How To Become A Certified Recovery Coach In West Virginia

Are you looking to make a positive impact on people dealing with addiction? Consider pursuing a career as a certified recovery coach.

“A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and try to realize their full potential” is how The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery.

Job Opportunity

Those with this credential have access to a wide range of employment prospects. This includes:

Positions at hospitals
Rehabilitation centres
Private practices
Community health groups
Non-profit organizations
Government agencies

These companies provide full and part-time career options. They often also offer more than just certification and training.

As a peer recovery support specialist, your duties could include the following:

Leading support groups
Offering advice and support to those in the recovery process
Creating tailored recovery programs to aid people in their recovery
Providing recovery support and prevention

Training And Certificate Requirements

The West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP) offers the Peer Recovery Credential. Recovery Point West Virginia offers training to fulfill the educational requirements.

Before beginning the training, students must be sober or in the recovery process for at least 9 to 12 months.

What is needed to attain the peer recovery certification:

46 hours of education specific to four domains
25 hours supervision
HS diploma or GED
Three college credits equivalent to 45 hours
Education and training
Must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years
Six hours of ethics-related National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) coursework.

Application Requirements

You must first meet the requirements of the certifying organization you choose. The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) provides a widely respected certification.

IC&RC certification requirements include:

Completing a specified number of hours of education and training
Passing an examination
Meeting eligibility requirements

It is crucial to note that these specifications could vary over time. It’s advised to contact the certifying body for the most recent details, as some organizations may need ongoing education and training to maintain certification.

The WVCBAPP can help you to obtain the Peer Recovery Credential.

Taking The National Certified Recovery Specialist Exam

The National Certified Recovery Specialist Exam is an examination created to evaluate:

Knowledge and comprehension of addiction and recovery
Ethics
Interpersonal communication.

The exam structure is made up of the following:

Case studies
Multiple-choice questions
Scenario-based questions

Your certificate will be valid for a year from the time it is granted. You must reapply every two years, pay the renewal cost, and provide proof of your continued study. The certificate will make you a qualified peer recovery support specialist.

Recovery Coach Certification West Virginia: Ongoing Education

The IC&RC mandates a specific number of continuing education hours every two years. You must do this to keep your certification as a peer recovery support specialist.

Examples of continuing education include:

Workshops
Conferences
Online courses
Other types of training and education

A Peer Recovery Support Specialist must be up to date with the developments in the industry. This is done to provide the best long-term recovery support to individuals.

Professionals need to keep up with the techniques and advancements in the industry. They also need to adhere to the ethical standards of a peer recovery support specialist.

Working In West Virginia

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), counselors in substance abuse and behavioral health disorder had an average annual salary of $43,300 as of May 2020. The BLS also projects that employment in this field will grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Recovery coaches work with individuals. They assist with recovery from addiction to achieve and maintain sobriety.

Recovery coaches provide:

Encouragement
Resources
Guidance
Help to individuals to set and achieve goals
Communication facilitation between the individual and healthcare providers.

It is crucial to remember that the figures listed above could change based on the recovery coach’s:

Job and responsibilities
Size and nature of the organization
The region within West Virginia

Conclusion

Becoming a certified recovery coach means you can have a positive influence on the lives of people battling addiction. Currently, there is an increased demand for knowledgeable recovery coaches.

It is a rewarding and fulfilling journey that can help you make a difference in many people’s lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the West Virginia Certification Board

The West Virginia Certification Board (WVCB) is a state-level organization. It provides certification for professionals in the field of addiction and recovery.

The board also:

Conducts exams
Grants certifications
Offers continuing help to qualified prevention professionals

What is the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources?

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) is a state-level agency. They provide funding, support, and resources for treating and recovering individuals with substance abuse disorders.

What is the role of recovery coaches in early recovery?

Recovery coaches can help limit the likelihood of relapse. They achieve this by offering help and direction. This is crucial in the early stages of recovery as the chance of relapse is at its highest. People who face a lot of difficulties in their recovery process get the most help.