Peer Recovery Support Specialist Certification (RSS/CPRS) - Connecticut

Duur: 80 hours core training (12 days); CPRS: 500 work hours + 25 supervision hours; recertification: RSS 60 CE hrs/3 yrs, CPRS 10 CE hrs/yr

Connecticut Peer Recovery Support Specialist Certification Program Two credential pathways: 1. RSS - Recovery Support Specialist (via Advocacy Unlimited - state authorized training provider) 2. CPRS - Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (via Connecticut Certification Board / IC&RC) Overseeing Body: Connecticut DMHAS (Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services) funds and contracts with CCB Statewide Peer Organization: Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. - advocacyunlimited.org One integrated certification covering both mental health and substance use peer recovery support. Acronyms: RSS = Recovery Support Specialist; CPRS = Certified Peer Recovery Specialist RSS Requirements: - 80-hour core training program (12 days) for persons with psychiatric history - One letter of reference with application - High school diploma or GED (asked on application) - Pass final certification exam - Fees: $200 training + $75 exam + $25 application processing CPRS Requirements (via CCB/IC&RC): - High school diploma or GED - 500 hours of paid or volunteer work experience in IC&RC domains - 25 hours of supervision from qualified supervisor - Pass IC&RC Peer Recovery Examination - Sign Peer Recovery Code of Ethics - Fees: $150 application + $150 IC&RC exam Background Check: Not required by certification body. Employers may conduct their own. Continuing Education: - RSS: 60 hours every 3 years - CPRS: 10 hours per year (including 3 hours ethics); re-testing only if certification expires Medicaid Reimbursable: Yes - in specific circumstances (Medicaid Waiver, DMHAS grants, Carelon Behavioral Health ASO) Training Contact - Advocacy Unlimited: - Phone: (860) 505-7581 / Toll-free CT: 1-800-573-6929 - Email: rssct@AdvocacyUnlimited.org / Info@advocacyunlimited.org - Fax: 860-259-5731 Conferences: Karuna Conference (Advocacy Unlimited), NAMI Connecticut Annual Education Conference Certified Peer Specialists in Connecticut (2024): 3,000–5,000 (estimate) Source: Copeland Center Peer Specialist Database