How To Become A Certified Recovery Coach In Puerto Rico

So, you’re considering becoming a certified recovery coach. That’s a great decision! You’ll be able to use your knowledge of mental health and substance use issues to guide others through recovery.

But how do you get certified to perform this role in Puerto Rico?

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In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what’s required of you and what you need to do.

What Does Being A Certified Recovery Coach Involve?

A recovery coach professional, or peer support specialist, is someone who uses their own experiences to provide recovery support to others. They’re trained to use recovery-oriented systems to assist people with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders.

Recovery coaching is so rewarding because it allows you to combine your lived experience with acquired skills and use them to build a career.

Recovery Coach Certification, Puerto Rico

Currently, Puerto Rico doesn’t have a certification system for recovery coaches. However, Puerto Rico is in the process of building a certification process.

Until this is available, you can gain accreditation and training from one of the national recovery coach professional organizations.

One of the most renowned organizations in this field is NAADAC (National Association for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counsellors).

Their courses will equip you with the skills needed to become a competent peer recovery coach professional.

Requirements For Peer Recovery Support Specialist Certification In Puerto Rico

To be eligible for NAADAC’s National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist Credential, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a GED, high school diploma, or higher.
  • 2 years minimum of recovery from co-occurring mental health or substance use disorders.
  • 200 hours minimum of paid or volunteer practice in a peer recovery support environment.
  • 60 training and contact hours of peer recovery education and training.
  • 6 hours minimum of ethics training within the last 6 years.
  • 6 hours minimum of HIV or other pathogen training within the last 6 years.

Peer Recovery Coach Training Programs In Puerto Rico

As well as the program offered by NAADAC, there are a number of other national and international peer recovery coach organizations with programs you can apply for. This includes:

Each organization has its own entry requirements. However, the requirements tend to be similar to the ones we laid out earlier for NAADAC.

Job Opportunities & Earnings For Recovery Coaches In Puerto Rico

One of the best parts of becoming a certified peer recovery coach is the amazing job opportunities that are available to you. These include:

  • Crisis/Residential Recovery Unit Peer Support Specialist
  • Wellness and Recovery Support Specialist
  • Behavioral Health Associate
  • Peer Recovery Transitions Specialist

As a mental health and addictions specialist, you’ll be in high demand. There are plenty of roles you can fill, and you can decide which one is right for you. As a peer recovery coach, your annual average salary will be around $37,330.

FAQs

When will Puerto Rico have a certification system?

There is currently no information regarding when Puerto Rico will have its own certification system. However, one is currently in development. So, it hopefully won’t be too long until you can be certified within Puerto Rico.

What characteristics should a recovery coach have?

A good recovery coach should be able to listen to their clients. They need to understand their client’s goals and support them as they work toward them.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve struggled with mental health or substance use issues in the past, then you know how hard recovery can be. That’s why becoming a certified recovery coach is so fulfilling. You can help others on their journey while building a successful career for yourself.

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