Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS), also known as Recovery Coaches, Peer Recovery Coaches, or Recovery Support Specialist, are individuals with lived experience that have completed a Peer Recovery Specialist training. Peer support has been the primary pathway to addiction recovery since the 1700s. In more recent history, the more formalized role of PRS has been develop to fill a community health support gaps. Although PRS are peers, they do not replace the role of a peer mentor (e.g. 12 Step Sponsor). And although they are trained as a community helper, they do not replace the role of a clinical professional or case worker. Some are quick to categorize PRS as "para-professionals", but history has shown us that the over professionalization of the role cause the support to loose the valuable peer-delivery element. Emerging studies show a qualitative and quantitative improvement in recovery outcomes through the use of peer recovery support services: recovery coaches, recovery residences, peer outreach, socially supportive actives... Credentialing in Texas Each State is developing its own credentialing system. In Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has an approved a 46 hour curriculum and has trained Trainers across the state. SoberHood has multiple trainers on its staff and Board. Plus, we collaborate with other Trainers across the state and even the nation. Individuals who successfully complete the the training will received a certificate of completion from the State of Texas. Then what? Certified After receiving a certificate of completing, individuals can pursue certification by applying to Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (TCBAP) and passing an exam developed by the International Credentialing organization (IC&RC). The exam is schedule to be available in 2014. Designee For those who do not wish to take an exam to become "certified", the Texas Department of State Health Services offers a Designee credential, aka a Designated Peer Recovery Specialist. In lieu of the exam, Designees are required to have more supervision hours. Supervision The training provides you with various tools and techniques, but like with any skill, it takes practice to become proficient at using them; thus, the name, "practicum". You can initially think of it as an apprenticeship, but even past the credentialing requirement, every Recovery Coach needs ongoing support. They need a supervisor and fellow coaches to brainstorm with around solutions, vent to about challenges, offer positive and constructive feedback and ensure they remember self-care. This is an evolving field working in a dynamic environment. Supervision also includes ongoing training and continuing education. SoberHood ServicesPeer Recovery Specialist TrainingsSoberHood staff and Board has multiple certified Peer Recovery Specialist Trainers, and periodically offers week long and/or nights and weekend trainings. Class sizes typically range from 10 to 25 people. Persons with lived experience who are 18 years old or older with a year of continued sobriety are eligible for the class. Contact jason.howell@soberhood.org for more details. Leadership and Workforce DevelopmentSupervision | Support | Education SoberHood continues to facilitate PRS events and focus groups. More, we have several grants under consideration that will enable us to more formally offer Leadership and Workforce Development services. |
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