with a national organization such as CCAR Recovery Coach Academy. However, this training will not make you a certified recovery coach in New Jersey.
Job Opportunites & Earnings For A Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Once certified, you may choose to open your own practice or work in community settings. There are a number of roles that you could choose to take on, such as:
- Peer Partner
- Peer Recovery Specialist
- Certified Peer Specialist
- Peer Support Worker
The average annual salary for a recovery coach in the U.S. is $37,330.
FAQs
What continuing education requirements are there for a recovery coach in New Jersey?
Every 2 years, you must engage in 24 hours of continuing education related to community mental health.
What’s the best training program for recovery coaches in New Jersey?
The Core Training Course, run by Consumer Connections, is the only program recognized by the Certification Board of New Jersey. It’s a training program designed to give you the exact skill set you need for certification within the state.
Final Thoughts
A career in recovery coaching gives you the chance to help people in need. The certification process may be rigorous in New Jersey, but the training you receive will make sure you’re well-prepared for the role.
Sources:
https://www.mhanj.org/consumer-connections-1/