Human Services

Recovery Support Specialist Certificate

Business and Social Sciences Division, Room T302, (847) 543-2047

https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs/bssdv/human-services
Degree: Certificate
Plan 25HO

This certificate program prepares students in recovery for employment roles that include mentoring individuals who are recovering from substance use disorder, mental health issues, or other behavioral disorders. Recovery support professionals may work in a variety of settings including hospitals, inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, rehabilitation centers, local health departments, and community-based organizations.

Students admitted to the recovery support certificate program are required to be in recovery for a minimum of two years. Exceptions can be made with the approval of the Department Chair or Dean. Due to the nature of the program, students are required to sign a self-disclosure statement indicating they understand recovery is a requirement for admission.

In addition, the recovery support certificate program has been designed to prepare students for the Illinois Certification Board (ICB) Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) exam. The minimum requirements to take the exam include a high school diploma or GED, 110 hours of recovery support skills training, and 2000 hours (one year) of paid qualified work experience or volunteer work within the last four years. Three hundred hours of internship can be applied to the work experience requirements.

Recommended Plan of Study

For more information on recommended courses or program specific advising, contact Mick Cullen at (847) 543-2573 or mcullen@clcillinois.edu, or the Business and Social Sciences Division at (847) 543-2047.