How To Become A Certified Recovery Coach In Wyoming
Have you recovered from substance use and abuse or mental health issues? Do you want to help others through rehabilitation?
Being a certified recovery coach (or rehabilitation coach) may be a meaningful and lucrative career choice. As a recovery coach, you’ll provide crucial recovery support services to people struggling to overcome difficulties and help clients move towards an addiction-free life.
You don’t need a college degree to gain a certificate as a recovery coach, but specialized training and experience are required. We’ll go through the education, skills, training, and expertise needed to become a certified recovery coach in Wyoming.
Training and Certification Requirements
The training and certification requirements for recovery coaching in Wyoming vary depending on the organization offering the certification.
Several educational choices are available for people who want to pursue a career as a rehabilitation coach in Wyoming.
This includes:
- Enrolling in an online course
- Finding an in-person training program
Requirements for enrollment include having a high school diploma, having lived experience of mental health or substance use disorders, and being over the age of 18.
Recovery Coach Certification Wyoming
Several certification alternatives are available for individuals wishing to become recovery coaches.
These options include:
- Obtaining certification from the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)
- The Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
- The International Association of Peer Supporters (IAOTS)
- The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)
- The Wyoming Department of Health
Do some research to find the certification body that best fits your needs. Once you have selected a certification board, the next step would be applying to the chosen organization.
Aspiring rehabilitation coaches must meet National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) requirements.
Application Requirements
Applying to become an NCPRSS requires meeting specific education and experience, such as passing a certification exam and demonstrating your ability in the core skills of peer recovery assistance.
Applicants/participants must supply:
- A copy of their GED, high school diploma or transcript.
- Proof they are recovering from substance use, abuse, or mental health issues for at least two years.
- Evidence that they have at least 200 complete hours of direct training in a peer recovery assistance setting.
- Proof that they have 60 complete contact and training hours (CEs) of peer recovery-focused instruction.
- Evidence they have read and abided by the NAADAC or National Certification Commission of Addiction Professionals (NCC AP) Peer Recovery Support Specialist Code of Ethics.
- Two references, at least one of which must be from a professional.
Taking the National Certified Recovery Specialist Exam
To get your certification, you must complete and pass the National Certified Recovery Specialist test. Before taking the test, you must meet certain conditions set by The National Association of Recovery Residences, including the following:
- Completion of an approved NCRS training program
- Accumulating at least 1,000 hours of hands-on experience in the field
- Adhering to ethical and professional standards
- Passing a background check without any felony convictions
The NCRS exam is a computer-based test program consisting of multiple-choice questions about test rehabilitation principles, ethics and boundaries, rehabilitation services, and care systems.
Ongoing Education
Continuing education is vital to working as a recovery coach in Wyoming. It helps you stay current with best practices and developments in the field and maintain your certification and skills. Some ways you can continue your education as a recovery coach in Wyoming include:
- Taking additional training courses or workshops
- Pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or social work
- Reading professional journals and books
- Attending conferences and networking events
- Participating in online communities
Working as a Recovery Coach in Wyoming
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities are rising in certain sectors related to recovery, including counseling for drug misuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health. The rise is said to be increasing faster than the national average.
Over the next ten years, we expect a growth of roughly 23% – an excellent prediction for rehabilitation (recovery) coaches in the state who can earn $40,000 or more every year.
Rehabilitation coaches’ earning potential and employment prospects in Wyoming vary from place to place. In general, though, one has a good chance of finding employment while Wyoming is experiencing a rising demand for recovery/rehabilitation coaches.
Recovery coaches can find employment opportunities available in various locations. This includes:
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- In a private setting; working with individual patients and families or groups
- Hospitals (state, local and private)
Frequently Asked Questions
What certification course should I attend?
While it is hard to endorse one certification course, it’s best to read the course description and training start date to see if it suits your needs.
For example, if the course you plan to attend has online classes, you are making it convenient as you don’t have to travel often. Other aspiring recovery coaches might need more “hands-on” support from their training course.
What makes a great rehabilitation coach?
Great coaches encourage their clients to be accepting of themselves and others, and this positivity will help them on their way to long-term sobriety. They help to strengthen clients’ bravery, autonomy, resiliency, and independence.
Conclusion
Gaining certification as a recovery coach in Wyoming will allow you to make a difference for those dealing with substance use and mental health issues.
The road ahead will be difficult but well worth it, as you join the league of addiction professionals helping people get their lives back. Seeing clients grow as they move through their journeys is one of the best rewards of this career.