Do you have a history of addiction recovery and want to help others? Penn State Shenango will host “Certified Recovery Specialist Training,” a Penn State Beaver Continuing Education course, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, beginning Oct. 6 and ending Dec. 15, in 108 Sharon Hall in downtown Sharon. An information session on the program will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18, also in 108 Sharon Hall.
Pennsylvania has the fourth highest overdose death rate in Pennsylvania. Gov. Tom Wolf officially declared it a public health disaster, clearing the way for easier access to care and resources.
And of all the resources available to recovering addicts, a simple peer-to-peer program may be one of the most effective. Research has shown that peer recovery support services not only help addicts remain engaged in the recovery process, but they also reduce the likelihood of relapse.
“Although there is a long history of peers helping peers in recovery, the Pennsylvania Certification Board Certified Recovery Specialist credential is a relatively new version of this practice,” said Roxanne Atterholt, program coordinator of the human development and family studies program. “This credential is for trained drug and alcohol peers in recovery to help others move into and through the recovery process."
Certified Recovery Specialist Training is a 54-hour program that meets education requirements specified by the Pennsylvania Certification Board. To apply for CRS certification, individuals must meet additional board requirements, including: a history of addiction with recovery, a high school diploma or GED, successful completion of a CRS exam, and the signing of an ethical code of conduct.
The cost is $995 and includes all necessary materials. Online registration is now open at https://beaver.psu.edu/recovery-specialist.
The Pennsylvania Certification Board requires candidates to complete the CRS exam application. The cost of the exam is $125, payable directly to the board with the application and requisite documents.
Financial assistance may be available for qualified individuals.
For more information about the CRS program or any program offered through Penn State Beaver Continuing Education, contact Jill Valentine at jak249@psu.edu or 724-773-3765.